Shipyard Carpenter Journeyperson

Job Description

Job Description

Job Opportunity: Shipyard Carpenter

LEAD Staffing | Hampton Roads, VA

Location: Hampton Roads, VA
Schedule: Full-Time | Contract | 40 hours per week (Overtime as required)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Shipyard Carpenter to support ship repair, modernization, and new construction projects in Norfolk VA. This role involves constructing, repairing, and installing wooden and composite structures, forms, staging, decking, and temporary work platforms aboard vessels and throughout shipyard facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Construct, install, and repair shipboard and shipyard structures using wood, plywood, composites, and other materials.
• Build and dismantle scaffolding, staging, temporary shelters, and work platforms.
• Measure, cut, shape, and assemble materials according to blueprints, sketches, and specifications.
• Install decking, bulkhead panels, insulation backing, and temporary partitions as required.
• Construct concrete forms and supports for shipyard infrastructure projects.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, and woodworking equipment safely and effectively.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and work instructions.
• Inspect completed work to ensure compliance with project specifications and quality standards.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a safe and organized condition.
• Follow all shipyard safety procedures and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of carpentry experience in a shipyard, marine, construction, or industrial environment.
• Proficiency with carpentry hand tools, power tools, and measuring equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and construction specifications.
• Experience building scaffolding, staging, or temporary structures preferred.
• Knowledge of marine construction methods and shipboard environments preferred.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be willing to undergo background check and drug screening.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and extended schedules as required.
• Clean driving record required.

Work Environment

• Shipyard and industrial settings
• Exposure to noise, heat, cold, heights, confined spaces, and marine/industrial hazards
• Frequent lifting, climbing, kneeling, and physical labor required
• PPE required at all times

Job-Specific Interview Questions

1. Describe your carpentry experience in a shipyard, marine, or industrial environment. 
2. What types of carpentry projects have you completed aboard ships or in industrial facilities? 
3. How do you ensure measurements and cuts are accurate when working from blueprints? 
4. What experience do you have constructing scaffolding, staging, or temporary work platforms? 
5. Describe a challenging carpentry project and how you completed it successfully. 
6. What hand and power tools are you most proficient with? 
7. How do you identify and correct issues when materials or plans do not align with field conditions? 
8. What safety precautions are most important when working at heights or in confined spaces? 
9. How do you prioritize tasks when working under tight deadlines? 
10. How do you communicate project updates or concerns to supervisors and other trades? 

Why Work With LEAD Staffing

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Paid Sick Leave
• Holiday Pay (eligible after qualifying hours worked)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• Referral Bonus Program – earn a bonus for referring qualified candidates
• Consistent shipyard work with overtime opportunities
• Opportunity to work on complex naval and industrial projects
• Strong safety-first work culture