Lead Carpenter

At Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia (HFHP), we are builders who work alongside, not for, others. We are driven by accountability and defined by our stick-to-itiveness.

The BUILD Department directly improves the living conditions of low-income families by creating safe, healthy, affordable dwellings through the construction of new multi- and single-unit new housing, rehab projects, and owner-occupied home repair work.

The Lead Carpenter performs hands-on construction work while managing processes and personnel in a way that efficiently utilizes Habitat's unique set of resources and partnership model to create safe, healthy, and affordable homes.

Position Overview

Perform the hands-on and supervisory activities necessary for the construction, rehab, and repair of residential homes. This position is directly supervised by Field Manager. Under the direction of Project Management staff, and in coordination with other key HFHP (Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia) staff and subcontractors: effectively utilize the labor and enthusiasm of Habitat's volunteer workforce; uphold HFHPs quality and safety standards; work as a community partner and promote Habitats mission to create housing opportunities and revitalize neighborhoods.

Key Responsibility: CONSTRUCTION & TECHNICAL WORK

• Perform and lead hands-on home construction work across a variety of skills including rough framing; installation of windows, doors, finish trim, flooring, kitchen, and bath installs/renovation; hanging and installing drywall; siding and exterior details.

• Coordinate with other site staff, site volunteers, sub-contractors, and vendors to assure the timely completion of construction projects.
• Independently plan, organize, and efficiently execute work order tasks.
• Perform any additional duties requested by the Project Manager or Field Manager.

Key Responsibility Area: PROJECT COORINATION & SITE LEADERSHIP

• Contribute to project planning, including material needs, workflow sequencing, and volunteer labor utilization if needed.  
• Uphold and enforce HFHP, OSHA, EPA, and BPI safety standards across all job sites.  
• Maintain HFHP tools and equipment and train lesser experienced staff or volunteers in proper use and care if appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with Project Managers and other BUILD team staff to complete projects on time and on budget.

Key Responsibility Area: SUPERVISION OF SITE STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS

• Lead and mentor less experienced carpentry staff and occasional volunteers on sites, fostering skill development, and confidence across varying experience levels.  
• Model and reinforce a positive, respectful work environment for all participants. 
• Occasionally support management and leadership of volunteer workdays including workday preparation, skills and safety training, and close volunteer supervision and engagement throughout the workday.

Required Education, Experience, Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong carpentry background, skills in other home construction trades also encouraged, a minimum of 5 years of related job experience.
• Ability to perform a range of residential construction tasks, from framing to finishes.  Strong communication, planning, and organizational skills.  Basic computer proficiency. 
• Light plumbing and electrical work experience and working knowledge of plumbing and electrical codes.
• Commitment to HFHP’s mission and values and ability to work respectfully with diverse communities, including individuals facing challenging life circumstances.  
• OSHA 30 certification or willingness to obtain within 60 days of hire.  
• Valid driver's license with no major violations in the last 3 years.

Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge & Skills:

• Ability to read construction drawings and blueprints.
• Understanding of energy efficiency and house-as-a-system best practices.
• Knowledge of or experience in a variety of building trades: plumbing, electric, HVAC, masonry, roofing.
• Familiarity with local building codes and permitting process.

Physical Requirements to Perform Duties:

• Ability to perform all construction duties, such as: lifting up to 50 lbs 
• Ability to frequently work in unconditioned workspaces in the heat of summer and cold of winter 
• Comfortable working at heights and on ladders and scaffolding

Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, paid vacation, sick time, and holidays. Salary is commensurate with experience.

To Apply: Please send your resume and salary requirements through the Indeed application portal by April 15, 2026.  No calls, please.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, familial status, source of income status, domestic or sexual abuse victim status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local law in any employment-related decision, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.

Salary : $61,200 - $65,000