Lead Carpenter

Job Description

Job Description

Company : McCandless Construction

Location : Charlotte, NC

Job Type: Full-Time

Project Scope: Custom Residential Construction / Remodeling

Pay: $25–$40+ per hour, plus fixed bonus opportunities

Required: Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and standard hand/power tools

Carpenters Wanted — Lead & Crew Carpenters

McCandless Construction | Charlotte, NC

About McCandless Construction

McCandless Construction is a residential general contractor with a 35-year history of building high-quality custom residential projects throughout the Charlotte area. Our work includes custom remodels, additions, kitchens, bathrooms, decks, trim, framing, and full residential renovations.

Every project is unique, and our team takes pride in craftsmanship, precision, communication, and long-term professional growth. We invest in our people — many of our Lead Carpenters started as crew carpenters and grew into leadership roles here.

We're hiring carpenters at every experience level , from skilled tradespeople who want to do great work as part of a strong crew, to experienced Lead Carpenters ready to run their own jobs. If you take pride in your craft and want steady, high-quality residential work, we want to hear from you.

Open Positions

Lead Carpenter — Runs a small crew (typically 3 people) on custom residential jobs, from framing through finish. A hands-on leadership role, not a desk job — you're swinging a hammer daily while keeping the job on track.

Carpenter (Non-Lead) — Performs high-quality framing, trim, and finish carpentry as part of a crew. No supervisory responsibility required. Strong path to a Lead role for carpenters who want to grow into it.

What You'll Do

All Carpenters:

• Perform high-quality framing, trim, and finish carpentry work on custom residential projects
• Read and work from blueprints and construction plans
• Frame walls, floors, roofs, soffits, and fascia
• Install and trim doors, windows, and interior trim (crown molding, base trim, chair rail, and more)
• Keep jobsites safe, clean, and organized
• Work efficiently in changing site conditions and outdoor weather
• Lift, carry, and maneuver building materials weighing 60+ lbs as needed

Lead Carpenters, additionally:

• Lead and supervise a small crew, directing the work of others while working alongside them
• Sequence daily and weekly jobsite tasks to keep the project moving
• Anticipate material needs and assist with takeoffs before shortages cause delays
• Coordinate with project management, subcontractors, and inspectors
• Communicate directly and professionally with homeowners in occupied residential settings
• Spot potential issues early to help prevent rework, delays, or costly mistakes
• Coach and mentor carpenters in the field

What We're Looking For

• Solid carpentry skills — framing, trim, doors, windows, or finish work (the mix depends on the role)
• Ability to read and interpret plans and blueprints
• A reliable, take-pride-in-the-work attitude
• Comfort working in occupied homes and custom residential environments
• Physical ability to work on active jobsites, including lifting 60+ lbs

For Lead Carpenter candidates specifically:

• Prior experience leading a crew or running a job site
• Strong communication skills with homeowners, subcontractors, and inspectors
• Ability to work independently and keep a job moving without constant direction

Why Work With Us

• 35 years of steady, high-quality residential work in the Charlotte area
• Custom, varied projects — no two jobs are the same
• A team environment built on craftsmanship and communication
• Real room to grow — from crew carpenter to Lead, and beyond

Interested? Tell us a bit about your experience and which role fits you best — Lead or Crew Carpenter — and we'll be in touch.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of residential construction, remodeling, or custom home building experience.
• 5+ years of experience leading crews, running jobsites, or directing field carpentry teams.
• Strong hands-on framing and finish carpentry skills.
• Ability to read, interpret, and lay out work from blueprints and construction plans.
• Experience leading small crews while also performing carpentry work.
• Knowledge of residential framing, roofing, remodeling, and general building standards.
• Experience with crown molding, base trim, chair rail, doors, windows, and detailed interior trim.
• Ability to perform material takeoffs and anticipate jobsite material needs.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.
• Must own standard hand and power tools required for daily carpentry work.
• Ability to lift and move materials weighing 60+ lbs.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, organization, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of residential general contracting, remodeling, or custom build experience.
• Experience running projects from framing through finish.
• Experience coordinating with subcontractors, inspectors, homeowners, and project managers.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• OSHA, fall protection, lift, or other safety/technical training.
• Proven experience mentoring, training, or developing junior carpenters.
• Experience working directly with homeowners in occupied or custom residential environments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay: $25–$40+ per hour, based on experience.
• Fixed bonus opportunities.
• Weekly pay cycle.
• Profit-sharing opportunities.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Professional development through mentor training and manufacturer certification programs.
• Company events and collaborative team culture.
• Long-term career growth with an established 35-year company.

Equal Opportunity Employer

McCandless Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. Selection decisions are based on job-related qualifications.