What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Carpenter/Site Supervision position at Makara Builders?
ABOUT MAKARA ADU
Makara ADU is a design-build firm specializing in accessory dwelling units across the Washington DC metro area. We guide homeowners and families through every step — design, permitting, and construction — delivering turnkey ADUs from our curated Makara Collection, a lineup of standardized floor plans ranging from studio to estate, or fully custom small homes. As our project volume grows, driven by new ADU legislation across Maryland and Virginia, our project managers need a trusted set of eyes and hands on every job site. That’s this role.
THE ROLE
Our project managers are running multiple ADU builds simultaneously across MD, VA, and DC. They need someone in the field every day — someone who understands construction at a craft level, can hold subcontractors accountable, and resolves problems before they become delays. You’ll bounce between active job sites, attend inspections, oversee trades, and serve as the PM’s trusted field representative on every build.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
• Monitor progress, quality, and schedule compliance across multiple concurrent ADU builds daily
• Oversee and direct subcontractors on-site — foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and finish trades — ensuring work meets Makara standards and project specifications
• Attend all inspections (foundation, framing, rough-ins, final) and manage correction items with the relevant trade before re-inspection
• Track deliverable milestones and flag schedule risks to the project manager before they become delays
• Conduct daily site walks and document conditions, progress, and issues with photos and written notes — everything logged in Buildertrend, nothing verbal
• Identify and resolve field-level problems on the spot: material shortages, trade conflicts, sequencing issues
• Verify material deliveries against purchase orders and maintain jobsite organization, safety compliance, and cleanliness
• Serve as the on-site point of contact for homeowners — professional, communicative, and reassuring throughout the build
• Support punch list completion and quality walks ahead of final inspection and client handover
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
• 5 years of residential construction experience, with at least 2 years in a lead carpenter, foreman, or field supervisor role
• Deep working knowledge of residential construction sequencing — foundation and framing through rough-ins, inspections, finish and punch list
• Proven ability to manage and hold accountable multiple subcontractor trades simultaneously without PM intervention
• Experience attending and managing building inspections — you know what inspectors look for and how to be ready
• ADU, addition, or accessory structure experience strongly preferred — familiarity with building in occupied residential backyards
• Working knowledge of MD and/or VA residential building codes; Montgomery County, Arlington, Fairfax, or Alexandria inspection experience is a significant advantage
• Strong written documentation habits — you take photos, write clear field notes, and communicate updates without being asked
• Professional demeanor with homeowners — you represent Makara every time you step onto a client’s property
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and comfort with daily multi-site travel across the metro area
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
• Base Salary: $70,000 – $85,000 depending on experience and jurisdiction knowledge
• Performance Bonus: Up to $10,000/year tied to on-time delivery, inspection pass rates, and quality scores
• Transportation allowance/stipend for daily field travel
• Medical coverage and paid time off
• Ongoing trade training and professional development support
Salary : $70,000 - $85,000