2026.11 - Carpenter II

Heartland Scenic; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Heartland Scenic seeks a skilled Carpenter for scenic fabrication and installation. You will build, assemble, and finish exhibit components in shop, then support on-site installation, ensuring safety, accuracy, and top craftsmanship.

This role requires strong carpentry fundamentals, adaptability in a design-driven environment, and collaboration with installation teams to meet project timelines and quality standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years carpentry or fabrication experience.
• Ability to read and translate shop drawings accurately.
• Knowledgeable in proper use of wood shop tools and fabrication equipment.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, assemble, finish, and repair scenic elements and exhibit components from shop drawings and fabrication plans.
• Locate CNC-cut parts and produce non-CNC components using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Construct assemblies using hardwoods, plywood, MDF, Sintra, HDPE, metal, hardware, laminate, acrylic, and specialty materials.
• Preassemble and reassemble components before and after finishing, ensuring all hardware, blocking, hinges, locks, and installation components are included.
• Execute detailed finish carpentry including laminate application, cabinetry fabrication, surface preparation, and refinement to design intent.
• Install premade electrical components, LED lighting, and mechanical interactive components as required
• Troubleshoot and refine assemblies to ensure fit, function, and alignment with engineering and design specifications.
• Support on-site installation of fabricated scenic and exhibit components (5–15% travel required).
• Load, unload, package, and prepare fabricated products for transport and installation.
• Coordinate with installation teams to ensure safe, accurate, and timely execution
• Evaluate site conditions and adjust installation approach as needed within scope.
• Safely operate shop equipment including hand tools, power tools, forklifts, and lifts (as trained and certified).
• Maintain tools, benches, and shared shop spaces in proper working order
• Follow established shop procedures and production workflows
• Seek out next tasks and maintain steady production pace.

Skills

Craftsmanship

Precision

Creative problem solving

Safety discipline

Collaboration

Reliability

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

OSHA 10 certification or willingness/ability to obtain

Job description

Position Summary

The Carpenter – Scenic Fabrication & Installation builds, assembles, and installs custom exhibit components and interactive environments for museums, themed spaces, and performance venues. This role fabricates structural and finish elements inshop and supports on-site installation to ensure projects are executed safely, accurately, and to the highest craftsmanship standards.

This position requires strong carpentry fundamentals combined with adaptability in a creative, design-driven environment. The Carpenter directly impacts production timelines, structural integrity, finish quality, and client experience.

Essential Functions

The specific breakdown of time spent on different tasks will vary based on the workload and the priorities of the clients. The following is an estimated breakdown of duties and time spent on each.

Scenic Fabrication & Assembly – 40%

• Fabricate, assemble, finish, and repair scenic elements and exhibit components from shop drawings and fabrication plans.
• Locate CNC-cut parts and produce non-CNC components using appropriate tools and techniques
• Construct assemblies using commonly utilized materials including hardwoods, plywood, MDF, Sintra, HDPE, metal, hardware, laminate, acrylic, and specialty materials
• Preassemble and reassemble components before and after finishing, ensuring all hardware, blocking, hinges, locks, and installation components are included.

Level III: Performs fabrication with guidance and team support.

Level II: Performs full project scope with some oversight and reads drawings independently.

Level I: Performs all aspects of builds with minimal oversight and anticipates fabrication challenges.

Lead: Oversees complex builds, mentors carpenters, and leads work groups to completion.

Finish Work, Integration & Technical Installation – 20%

• Execute detailed finish carpentry including laminate application, cabinetry fabrication, surface preparation, and refinement to design intent.
• Install premade electrical components, LED lighting, and mechanical interactive components as required
• Troubleshoot and refine assemblies to ensure fit, function, and alignment with engineering and design specifications.

Level III: Completes finish work with direction.

Level II: Independently executes finish work and integration tasks.

Level I: Installs electrical/mechanical components and resolves integration issues proactively.

Lead: Guides integration strategy and supports complex interactive installation challenges.

Installation & Field Execution – 20%

• Support on-site installation of fabricated scenic and exhibit components (5–15% travel required).
• Load, unload, package, and prepare fabricated products for transport and installation.
• Coordinate with installation teams to ensure safe, accurate, and timely execution
• Evaluate site conditions and adjust installation approach as needed within scope.

Level III: Participates in installation under supervision.

Level II: Executes installation tasks independently.

Level I: Identifies site risks and proposes solutions & Directs on-site installation teams and oversees complex deployments.

Shop Discipline, Equipment & Workflow Management – 10%

• Safely operate shop equipment including hand tools, power tools, forklifts, and lifts (as trained and certified.)
• Maintain tools, benches, and shared shop spaces in proper working order
• Follow established shop procedures and production workflows
• Seek out next tasks and maintain steady production pace.

Level III: Learns equipment and shop workflow.

Level II: Operates equipment confidently and manages personal productivity.

Level I: Maintains production pace and mentors others in workflow efficiency & Oversees workflow coordination within assigned teams.

Safety, Accountability & Team Contribution – 10%

• Follow all company safety procedures and utilize required PPE.
• Demonstrate positive attitude, professionalism, respect, adaptability, and collaboration
• Communicate clearly regarding production status, material needs, and potential issues
• Support team members and contribute to a culture of craftsmanship and accountability

Level III: Follows procedures and contributes as a team member.

Level II: Demonstrates independent accountability and proactive communication.

Level I: Mentors others and models craftsmanship and safety discipline & Sets tone for safety, quality, mentorship, and team performance.

General Production Support – 5%

• Assist Shop Foreman, Production Manager, or Lead Carpenter as assigned.
• Support production flow, deadline adherence, and packaging readiness.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in craftsmanship and efficiency.

Core Competencies

1. Craftsmanship & Precision
2. Creative Problem Solving
3. Safety Discipline
4. Collaboration
5. Reliability & Accountability
6. Adaptability

EOS Data

Accountabilities

1. Produce high-quality work that meets project requirements.
2. Maintain productivity to support project schedules.
3. Follow safety standards and maintain a safe work environment.
4. Contribute positively to team performance and culture.

Performance Metrics

Success in this role is measured by:

• Labor Hours vs. Budget (%) - Actual fabrication labor hours compared to budgeted labor hours.
• HSS Quality Standard - As defined by Gates
• Cost Leak Dollars Recouped - Measurement determined at leadership level
• Achievement of role-specific performance goals, including craftsmanship quality, timeliness, and production reliability.
• Effective collaboration with engineering and design teams.
• Adherence to safety, compliance, and operational standards applicable to the role.
• Demonstrates and models alignment with company values: Collaborative, Creative, Passionate, Innovative, and Curious, and holds self-accountable to these standards in daily work and decision-making.
• Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

Production Shop hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Central Time, with possible overtime.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of carpentry or fabrication experience.
• Ability to read and translate shop drawings accurately.
• Knowledgeable in proper use of wood shop tools and fabrication equipment.
• Knowledgeable in general shop safety practices and PPE requirements.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in scenic fabrication, exhibit construction, theatrical production, or custom build environments.
• Experience working in creative, design-driven production settings.
• OSHA 10 certification, or willingness/ability to obtain
• Experience working with CNC-cut components or specialty materials.

Supervisory Responsibility

The Fabrication Lead has direct oversight of Level I, II, and III Fabricators.

Other Duties

This job description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, nor is it designed to include all duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities will change over time.