Shipyard Carpenter

Job Description

Job Description

Shipyard Carpenter 

Location: San Diego, CA (On-site / Shipyard Operations)

Shift: 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Shift options available (Full-Time)

Compensation: $26.00/hour

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced  Shipyard Carpenter Journeyperson to join our ship repair and modernization team in San Diego. In this role, you will construct, erect, install, and dismantle temporary and permanent wooden and composite structures onboard U.S. Navy vessels, Military Sealift Command ships, and commercial vessels. Tasks range from building heavy-duty staging, scaffolding, and shoring to fabricating shipboard joiner work, bulkheads, decks, and gangways. 

Key Responsibilities

• Scaffolding & Staging: Safely construct, erect, inspect, modify, and dismantle various types of system scaffolding and staging inside and outside vessel hulls, dry docks, and pierside locations.
• Shipboard Joiner & Construction Work: Fabricate, lay out, and install wood, fiberglass, composite, and joiner components including bulkheads, doors, ceilings, decking, and shipboard furniture. 
• Shoring & Cribbing: Build and position heavy timber shoring, cribbing, blocking, and support structures to secure vessel components during haul-out and repair.
• Blueprint Reading & Layout: Read and interpret naval blueprints, technical drawings, NAVSEA standard items, and sketches to calculate dimensions and determine material requirements. 
• Tool Operation: Proficiently operate woodworking equipment, shop tools, portable power tools, and hand tools in a safe and precise manner. 
• Safety & Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to OSHA maritime standards and company safety protocols. Perform lockout/tagout procedures and wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Qualifications & Requirements

1. Experience: Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience as a Carpenter, with at least 2 years in a shipyard or industrial marine environment.
2. Technical Skills: Strong background in heavy scaffolding erection (tube/clamp, cup-lock), joiner work, and timber fabrication. 
3. Blueprint Literacy: Proven ability to read and interpret complex ship construction drawings, structural layouts, and work specifications. 
4. Physical Capabilities:
   • Ability to lift, push, or pull 50–75 lbs regularly.
   • Perform prolonged standing, climbing (ladders, scaffolding, ramps), stooping, and crawling.
   • Ability to work comfortably at heights exceeding 12 feet and within confined spaces (manholes, tight ship compartments).
5. DBIDS / Yard Access: Must be eligible to obtain a Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) badge for Navy base and shipyard clearance.
6. Safety Certification: OSHA 10-Hour Maritime certification preferred.

Benefits: 

• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave

*The benefits listed above are subject to eligibility requirements*

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About LEAD Staffing 

Lead Staffing, established in 2010, specializes in Construction, Industrial and Marine Staffing of Skilled Tradespeople throughout the United States of America. Our goal is to work with regional and national contractors that share our commitment towards safety and to provide long term rewarding work assignments for our valued employees.

LEAD is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  

LEAD is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a growing national company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

“At LEAD, your career is our top priority. As a leading recruiting partner, we're dedicated to connecting talented job seekers with exciting opportunities and rewarding careers across a variety of dynamic industries. Our team takes the time to understand our employee's unique skills, experience, and professional goals. We then leverage our extensive network and industry expertise to match them with the perfect fit - whether that's a short-term project, long-term contract, or a permanent role. Employee's don't just settle for just any job - they partner with LEAD and unlock a world of rewarding possibilities for themselves. Apply today and let us help you find the perfect fit.”

Company Description

“At LEAD, your career is our top priority. As a leading recruiting partner, we're dedicated to connecting talented job seekers with exciting opportunities and rewarding careers across a variety of dynamic industries. Our team takes the time to understand our employee's unique skills, experience, and professional goals. We then leverage our extensive network and industry expertise to match them with the perfect fit - whether that's a short-term project, long-term contract, or a permanent role. Employee's don't just settle for just any job - they partner with LEAD and unlock a world of rewarding possibilities for themselves. Apply today and let us help you find the perfect fit.”