Embarking on a career as a carpenter in Santa Barbara, CA, often begins with apprenticeship programs that blend hands-on experience with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. These apprenticeships typically last about four to five years and require extensive on-the-job training under experienced professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 352,779 carpenters nationwide, with a projected 8% growth in carpentry jobs from 2022 to 2032. In Santa Barbara, carpenters earn an average weekly wage of $867, with experienced professionals often surpassing $40,000 annually. Trade schools, unions, and specialized training programs provide aspiring carpenters with the necessary skills and opportunities to enter this rewarding trade, which offers strong earning potential and diverse career advancement opportunities.
About Us We are a dynamic millwork and cabinetry shop based in Ventura, California, operating out of a spacious 12,000-square-foot facility. We craft custom cabinetry, molding, and furniture for upscale residential clients in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Malibu, and Beverly Hills. At Clear Millwork, we bring our clients’ visions to life by truly understanding their needs, style, and budget. Every piece we create is tailored to reflect their individuality while delivering exceptional quality. Our team is made up of master carpenters, cabinetmakers, and artisans who take pride in crafting beautiful, functional, and enduring work. Many of our team members have been with us for years, honing their skills and growing their careers in an environment that prioritizes collaboration, precision, and pride in craftsmanship. Whether it’s custom cabinetry, intricate molding, or one-of-a-kind furniture, we are committed to producing timeless pieces that elevate every space we touch. About the role: Clear Millwork is seeking an experienced Finish Carpentry Lead to oversee and execute high-quality finishing work on high-end residential construction projects. This role is essential for ensuring the seamless integration of design and craftsmanship, with a focus on precision and excellence. As a Finish Carpentry Lead, you will take ownership of a range of responsibilities, from supervising a skilled team of carpenters to executing intricate finish carpentry tasks, ensuring every detail meets our exacting standards. You will also collaborate closely with clients, architects, and other trades to bring our signature custom cabinetry, millwork, and furniture designs to life. This role offers the opportunity to lead challenging, rewarding projects while mentoring team members and honing your craft in an inspiring and collaborative environment. Key Responsibilities: Finish Carpentry • Perform finish and trim carpentry work according to plans and specifications. • Measure, cut, and install various fixtures and millwork for doors, windows, ceiling panels, staircases, decking, furniture, etc. • Erect scaffolding or ladders as needed. • Install wooden structures such as roofing frames, rafters, partitions, joists, and stud work. • Design and installing cabinets, shelving, fitted furniture, drywall, and insulation. • Add fixtures and fittings such as door handles, locks, hinges, and closures. • Install base, crown, trim, jambs, casing, wainscot, paneling, chair rail, assist with coffered ceilings. • Build cabinets, install cabinetry, install interior and exterior doors, install windows. • Prepare and finish surfaces for painting or staining, including sanding, filling, and smoothing. • Measuring, cutting, and installing various types of trim, molding, baseboards, and other decorative woodwork. Leadership • Collaborate with other carpenters, journeymen, and supervisors to complete projects. • Troubleshoot and repair issues with building components and equipment. • Follow established regulations and advocate for safety on each worksite. • Read blueprints and designs to work to specifications prepared by other construction professionals, architects, and building code recommendations. • Inspect completed work to ensure that it meets the required standards and specifications. • Coordinate with other trades, such as electricians and plumbers, to ensure that work is completed in a timely and efficient manner. • Communicate with clients to understand their requirements and preferences, and ensure that work is completed to their satisfaction. • Order some jobsite materials. • Uphold safety standards on-site, promoting a safe work environment for the entire team. Manage a Team: • Supervise a team of finish carpenters to ensure that all work is completed to the highest quality. • Be able to communicate to journeymen and apprentices the tasks for that day while also teaching them the proper techniques for that task. • Run one large project with 2 to 3 journeymen/apprentices. • Have the ability to work smaller projects if the larger one is still in process. • Provide guidance and training to other carpenters to ensure that they can perform their duties effectively. Ensure that all work is completed to the highest standards and on schedule. Tools • Maintain and organizing tools, equipment, and materials to ensure that they are readily available for use. • Have all tools necessary for any type of project installation such as all hand tools, drills, jigsaw, chop saw, levels, laser level, grinder for scribing, small hand plane, etc. Not expected to have a table saw, portable planer, Festool Domino, or Festool track saw. Qualifications: • Graduation from an accredited high school or vocational school. • Completion of a relevant finish carpentry training program or four years of lead experience in carpentry. • Experience as a lead carpenter or completion of a recognized journeyman in this work; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which, provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills may be considered. • Proficiency in reading blueprints and specifications. • Keen attention to detail, with a strong commitment to delivering exceptional craftsmanship. • Skilled in the use of common hand and power tools, including drills, jigsaws, chop saws, and laser levels. • Possess PPE and carpentry trade tools • Troubleshooting and communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Strong problem solving skills. • Physical stamina for lifting equipment and working at various heights and in tight spaces • Familiarity with construction software, such as Procore, is a plus. • Ability to complete deliverables and meet deadlines. Travel Time Required 10-15% (this is an estimated amount) Working With Us Our positive and collaborative culture is the foundation of our work. We place enormous value on the happiness and growth of our team and their families, fostering a collaborative, flexible, open, and fun work environment. We know that our best work comes from feeling supported and valued, and we do so through mentorship, educational reimbursements, periodic check-ins, and more. Additional Benefits: • Insurance (Medical, Dental, Life) • 401(k) with a company match • Paid time off and sick pay • Mileage, tool, cell phone reimbursement • Referral program • Competitive pay with yearly reviews • Opportunity for Growth • Tuition Reimbursement Our Values: Passion: Care for our clients, our work, and our company. Brilliance: Be bright, be positive, be exceptional. Precision: Absolutely no detail is too small or unimportant. Persistence: Unwavering in our determination to create a great result. Essential Physical Tasks A Lead Finish Carpenter must frequently walk, stand, bend, kneel, crouch, and climb to complete carpentry tasks while using hands and fingers to handle tools and materials with precision. The role involves lifting and moving items up to 50 pounds, occasionally heavier with assistance, and working at varying heights on ladders or scaffolding. Repetitive motions like hammering or sanding, maintaining balance on uneven surfaces, and responding to fluctuating temperatures, dust, and noise are required. Visual acuity for detailed tasks and the safe operation of tools and vehicles are essential, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities. Statement of Employer's Rights • This job description does not list all of the duties of this position. You may be asked by management to perform other duties. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. • Clear Construction has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the Company may terminate employment at any time, for any reason. Clear is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a work environment where people from all backgrounds and identities thrive. We firmly believe that more diversity and inclusion in our workforce creates a stronger team, product, and culture. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. We reserve the right to conduct background checks on all of our potential employees.
See More Details >>We are a dynamic millwork and cabinetry shop based in Ventura, California, operating out of a spacious 12,000-square-foot facility. We craft custom cabinetry, molding, and furniture for upscale residential clients in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Malibu, and Beverly Hills. At Clear Millwork, we bring our clients’ visions to life by truly understanding their needs, style, and budget. Every piece we create is tailored to reflect their individuality while delivering exceptional quality. Our team is made up of master carpenters, cabinetmakers, and artisans who take pride in crafting beautiful, functional, and enduring work. Many of our team members have been with us for years, honing their skills and growing their careers in an environment that prioritizes collaboration, precision, and pride in craftsmanship. Whether it’s custom cabinetry, intricate molding, or one-of-a-kind furniture, we are committed to producing timeless pieces that elevate every space we touch. About the role: The Finish Carpentry Foreman is a hybrid field-office position that combines expert finish carpentry with operational leadership. You'll lead a team of finish carpenters, communicate with clients, architects, and internal teams, and ensure project timelines and quality expectations are consistently met. You’ll also manage scheduling, procurement, timecard oversight, and field layout/kitting—ensuring every project starts and finishes strong. This role offers the opportunity to lead challenging, rewarding projects while mentoring team members and honing your craft in an inspiring and collaborative environment. Key Responsibilities: Field & Installation Leadership • Perform and supervise high-end residential finish carpentry (cabinetry, doors, windows, trim, custom millwork, built-ins) • Solve onsite issues with precision and creativity • Ensure all work meets or exceeds Clear’s quality standards • Read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, and scopes of work • Conduct final punch and quality checks Team Management & Communication • Lead, mentor, and coordinate daily tasks for journeymen and apprentices • Monitor timecards and job progress for accuracy and accountability • Communicate project updates to internal teams (design, millwork, project management) • Interface with high-end clients, GCs, and other trades as needed Office & Field Coordination • Create and manage job schedules • Coordinate material and tool delivery and ensure teams are properly kitted for jobs • Document changes and communicate them clearly via iPad/Procore or similar • Attend client meetings and walk-throughs related to scopes of work or field adjustments Tools • Maintain and organizing tools, equipment, and materials to ensure that they are readily available for use. • Have all tools necessary for any type of project installation Qualifications: • 6+ years of experience in high-end finish carpentry, including leadership experience • Demonstrated ability to lead crews and manage field operations • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills—especially with clients • Strong technology skills (iPad, email, construction apps like Procore or Buildertrend) • Ability to troubleshoot problems and adapt quickly in dynamic jobsite environments • Proficient in reading and interpreting architectural drawings and shop plans • Must have own hand tools and relevant carpentry equipment Travel Time Required 10-15% (this is an estimated amount) Working With Us Our positive and collaborative culture is the foundation of our work. We place enormous value on the happiness and growth of our team and their families, fostering a collaborative, flexible, open, and fun work environment. We know that our best work comes from feeling supported and valued, and we do so through mentorship, educational reimbursements, periodic check-ins, and more. Additional Benefits: • Insurance (Medical, Dental, Life) • 401(k) with a company match • Paid time off and sick pay • Mileage, tool, cell phone reimbursement • Referral program • Competitive pay with yearly reviews • Opportunity for Growth • Tuition Reimbursement Our Values: Passion: Care for our clients, our work, and our company. Brilliance: Be bright, be positive, be exceptional. Precision: Absolutely no detail is too small or unimportant. Persistence: Unwavering in our determination to create a great result. Essential Physical Tasks While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, stand, sit, bend, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, drive, talk and hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Statement of Employer's Rights • This job description does not list all of the duties of this position. You may be asked by management to perform other duties. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. • Clear Construction has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the Company may terminate employment at any time, for any reason. Clear is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a work environment where people from all backgrounds and identities thrive. We firmly believe that more diversity and inclusion in our workforce creates a stronger team, product, and culture. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. We reserve the right to conduct background checks on all of our potential employees.
See More Details >>I am in search of a reliable carpenter in the Santa Barbara, California area. I am willing to pay a competitive wage of $20.00 an hour for the right candidate. The ideal carpenter will have extensive knowledge and experience in the carpentry industry, including both residential and commercial work. They should be able to read and interpret blueprints and demonstrate precise measuring and cutting techniques. A successful candidate must be able to work both independently and with a team, and must be able to lift heavy equipment and materials. They should be detail-oriented, organized, and have the ability to troubleshoot and problem solve. If you are a highly skilled carpenter with a passion for the carpentry industry, please feel free to message me with your qualifications and experience. Let's talk about the possibilities!
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