Carpenter Helper

Worcester Housing Authority • Springfield, MA

1d • $23 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

The Worcester Housing Authority (WHA) is expanding its skilled Trades team into Western Massachusetts through a subsidized regional maintenance initiative supporting neighboring housing authorities. The Carpenter Helper works alongside experienced WHA Carpenters to assist with carpentry, repairs, renovations, and general property maintenance at housing authority properties throughout Western Massachusetts, primarily in the greater Springfield area and surrounding communities. This is a field-based position rather than a single fixed worksite.

This full-time, benefits-eligible junior opportunity is intended for someone interested in developing a career in the skilled trades. Through hands-on experience, on-the-job training, and mentorship, the Carpenter Helper gains exposure to rough and finish carpentry while helping improve housing conditions and maintain safe, quality homes for public housing residents. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position may require overtime when necessary and assisting with emergency maintenance activities as directed by management.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous carpentry, construction, building maintenance, or related trade experience preferred but not required.
• Interest in pursuing a career in carpentry or the skilled trades and willingness to participate in hands-on training and professional development.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and work effectively under experienced tradespeople's direction.
• Basic math and measuring skills, including use of a tape measure and simple calculations.
• Ability to work independently when appropriate and collaboratively as part of a maintenance team.
• Strong work ethic, dependability, and willingness to perform physically demanding tasks.
• Positive attitude, good communication skills, and commitment to quality service for residents and participating housing authorities.
• Willingness to learn and follow workplace safety procedures and proper equipment operation.
• Ability to plan and organize assigned tasks and complete work efficiently and on time.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Willingness to work overtime when necessary.
• Valid, insurable Massachusetts driver's license.
• Ability to be relied upon to be available for work.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in carpentry, construction, building maintenance, or a related trade.
• Basic familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and construction materials.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Assist Carpenters with installing, maintaining, and repairing doors, windows, frames, flooring, ceilings, walls, cabinets, and other building components.
• Support rough and finish carpentry projects, including measuring, cutting, assembling, and installing materials under the direction of experienced Carpenters.
• Prepare work areas by gathering materials, setting up equipment, protecting surrounding surfaces, and keeping tools and supplies available.
• Assist with repairs to stairs, siding, trim, roofing components, and other interior and exterior structures.
• Learn to safely operate and maintain common carpentry hand tools and power tools, including saws, drills, sanders, and measuring equipment.
• Assist with removing and replacing damaged or deteriorated building materials.
• Perform basic maintenance and repair tasks independently as skills develop, subject to supervision and authorization.
• Keep work areas clean, organized, and safe; remove debris and properly store materials and equipment.
• Assist with loading, unloading, transporting, and organizing tools, equipment, and construction materials.
• Develop familiarity with blueprints, measurements, work orders, and technical instructions used in carpentry and building maintenance.
• Follow safety procedures, including proper use of personal protective equipment and safe handling of tools and materials.
• Travel with assigned Carpenters or other WHA personnel between participating housing authorities and properties throughout Western Massachusetts.
• Assist with emergency maintenance activities, including responses to fire, flood, snow removal, or other property-related emergencies as directed by management.
• Work from ladders or scaffolding and in cramped quarters, elevated areas, or other challenging environments, consistent with training and safety requirements.
• Learn new skills, accept constructive feedback, and progressively take on additional responsibilities.
• Perform similar job-related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed