Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman – Residential Construction

The Contractor Consultants; Town of Clarence (NY); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Performance bonus

Project completion bonus

Medical insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Cortese Construction Services is hiring an experienced Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman for residential projects in Clarence, NY. You will lead a crew on-site, perform carpentry tasks, read blueprints, and troubleshoot on the fly to keep projects moving efficiently.

We offer competitive hourly pay, sign-on bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth within a family-oriented company. Travel to local job sites is required, and a valid driver's license is essential.

Qualifications

• 5 years of hands-on residential construction and carpentry experience.
• Strong framing, finish carpentry, tile, drywall, and remodeling skills.
• Ability to read blueprints and architectural drawings.
• Experience leading a small crew while actively working on site.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on residential carpentry and construction work alongside crew members daily.
• Lead by example while assisting with framing, trim carpentry, remodeling, installations, and general tasks.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and project specs to complete work accurately.
• Provide hands-on direction and guidance to crew members while actively participating on site.
• Troubleshoot field challenges and develop practical solutions to keep projects moving forward.
• Coordinate daily work activities, tools, and materials to maintain productivity on site.
• Ensure all carpentry work meets quality standards and building practices.
• Maintain a clean, safe working environment and report progress to managers.
• Mentor less-experienced carpenters through hands-on instruction.

Skills

Framing

Finish carpentry

Tile work

Drywall

Construction leadership

Blueprint reading

Job description

Join the Cortese Construction Services Team!

Job Overview

• Company: Cortese Construction Services
• Salary/Pay Rate: $30 – $35 per hour, plus Sign-On, Project Completion, and Performance Bonuses
• Location: Clarence, NY (Travel to Local Job Sites Required)
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Project Scope: Residential Construction, Remodeling & Carpentry tile setting, cabinetry
• Required License: Valid Driver's License

The Opportunity

Cortese Construction Services is seeking an experienced, hands-on Lead Carpenter / Working Foreman to join our residential construction team. This position is ideal for a skilled carpenter who enjoys working in the field, takes pride in quality craftsmanship, and can lead a crew while actively participating in daily construction activities. As a Working Foreman, you will be on the tools alongside your crew, completing residential construction projects while providing hands-on guidance, troubleshooting challenges, and helping ensure work is completed efficiently and to our high-quality standards. Join our family-oriented company and enjoy long-term career stability, competitive compensation, and opportunities for professional growth.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Perform hands-on residential carpentry and construction work alongside crew members on a daily basis.
• Lead by example while assisting with framing, trim carpentry, remodeling, installations, and general construction tasks.
• Read and interpret blueprints, architectural drawings, and project specifications to complete work accurately.
• Provide hands-on direction and guidance to crew members while maintaining an active role in construction activities.
• Troubleshoot field challenges and develop practical solutions to keep projects moving forward.
• Coordinate daily work activities, tools, and materials to maintain productivity and efficiency on the job site.
• Ensure all carpentry and construction work meets company quality standards and proper building practices.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Communicate job progress, material needs, and project challenges with project managers.
• Assist in training and mentoring less-experienced carpenters through hands-on instruction.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 5 years of hands-on residential construction and carpentry experience.
• Strong skills in framing, finish carpentry, tile, drywall, remodeling, and general residential construction.
• Ability to independently perform a wide variety of carpentry and construction tasks.
• Experience leading or guiding a small construction crew while actively working alongside them.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural blueprints and construction drawings.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to challenges in the field.
• Commitment to quality craftsmanship, safety, and job site efficiency.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to travel to job sites.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience as a Lead Carpenter, Working Foreman, or experienced residential carpenter.
• Experience with residential additions, kitchens, bathrooms, and other home remodeling projects.
• Knowledge of residential building codes, construction methods, and proper installation techniques.
• Ability to estimate material needs and coordinate daily job site tasks.
• Experience mentoring and training apprentices or less-experienced carpenters.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay of 30–35 per hour, based on experience.
• Weekly pay, overtime opportunities, and sign-on bonuses.
• Project completion and performance-based bonuses.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options, along with Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
• 401(k) retirement savings program with employer matching contributions.
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, and flexible paid parental leave options.
• Paid training and opportunities for career advancement.
• Company-provided uniforms, team events, and monthly reward incentives.

Join Our Team!

If you're an experienced residential carpenter who enjoys being hands-on, takes pride in your work, and has the skills to lead by example, we want to hear from you! Build your career with Cortese Construction Services, where quality craftsmanship and teamwork come first.

About Us

Cortese Construction Services is a family-oriented contractor dedicated to delivering high-end residential renovations, additions, and outdoor spaces with superior craftsmanship. We pride ourselves on confidence, creativity, and cultivating long-term career pathways for our team members.

Learn more at https://cortese.net/.

Cortese Construction Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.