Carpenter

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a skilled carpenter to join our Residence Life team. The carpenter will maintain and enhance the living spaces in our residence halls, performing repairs, installations and construction projects to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for students.

Under supervision, the carpenter will read blueprints and perform a wide range of carpentry tasks, mentor apprentices, and collaborate with staff to support the Department of Residence’s mission.

Qualifications

• Four years of carpentry experience, including apprenticeship.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis.

Responsibilities

• Constructs, installs, and repairs cabinets, doors, windows, and related components.
• Frames walls, ceilings and floors; installs doors/windows and insulates walls.
• Lays flooring, patches surfaces, and installs finishes as required.
• Reads blueprints and estimates materials/time for jobs.
• Mentors apprentices and assists in directing work.

Skills

Carpentry knowledge

Blueprint reading

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Job description

Position Title

Carpenter

Job Group

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Four years of experience in the trade, including apprenticeship.

Job Description

Iowa State University is seeking a skilled carpenter to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing the physical environment of our residence halls. This role involves performing a variety of carpentry tasks, including repairs, installations, and construction projects, to ensure a safe and comfortable living space for our students. The carpenter will work closely with other staff members to support the overall mission of the Department of Residence.

Under general supervision, applies knowledge and skill at the level of a journeyworker to build and repair wooden and related structures, and performs other duties related or incidental thereto.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience installing wood or vinyl flooring.
• Experience hanging and finishing sheet rock.
• Finished cabinet making experience.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Constructs, installs, and repairs cabinets, doors, windows, screens, shades, blinds, furniture, seats, laminate materials and other components not available from commercial sources.
• Constructs walls, ceilings and floors. Frames and installs doors and windows; insulates walls and performs demolition work as necessary.
• Estimates, measures, fabricates and cuts metals for associated jobs using precision leveling equipment. Design and fabricate necessary metal and wood projects that do not necessarily have a planned design. Fabricate one-off pieces to include, but not limited to: brackets, hangers, supports, etc.
• Lays tile, linoleum, laminates, epoxies and various other kinds of coverings on floors and other surfaces; patches, repairs or replaces work and damaged floors; installs counter tops and covers other surfaces; cuts forms and adheres coverings to various shapes and types of surface; tapes and finishes dry wall.
• Installs door closures, hinges, door stops, handles, related hardware and performs minor glazing.
• Performs patching, repair and rust removal work for all types of walls and surfaces to a finished stage. Full and partial removal of existing materials like door frames, cutting and final fitment of replacement parts, then surface preparation to provide smooth finished texture with tasks such as grinding, sanding, body filler and primer for final finishes and applies finishes as required.
• Draws rough layouts and reads and interprets blueprints and drawings.
• Prepare estimates of materials and time needed to complete assigned jobs and orders materials as needed.
• Erects and disassembles ladders and related equipment.
• Assembles and disassembles all supports, structure, hangers, mounts (motorized or non-motorized) for audio visual equipment installations including ergonomic workstations. May also rework existing building structure to allow for new or replacement projection screens.
• Set up and tear down of office spaces. Ability to assemble and disassemble different types of modular office furniture. Includes walls (with or without power and data capabilities), doors, shelves, desks, filing cabinets, etc. Ability to recognize different manufacturers and their unique assembly requirements.
• Assists in directing work and training of apprentices and other workers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques used in the carpentry trade.
• Ability to perform the full range of carpentry tasks independently.
• Ability to interpret and follow carpentry instructions and specifications such as blueprints, manuals, sketches, and work orders.
• Ability to operate safely and care for carpentry tools, machines and equipment.
• Knowledge of materials used in carpentry and ability to determine materials needed for the job and prepare cost estimates.
• Ability to lift or maneuver up to 100 pounds.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.
• Ability to erect ladders and work at heights.
• Knowledge and working ability of computers for planning, organizing and ordering equipment and materials.
• Ability to set up and tear down audiovisual equipment.
• Knowledge of standard cleaning techniques, rust removal techniques, and characteristics of surfaces to be cleaned, and equipment and supplies required.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position

Why Choose Iowa State University?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long‑term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [e-mail], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year

12 Month Work Period

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

5061a

Original Posting Date

September 3, 2026

Posting Close Date

September 17, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R19879

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non‑discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515‑294‑7612, email [e-mail].

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.