Skilled Laborer

Aerotek; United States; On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Aerotek is seeking a Skilled Laborer for a contract-to-hire position based in Des Moines, IA. The role involves managing service jobs focused on identifying and repairing entry points for bats and small animals, conducting inspections, and performing light carpentry work.

Ideal candidates should have at least 2 years of construction experience, proficiency with tools, and strong communication skills. Pay ranges from $18.00 to $24.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of general construction or carpentry experience.
• Ability to inspect for structural gaps and entry points.
• Capability to work independently after training and manage multiple jobs efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Inspect attics, roofs, and foundations for entry points for small animals.
• Perform light carpentry tasks to close access points.
• Manage jobs effectively, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Skills

General construction/carpentry experience

Hands-on experience with caulking

Light carpentry skills

Proficiency with hand tools and power tools

Clear verbal communication skills

Basic math skills

Problem-solving skills

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Job Title: Skilled Laborer

This role involves learning to independently manage service jobs that focus on identifying and repairing potential entry points in roofs, siding, and foundations for bats and other small animals. You will perform detailed inspections, carry out caulking and light carpentry work, estimate materials and labor, and communicate clearly with customers about the scope of work needed to fully resolve their issues. After a training period riding along with an experienced team member, you will operate from your own company truck and take ownership of your assigned projects from start to finish. This position does not involve handling live animals.

Responsibilities

• Inspect attics, roofs, siding, window soffits, and foundations to identify potential and existing entry points for bats and other small animals.
• Perform extensive caulking work to seal cracks, gaps, and holes that could allow animal entry.
• Complete light carpentry tasks, including installing boards and plywood to close larger access points and repairing minor structural issues related to animal entry.
• Develop a clear understanding of how to identify all possible entry points associated with bat or small animal problems and determine the appropriate repair methods.
• Explain inspection findings to customers in a clear and professional manner, outlining what is needed to completely fix the problem.
• Estimate the cost of materials and labor required for each job and present the estimate to the customer for approval.
• Obtain customer authorization before proceeding with repair work and ensure that all agreed‑upon tasks are completed to a high standard.
• Run and manage your own jobs independently once training is complete, taking responsibility for quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Operate a company truck as your mobile workspace, traveling to customer locations as scheduled.
• Maintain an orderly and clean company vehicle, including regular cleaning, organizing tools and supplies, and restocking materials as needed.
• Follow safety guidelines and best practices while working in attics, on ladders, and around construction materials and tools.
• Use hand and power tools correctly and safely to perform construction, caulking, and carpentry tasks.
• Collaborate with trainers and team members during the initial ride‑along period to learn company standards, processes, and technical methods.
• Document work performed as required by company procedures, including noting materials used and time spent on each job.
• Adhere to all driving and vehicle use policies, including maintaining a safe driving record.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of general construction/carpentry experience.
• Hands‑on experience with caulking and sealing building exteriors and interiors.
• Light carpentry skills, including basic repairs and installation of boards and plywood.
• Proficiency with common hand tools and power tools used in construction and carpentry.
• Ability to inspect the interior of roofs, attics, siding, soffits, and foundations to identify structural gaps and entry points.
• Strong problem‑solving skills to determine effective repair methods for various types of entry points.
• Clear verbal communication skills to explain findings and solutions to customers.
• Basic math skills to estimate materials and labor costs accurately.
• Capability to work safely in confined spaces such as attics and in varying temperatures.
• Willingness to submit to a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check.
• Ability to work independently after training and manage multiple jobs efficiently.
• Organizational skills to maintain a clean, well‑stocked company vehicle.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Light carpentry experience beyond basic repairs is preferred.
• Background in general construction, exterior repairs, or building maintenance.
• Experience working in attics, on ladders, or in similar environments.
• Comfort reading and following basic job scopes or work orders.
• Customer‑facing experience in service or construction settings.
• Attention to detail when sealing and repairing potential entry points.
• Reliability and punctuality for early morning start times.

Benefits & Growth Opportunities

You will join a team that rewards craftsmanship, initiative, and customer‑focused service. The role offers a combination of steady hourly pay and the opportunity to earn commission on completed jobs once you are certified, allowing your income to grow with your performance. The company invests in your development through hands‑on training and provides a clear path to running your own jobs independently, giving you autonomy and ownership in your day‑to‑day work.

Pay and Benefits

Pay range: $18.00 - $24.00/hr.

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Work Environment

This is a field‑based role that requires daily travel in a company truck to various customer locations. You will work primarily outdoors and in attics, where temperatures can range from very hot to very cold depending on the season. The work involves physical activity, including climbing into attics, using ladders, and handling construction materials and tools. Standard hours are typically 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. You will use a variety of hand and power tools, caulking equipment, and basic carpentry tools. The environment emphasizes safety, professionalism, and maintaining a clean, organized vehicle and work area. Attire should be practical and suitable for construction and outdoor work.

Job Type & Location

Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines, IA.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.