Construction Carpenters

Career Description: Construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures of wood, plywood, and wallboard, using carpenter's hand tools and power tools.

Industry: Construction and Extraction

Other Job Titles for Construction Carpenters:

• Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
• Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
• Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
• Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saw.
• Study specifications in blueprints, sketches or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
• Assemble and fasten materials to make framework or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins, or glue.
• Build or repair cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, and other wooden fixtures used in buildings, using woodworking machines, carpenter's hand tools, and power tools.
• Erect scaffolding and ladders for assembling structures above ground level.
• Remove damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and repair or replace, using hand tools.
• Install structures and fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, and trim, or hardware, using carpenter's hand and power tools.
• Select and order lumber and other required materials.
• Maintain records, document actions and present written progress reports.
• Finish surfaces of woodwork or wallboard in houses and buildings, using paint, hand tools, and paneling.
• Prepare cost estimates for clients or employers.
• Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas such as heating and electrical wiring work.
• Inspect ceiling or floor tile, wall coverings, siding, glass, or woodwork to detect broken or damaged structures.
• Work with or remove hazardous material.
• Construct forms and chutes for pouring concrete.
• Cover subfloors with building paper to keep out moisture and lay hardwood, parquet, and wood-strip-block floors by nailing floors to subfloor or cementing them to mastic or asphalt base.
• Fill cracks and other defects in plaster or plasterboard and sand patch, using patching plaster, trowel, and sanding tool.
• Perform minor plumbing, welding or concrete mixing work.
• Apply shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, and decorative paneling to ceilings and walls.
• Install anchor bolts, steel plates, door sills and other fixtures in freshly poured concrete or pattern or stamp the surface to provide a decorative finish.
• Apply muriatic acid to clean surface, and rinse with water.
• Push roller over surface to embed chips in surface.
• Polish surface, using polishing or surfacing machine.

Emerging Tasks

• Clean up before and after installation, including vacuuming carpet and discarding remnant pieces.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• adhere to safety procedures
• anchor or brace wooden structures, frameworks, or forms
• apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings
• attach moisture barrier sheeting over construction surfaces
• build or install cabinets or related interior wood fixtures
• build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting
• climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles
• construct, erect, or repair wooden frameworks or structures
• cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials
• determine dimensions of wooden furnishings or structures to be built
• determine installation, service, or repair needed
• determine material or tool requirements
• determine project methods and procedures
• direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
• erect scaffold
• estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
• examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
• fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
• finish or refinish floor, furniture, or related wood surfaces
• inspect premises or structure for evidence of deterioration or damage
• install doors, wood floors, window frames, trim, or stairs
• install drywall, plasterboard, or wallboard
• install insulating materials
• install lathing to support plaster, stucco, or related construction material
• install locks, hinges, or related finish hardware
• install or replace glass in windows, skylights, or other structural surfaces
• install prefabricated building components
• install siding or sheeting
• install sub flooring, rough framing, or partitions
• install wall or ceiling shock-absorbing paneling or acoustical tiles
• laminate objects
• lay out woodworking projects
• lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
• maintain records, reports, or files
• measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
• measure, weigh, or count products or materials
• move materials or goods between work areas
• move or fit heavy objects
• obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
• operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
• operate woodworking equipment/machinery
• order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
• paint walls or other structural surfaces
• perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting
• position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
• prepare building surfaces for paint, finishes, wallpaper, or adhesives
• prepare reports
• read blueprints
• read specifications
• read tape measure
• read technical drawings
• recognize wood characteristics
• recognize wood species characteristics
• repair cracks, defects, or damage in installed building materials
• repair or replace locks, hinges, or related finish hardware
• repair prefabricated wooden building components
• signal directions or warnings to coworkers
• understand construction specifications
• use basic carpentry techniques
• use basic plumbing techniques
• use building materials for routine building maintenance
• use building or land use regulations
• use concrete fabrication techniques
• use hand or power tools
• use hand or power woodworking tools
• use hazardous materials information
• use measuring devices in construction or extraction work
• use oral or written communication techniques
• verify trueness of structure using plumb bob or level
• weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Overall Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.

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• Projected growth (2006-2016): 10.26%
• Projected need (2006-2016): 150,000
• Employment (2006): 1,462,071

• Brickmasons and Blockmasons
• Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters
• Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
• Helpers--Carpenters
• Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Plumbers
• Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
• Rough Carpenters
• Stonemasons
• Tile and Marble Setters