Lead Foreman + Senior Carpenter

Habitat Horticulture; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Habitat Horticulture in the San Francisco Bay Area seeks a Lead Foreman + Senior Carpenter to oversee the fabrication and installation of complex living wall systems, architectural planters, and custom biophilic infrastructure projects. This senior role requires a proven leadership track record, craftsmanship, and experience managing crews on demanding, high-end installations.

You will direct field operations, mentor installation teams, and coordinate with project managers, designers,

Qualifications

• Minimum 6-10 years in high-end construction or related trades.
• Minimum 3 years leading crews on complex projects.
• Proven track record of accountability, efficiency, and morale.

Responsibilities

• Lead field crews across living wall and biophilic installations.
• Direct day-to-day operations, ensure schedule, quality, safety and communication.
• Oversee high-end finish carpentry, layout, fabrication, and installation.
• Coordinate with managers, designers, fabricators, subs, and clients to maintain momentum.
• Lead warehouse fabrication, mockups, material prep, assembly and QA.
• Operate and oversee scissor/boom lifts, scaffolding, forklifts.
• Mentor crews and uphold company standards and safety.
• Identify field challenges and provide solutions under changing conditions.
• Uphold craftsmanship and client interaction standards at all times.

Skills

Leadership

Finish carpentry

Architectural fabrication

Landscape construction

Crew management

Safety compliance

Plan reading / shop drawings

Tools

Scissor lifts operation

Boom lifts operation

Forklifts operation

Job description

About Habitat Horticulture

Habitat Horticulture is a recognized leader in biophilic design and green infrastructure, creating some of the most ambitious and technically sophisticated living wall installations in the United States. Our work integrates craftsmanship, engineering, horticulture, and architecture to transform the built environment into immersive living ecosystems. We partner with leading architects, developers, institutions, and brands to deliver highly customized installations where precision, execution, and professionalism are essential.

Position Overview

Habitat Horticulture seeks a highly experienced individual who demonstrates leadership, accountability, craftsmanship, and professionalism for the role of Lead Foreman + Senior Carpenter; overseeing the fabrication and installation of complex living wall systems, architectural planters, and custom biophilic infrastructure projects. This senior field leadership role is intended for a highly skilled builder with extensive experience managing crews, coordinating demanding installations, and maintaining exceptional workmanship standards in high-end construction environments. The successful candidate will play a critical role in leading installation teams, directing field operations, mentoring crew members, and ensuring projects are executed safely, efficiently, and to exacting standards.

This position is not intended for entry level or lightly experienced candidates. We are seeking an individual with a proven track record of leadership, accountability, craftsmanship, and jobsite professionalism. Candidates must meet all experience and qualification requirements to be considered.

Location

San Francisco Bay Area

Schedule

Full-Time | Typical hours are between 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with flexibility required based on project demands and scheduling.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead field crews in fabricating and installing large scale living walls, custom planters, waterproofing systems, irrigation infrastructure, structural frameworks, and integrated planting systems
• Direct day to day jobsite operations while maintaining schedule, quality control, safety compliance, and clear communication across teams
• Oversee and participate in high end finish carpentry, layout, fabrication, and installation work requiring precision and attention to detail
• Coordinate closely with project managers, designers, fabricators, subcontractors, and clients to proactively solve problems and maintain project momentum
• Lead warehouse fabrication efforts, including mockups, material preparation, assembly, and quality assurance.
• Safely operate and oversee the use of scissor lifts, boom lifts, suspended scaffolding, forklifts, and other construction equipment
• Train, mentor, and hold installation crews accountable to company standards, safety expectations, and professional conduct
• Identify field challenges early and provide practical, solutions-oriented leadership under changing jobsite conditions
• Uphold Habitat Horticulture’s standards for craftsmanship, professionalism, organization, and client interaction at all times

Requirements

• Minimum 6-10 years of verifiable experience in high-end construction, finish carpentry, architectural fabrication, landscape construction, or related trades
• Minimum 3 years of experience leading crews and managing field operations on complex projects
• Demonstrated ability to lead experienced teams while maintaining accountability, efficiency, and morale

Technical Capabilities

• Advanced proficiency with commercial construction tools, equipment, and installation methods
• Strong understanding of construction sequencing, layout, waterproofing systems, and field coordination
• Ability to interpret plans, shop drawings, and installation details with minimal oversight
• Experience working in architecturally sensitive or design driven environments preferred

Physical & Operational Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry 60+ lbs. regularly
• Comfortable working at heights and in physically demanding jobsite environments
• Willingness to work indoors, outdoors, and in varying weather conditions
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules, project timelines, and travel requirements

Professional Expectations

• Clear, reliable, and professional communication
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Dependable attendance and punctuality
• Calm, solutions-oriented approach under pressure
• High level of accountability and personal ownership
• Must have a valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a driving record that meets company insurance requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 30 Certification
• Aerial Lift Certification
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Experience operating 16’ box trucks and towing equipment
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills
• Experience in custom fabrication, specialty architectural installations, or design-build environments

Travel & Work Environment

• Up to 20% annual travel for projects outside the Bay Area, including occasional out-of-state work
• Work performed across active commercial construction sites, high-profile public spaces, and custom architectural environments

Why Habitat Horticulture

This is an opportunity to lead work that is highly visible, technically demanding, and unlike conventional construction projects. Our installations require precision, adaptability, and craftsmanship at a high level. Successful candidates will join a team that values professionalism, initiative, collaboration, and pride in execution. We are looking for individuals who want to contribute meaningfully, lead confidently, and help shape the future of a growing company operating at the intersection of construction, design, and ecology.