Lead Carpenter

GOLFSHORE PLAYHOUSE; Naples (FL); On-site; USD 28,929 - 31,684; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, Florida, is seeking a Lead Carpenter for a full-time position starting in August 2026. The Lead Carpenter will create scenic elements, maintain scenery, and assist in training seasonal staff. Candidates must have 4 years of relevant experience and be able to lift 50 pounds. Compensation ranges from $21 to $23 per hour, with benefits that increase with tenure including health insurance and retirement plans. Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of equipment.
• Ability to climb ladders, mobile lifts, catwalks and work at heights.
• Ability to work overhead with heavy equipment.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time depending on assignment.
• Ability to safely operate shop equipment and tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the build, load-in, strike, and upkeep of productions.
• Construct scenery as assigned by Scene Shop Supervisor.
• Maintain excellent communication with the Scene Shop Supervisor.
• Follow through with completion of daily notes as assigned.
• Provide support for special events.

Skills

Knowledge and expertise in scenic construction techniques and materials

Understanding working drawings, cut lists, construction methods

Proficiency in wood construction

Knowledge of metal construction and welding techniques

Creative problem-solving

Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing

Ability to manage time and productivity effectively

Ability to work with a team

Experience in lighting, paints, or props

Education

4 years experience in the field (including at the college level)

Job description

Lead Carpenter

Gulfshore Playhouse, a mission‑driven professional theatre company located in Naples, Florida, seeks a dynamic, detail‑oriented, and organized individual to serve as Lead Carpenter. This full‑time, year‑round position begins August 2026. The role reports to the Scene Shop Supervisor and involves creating scenic elements, loading in and striking sets, maintaining and repairing scenery throughout show runs, ensuring a safe shop environment, and supporting special events and other departments. The Lead Carpenter also assists the Construction Charge in training and leading seasonal staff.

Skills

• Knowledge and expertise in scenic construction techniques and materials
• Understanding working drawings, cut lists, construction methods; pneumatics, hand tools, power tools, adhesives, foams, etc.
• Proficiency in wood construction
• Knowledge of metal construction and welding techniques
• Ability to prioritize and self‑start tasks
• Ability to work with a team and skillfully delegate work
• Experience in lighting, paints, or props a plus but not required
• Creative problem‑solving
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
• Ability to manage time and productivity effectively
• Ability to multitask and achieve tight deadlines

Duties

• Assist Technical Director, Assistant Technical Director, and Scene Shop Supervisor in the build, load‑in, strike, and general upkeep of each production
• Construct scenery as assigned by Scene Shop Supervisor
• Construct scenery; including understanding working drawings, cut lists, construction methods; pneumatics, hand tools, power tools, adhesives, foams, etc.
• Maintain excellent communication with the Scene Shop Supervisor about the status of daily tasks
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and clean work/shop environment
• Follow through with completion of daily notes as assigned by Technical Director or Scene Shop Supervisor
• Assist with load‑ins, strikes, and load‑outs of all productions
• Assist Scene Shop Supervisor in leading and training seasonal staff
• Maintain and repair scenery throughout the run
• Provide assistance in other departments as needed
• Adhere to all safety protocols at all times
• Provide support for special events
• Any other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 4 years experience in the field (including at the college level)
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of equipment
• Ability to climb ladders, mobile lifts, catwalks and work at heights
• Ability to work overhead with heavy equipment
• Ability to work in tight, enclosed spaces including ones in the air
• Ability to work in dark spaces
• Ability to stand for long periods of time depending on assignment
• Ability to work in and with proper personal protective equipment
• Ability to safely operate shop equipment and tools

Salary range: $21 – $23 / hr, DOE. Overtime after 40 hours.

Benefits: Gulfshore Playhouse offers benefits that increase with tenure, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, and paid vacation and sick leave.

Gulfshore Playhouse is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse staff; we strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups and diverse backgrounds to apply.