Lead Carpenter

Williams Contracting; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Williams Contracting seeks a Lead Carpenter / Field Project Manager to act as the hands-on leader on the jobsite, executing complex carpentry tasks while coordinating daily construction activities.

This role blends master-level carpentry with project management responsibilities, ensuring projects are built to Williams Contracting standards, while maintaining schedule, organization, and communication between field and office teams.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in residential construction with mastery of framing, structural carpentry, and finish carpentry.
• Ability to read architectural plans, details, and specifications to execute work accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate multiple trades and keep projects on schedule.

Responsibilities

• Perform high-level carpentry tasks including framing, structural modifications, finish carpentry, and custom installations.
• Oversee day-to-day activity on assigned job sites and coordinate with carpenters, laborers, and subcontractors.
• Coordinate subcontractor arrivals, site access, and work readiness; ensure work aligns with plans and quality standards.
• Assist the Superintendent in maintaining the construction schedule and monitor daily progress.
• Identify and resolve field conditions that differ from plans; propose practical solutions to maintain schedule and quality.
• Confirm required materials are onsite prior to scheduled work and flag delivery issues to leadership.

Skills

Master carpentry

Project management

Residential construction

Strong communication

Job description

A senior field role responsible for executing high-level carpentry work while managing daily site coordination, quality control, and project progress.

This position combines master-level carpentry skills with project management responsibilities , ensuring projects are built to Williams Contracting standards while maintaining schedule alignment, organization, and communication between the field and office teams.

Primary Purpose

The Lead Carpenter / Field Project Manager serves as the hands-on leader on the jobsite , responsible for executing complex carpentry tasks while coordinating daily construction activities.

This role bridges the gap between construction leadership and skilled field execution , ensuring projects move forward efficiently, safely, and to the high quality standards expected by Williams Contracting clients.

The position allows the Superintendent to oversee overall project direction and scheduling , while the Lead Carpenter manages the day-to-day execution, site organization, and carpentry work required to keep the project progressing smoothly.

Core Responsibilities

1. Advanced Carpentry Execution

• Perform high-level carpentry tasks including framing, structural modifications, finish carpentry, and custom installations.
• Interpret architectural drawings, details, and specifications to execute work accurately.
• Maintain Williams Contracting standards for craftsmanship and quality.
• Identify potential issues in plans or field conditions and communicate solutions early.
• Support complex build details that require experienced problem-solving.

2. Daily Site Management

• Oversee day-to-day activity on assigned job sites.
• Coordinate daily work flow between carpenters, laborers, and subcontractors.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized job site.
• Ensure all work performed aligns with the approved plans and scope.
• Identify site issues and coordinate solutions with the Superintendent.

3. Subcontractor Coordination

• Coordinate subcontractor arrivals, site access, and work readiness.
• Ensure subcontractors have the information needed to complete their scope.
• Verify work completion aligns with plans and quality standards.
• Communicate field updates and concerns to the Superintendent and Project Management team.

4. Schedule & Progress Support

• Assist the Superintendent in maintaining the construction schedule.
• Monitor daily progress and report potential delays.
• Ensure work areas are prepared for upcoming trades.
• Coordinate sequencing of carpentry work and subcontractor activity.

5. Field Problem Solving

• Identify and resolve field conditions that differ from plans.
• Coordinate with the Superintendent and design team when clarification is needed.
• Propose practical solutions to maintain schedule and quality.

6. Material Coordination

• Confirm required materials are onsite prior to scheduled work.
• Coordinate with the Product & Costing Manager and Superintendent regarding product deliveries.
• Notify leadership of missing materials or delivery issues that could impact schedule.

Carpentry Expertise

• Extensive experience in residential construction.
• Mastery of framing, structural carpentry, and finish carpentry.
• Ability to execute custom design details with precision.
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing and building systems.

Field Leadership

• Ability to manage multiple trades and coordinate daily work activity.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain productivity while performing skilled carpentry work.

Technical Understanding

• Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, structural drawings, and specifications.
• Clear understanding of residential construction methods and building codes.
• Ability to anticipate build challenges and resolve them proactively.

Communication

• Clear communication with Superintendent, Project Management, and office teams.
• Professional coordination with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Ability to document and report site conditions or concerns.

Key KPIs

Construction Quality

• Quality and craftsmanship of carpentry work.
• Reduced punch list items and rework.

Schedule Performance

• Ability to maintain project progress and sequencing.
• Reduced delays due to site coordination issues.

Jobsite Organization

• Clean, organized, and safe jobsite conditions.
• Effective subcontractor coordination.
• Positive feedback from Superintendent and project team.
• Clear communication and issue resolution.

Tools & Systems

• Construction drawings and specifications
• Jobsite documentation and photo records
• Scheduling coordination with Superintendent
• Communication with internal teams and subcontractors

Workflow Responsibilities

Receives From

Chris / Principal

• Company standards for quality and craftsmanship
• Overall expectations for project execution
• Field priorities and direction
• Scope clarifications

Account Executive

• Client-driven changes or approvals affecting construction

Design Team

• Plan updates and clarification of details
• Design intent for architectural elements

Product & Costing Manager

• Product orders and delivery schedules
• Material confirmations and substitutions

Delivers To

• Daily site updates
• Progress reports
• Field condition updates
• Coordination of trade activities

Field Project Managers / Office Team

• Material needs
• Site readiness for upcoming work
• Confirmation of completed tasks

Subcontractors

• Site coordination and work sequencing
• Access and readiness for scheduled work
• Clarification of scope and expectations

Provides For

• Clients: High-quality craftsmanship and a professionally managed jobsite.
• Superintendent: Reliable day-to-day field leadership.
• Design Team: Accurate execution of architectural details.
• Construction Team: Organized workflow and coordinated trades.
• Leadership: Confidence that projects are progressing correctly in the field.