Cabinetmaker/Woodworker

Job Description

Job Description

Cabinetmaker / Woodworker – Historic Train Car Restoration

Colebrookdale Preservation Trust / Colebrookdale Railroad
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: 8-hour shifts
Work Location: In Person

Help Recreate History

The Colebrookdale Preservation Trust is seeking a highly skilled Cabinetmaker / Woodworker to join our restoration team. This is an opportunity to apply your craftsmanship to projects unlike those found in a typical cabinet shop or construction environment.

At the Colebrookdale Railroad, we are recreating and restoring 100+ year-old Pullman passenger coaches and historic railroad infrastructure. Our work combines traditional craftsmanship with modern construction techniques to bring historic railroad equipment back to life.

Position Overview

The Cabinetmaker / Woodworker will be responsible for the fabrication, restoration, installation, and finishing of cabinetry, woodwork, furniture, trim, and interior components for historic railroad passenger cars and related infrastructure.

The ideal candidate is an experienced craftsperson who can take a project from measurement and layout through fabrication, finishing, installation, and final fit-out , while maintaining a high standard of workmanship.

Key Responsibilities

Cabinetmaking & Carpentry

• Build, assemble, restore, and install cabinets, furniture, fixtures, solid-surface materials, and other wood products.
• Interpret blueprints, drawings, schematics, measurements, and specifications to determine project requirements.
• Fabricate custom components to fit the unique dimensions and construction of historic train cars.
• Operate woodworking machinery and equipment, including saws, drills, routers, sanders, and related tools.
• Use hand tools and power tools safely and efficiently to cut, shape, assemble, and finish components.
• Perform detailed finish carpentry and installation work.
• Recreate and install decorative moldings, trim, panels, and other historically appropriate woodwork.
• Perform staining, sealing, painting, and other wood-finishing work as required.
• Install fixtures, hardware, accessories, cabinetry, furniture, and interior components.
• Complete train-car interior fit-outs from initial fabrication through final installation.

Installation & Collaboration

• Install finished cabinetry, furniture, trim, and fixtures on-site, ensuring proper fit, alignment, strength, and appearance.
• Work closely with electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other trades to coordinate installations and maintain appropriate clearances.
• Modify and fit components in the field as necessary to accommodate existing structures and systems.
• Communicate effectively with team members throughout fabrication and installation.

Materials & Equipment

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workshop and work area.
• Properly maintain and care for woodworking machinery, tools, and equipment.
• Follow established safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

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Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years of professional experience in cabinetmaking, finish carpentry, woodworking, furniture making, or a closely related trade.
• Proven experience as a cabinetmaker, carpenter, woodworker, or similar skilled craftsperson.
• Strong knowledge of different wood species, sheet goods, veneers, finishes, and their properties.
• Ability to accurately measure, lay out, cut, assemble, and install custom woodwork.
• Proficiency reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, drawings, and specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to safely and efficiently operate woodworking machinery, power tools, and hand tools.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to troubleshoot problems and develop practical solutions in a unique restoration environment.
• Ability to install hardware, fixtures, accessories, cabinetry, and furniture.
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple stages of a project.
• Willingness to work in a hands-on restoration and railroad environment.
• Historic preservation or restoration
• Railroad or passenger railcar restoration
• Furniture making
• Fine woodworking

Tools

Employees are expected to provide their own basic hand tools and a selection of personal power tools appropriate to cabinetmaking and finish carpentry. Specialized shop machinery and equipment will be provided as appropriate to the work.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work on historically significant railroad equipment
• Hands-on restoration of 100+ year-old Pullman passenger coaches
• A unique working environment where traditional craftsmanship and modern techniques come together
• The opportunity to see your finished work become part of an operating historic railroad
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Full-time, 8-hour shifts

The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust empowers people through job creation, skills-building, education, and recreation through its work to preserve and interpret the historic, cultural, and natural heritage of the oldest ironmaking region in the new world.

Company Description

The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust empowers people through job creation, skills-building, education, and recreation through its work to preserve and interpret the historic, cultural, and natural heritage of the oldest ironmaking region in the new world.