Lead Carpenter Residential Framing Foreman Santa Barbara Ventura

Horst Construction; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package in development

Fuel Allowance

Paid Sick Time

Bonus based on performance

Opportunity for advancement

Job summary

Horst Construction is seeking a highly skilled lead carpenter with extensive hands-on residential wood-framing experience to lead our field crew in Santa Barbara. This is a working foreman role, collaborating on demolition, framing, windows/doors, and finish carpentry while upholding safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate can read plans, lay out framing, solve field problems, and work efficiently without constant supervision.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional, hands-on residential wood-framing experience.
• Ability to read architectural and structural plans without constant supervision.
• Experience leading carpenters or small construction crews.
• Strong understanding of framing techniques, materials, building codes, and jobsite safety.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and personal hand tools.

Responsibilities

• Independently lay out and frame residential walls, floors, ceilings, and roof structures.
• Perform structural modifications, including beams, headers, posts, and engineered framing components.
• Read and interpret architectural and structural plans, specifications, and construction details.
• Lead a small field crew while actively performing carpentry work.
• Perform selective demolition while protecting existing structures and finishes.
• Install windows, exterior doors, and interior doors.
• Perform finish carpentry and miscellaneous construction tasks as needed.
• Coordinate daily field activities with subcontractors and the project manager.
• Identify construction conflicts and communicate solutions before they delay work.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized jobsites.
• Track labor hours, complete daily logs, and upload progress photos in our construction management software.
• Own the quality of the work, crew productivity, and efficient use of materials.

Skills

Residential wood-framing

Read architectural plans

Lead small field crew

Safety compliance

Time tracking & reports

Tools & measurements

Driver’s license

Professional communication

Tools

JobTread

Buildertrend

Job description

Benefits

• Benefits package in development
• Fuel Allowance
• Paid Sick Time
• Bonus based on performance
• Opportunity for advancement

About Horst Construction

Horst Construction is a growing residential general contractor serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. We specialize in residential remodels, additions, and custom homes, with a commitment to quality craftsmanship, organized jobsites, clear communication, and getting the work done right the first time.

We’re a small, growing team where quality work is recognized, initiative is valued, and advancement comes with performance. Horst Construction of Santa Barbara is not affiliated with Horst Construction of Lancaster, PA.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM. Occasional Saturdays as needed.

The Role

We’re seeking a highly skilled lead carpenter with extensive hands-on residential wood-framing experience to lead our field crew.

This is a working foreman position, not a supervisory-only role. You’ll work alongside the crew on demolition, structural framing, general carpentry, and other construction activities while maintaining quality, safety, and productivity.

The ideal candidate can independently read plans, lay out framing, solve field problems, and complete work efficiently without constant supervision. Applicants without substantial professional wood-framing experience will not be considered.

What You’ll Do

• Independently lay out and frame residential walls, floors, ceilings, and roof structures.
• Perform structural modifications, including beams, headers, posts, and engineered framing components.
• Read and interpret architectural and structural plans, specifications, and construction details.
• Lead a small field crew while actively performing carpentry work.
• Perform selective demolition while protecting existing structures and finishes.
• Install windows, exterior doors, and interior doors.
• Perform finish carpentry and miscellaneous construction tasks as needed.
• Coordinate daily field activities with subcontractors and the project manager.
• Identify construction conflicts and communicate solutions before they delay work.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized jobsites.
• Track labor hours, complete daily logs, and upload progress photos in our construction management software.
• Own the quality of the work, crew productivity, and efficient use of materials.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional, hands-on residential wood-framing experience.
• Proven ability to independently frame residential walls, floors, and roof structures.
• Structural framing experience on remodels, additions, or new homes.
• Ability to read architectural and structural plans without constant supervision.
• Experience leading carpenters or small construction crews.
• Strong understanding of framing techniques, materials, building codes, and jobsite safety.
• Ability to accurately measure, lay out, cut, and assemble framing components.
• Comfortable using smartphone apps for time tracking, daily reports, and progress photos.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and personal hand tools.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and professional communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Finish carpentry experience.
• Experience working in occupied homes.
• Window and door installation experience.
• Familiarity with engineered lumber and structural framing hardware.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Experience with JobTread, Buildertrend, or similar software.