Lead Carpenter

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman

Company: Cen-Con, Inc.

Location: Santa Cruz, CA and surrounding Central Coast communities

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive, based on experience

About Cen-Con, Inc.

Cen-Con, Inc. is an established, locally owned general contracting company based in Santa Cruz, California. We specialize in residential construction, remodeling, commercial tenant improvements, and public works projects throughout the Central Coast.

Our team takes pride in quality craftsmanship, dependable workmanship, and delivering projects that meet our customers' expectations. We offer a hands-on work environment where experienced tradespeople can take ownership of their work and contribute directly to the success of each project.

Position Overview

We're seeking an experienced Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman who can take ownership of day-to-day activities on construction projects while remaining actively involved in the work.

The ideal candidate is a skilled, well-rounded carpenter who can read plans, coordinate other trades, direct small crews, solve problems in the field, and ensure projects are completed safely and efficiently.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys building, mentoring other tradespeople, and taking responsibility for quality workmanship.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee carpentry work on residential, commercial, and renovation projects.
• Lead small crews and coordinate daily construction activities.
• Read and interpret blueprints, construction drawings, and project specifications.
• Perform framing, finish carpentry, installation, and general construction tasks as needed.
• Coordinate materials, tools, equipment, and job site readiness.
• Provide direction and support to carpenters, laborers, and other field personnel.
• Communicate project progress, material needs, and potential issues to company leadership.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and other trades working on-site.
• Ensure work meets company quality standards, project specifications, and applicable building codes.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site.
• Troubleshoot construction challenges and help keep projects moving on schedule.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on carpentry experience in residential or commercial construction.
• Experience leading crews, mentoring carpenters, or coordinating job site activities.
• Ability to read construction plans and execute work with limited supervision.
• Experience with framing, remodeling, and general construction practices.
• Understanding of construction sequencing, materials, and job site safety.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance hands-on carpentry responsibilities with crew leadership.

Preferred Experience

• Background working for a general contractor on multiple types of construction projects.
• Experience with residential remodels, additions, commercial tenant improvements, or public works construction.
• Ability to coordinate multiple trades and subcontractors.
• Previous experience as a Lead Carpenter, Working Foreman, Carpenter Foreman, or Construction Crew Lead.

Compensation & Benefits

Cen-Con offers competitive compensation based on experience, along with:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid sick leave
• 401k
• Performance Bonus
• Opportunities for career growth and increased leadership responsibilities

Why Join Cen-Con?

At Cen-Con, you'll have the opportunity to put your craftsmanship and leadership skills to work on a variety of construction projects. Rather than being limited to one type of construction, you'll gain exposure to residential, commercial, and public-sector work while helping lead crews and maintain the company's standards for quality.

We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys solving problems, and wants to be a valued part of an established local construction company.