Carpenter Apprentice

Mortenson Construction; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 28,929 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

Mortenson Construction is seeking a Carpenter Apprentice I–IV to support Journeyman and Foreman Carpenters on active construction sites while learning the trade. The role offers hands-on experience across form work, rough carpentry, and site setup.

Key duties include setting up temporary structures, handling materials, assisting with grades and elevations, and teamwork with diverse crews. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs with assistance as needed.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Currently enrolled in an apprenticeship program.
• Previous construction site experience preferred.
• Ability to read plans and visualize objects from drawings.
• Proficiency with tools and equipment like saws and drills.

Responsibilities

• Assist Journeyman and Foreman Carpenters to complete tasks while learning the trade.
• Set up trailers and build temporary structures (decks, stairs, roofs) between office units.
• Install shelves, set up tool trailers/conexes, silt fences, straw bales, and establish the site per erosion control plan.
• Hand‑set forms and assemble gang forms.
• Assist journeyman and foreman with shooting grades and elevation.

Skills

Teamwork

Customer service

Attention to detail

Active listening

Communication

Blueprint reading

Read plans

Operate equipment

Safety awareness

Education

High School diploma or GED

Enrolled in apprenticeship program

Job description

SUMMARY

Mortenson is currently seeking a Carpenter Apprentice I, II, III, IV who will assist Journeyman and Foreman Carpenters in completing their tasks while learning the trade.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Setup trailers and build temporary structures (decks, stairs, roofs) between office units
• Install shelves, set up tool trailers/conexes, silt fences, straw bales, and establish the site per erosion control plan
• Hand‑set forms and assemble gang forms
• Assist journeyman and foreman with shooting grades and elevation
• Unload, handle, stockpile, and erect prefabricated materials
• Perform concrete and rough carpentry (hand‑set walls, footings, set gang wall forms, structural concrete decks, drywall, finish carpentry, doors, frames, hardware, millwork, and cabinetry)
• Build relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds and organizational levels
• Perform all other duties as assigned
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling: up to 50 lbs
• Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling over 50 lbs will be done with assistance of another team member or equipment

Please note: this position description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The duties and responsibilities of this position may change without notice.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED required
• Currently enrolled in an apprenticeship program
• Previous experience on a construction site preferred
• Strong teamwork orientation, positive attitude, professional customer service skills, detail orientation, and effective communication including active listening and openness to diverse input and feedback
• Ability to work with precision, visualize solid objects from drawings, read plans, and operate equipment (table saws, radial arm saws, belt & disc sanders, drill presses, fall protection equipment, rigging, and form systems)
• Repetitive hand, arm, and leg movements

COMPENSATION

The base pay range for this role is $24.58. Base pay is positioned within the range based on several factors including an individual's knowledge, skills, and experience, with consideration given to internal equity.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.
• Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days.
• Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

ABOUT MORTENSON

As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact. Let's Redefine Possible.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category.

OTHER ITEMS TO NOTE

Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations. No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement.