Carpenters

Also called: Aluminum Siding Applicator, Aluminum Siding Installer, Aluminum Siding Mechanic, Asbestos Siding Mechanic, Assembled Wood Products Repairer

Carpenters

Varies

estimated salary

A carpenter constructs, erects, installs, or repairs structures and fixtures made of wood and comparable materials, such as concrete forms; building frameworks, including partitions, joists, studding, and rafters; and wood stairways, window and door frames, and hardwood floors. May also install cabinets, siding, drywall, and batt or roll insulation. Includes brattice builders who build doors or brattices (ventilation walls or partitions) in underground passageways.

  • Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.
  • Study specifications in blueprints, sketches, or building plans to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials required.
  • Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk, and marking gauge.
  • Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
  • Install structures or fixtures, such as windows, frames, floorings, trim, or hardware, using carpenters' hand or power tools.
  • Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level.
  • Select and order lumber or other required materials.
  • Arrange for subcontractors to deal with special areas, such as heating or electrical wiring work.
  • Maintain records, document actions, and present written progress reports.
  • Build or repair cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, or other wooden fixtures used in buildings, using woodworking machines, carpenter's hand tools, or power tools.
  • Erect scaffolding or ladders for assembling structures above ground level.
  • Anchor and brace forms and other structures in place, using nails, bolts, anchor rods, steel cables, planks, wedges, and timbers.
  • Inspect ceiling or floor tile, wall coverings, siding, glass, or woodwork to detect broken or damaged structures.
  • Assemble and fasten materials to make frameworks or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins, or glue.
  • Bore boltholes in timber, masonry or concrete walls, using power drill.
  • Maintain job records and schedule work crew.
  • Remove damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and repair or replace, using hand tools.
  • Install rough door and window frames, subflooring, fixtures, or temporary supports in structures undergoing construction or repair.
  • Finish surfaces of woodwork or wallboard in houses or buildings, using paint, hand tools, or paneling.
  • Examine structural timbers and supports to detect decay, and replace timbers as required, using hand tools, nuts, and bolts.
  • Apply shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, or decorative paneling to ceilings or walls.
  • Cover subfloors with building paper to keep out moisture and lay hardwood, parquet, or wood-strip-block floors by nailing floors to subfloor or cementing them to mastic or asphalt base.
  • Fill cracks or other defects in plaster or plasterboard and sand patch, using patching plaster, trowel, and sanding tool.
  • Perform minor plumbing, welding, or concrete mixing work.
  • Prepare cost estimates for clients or employers.
  • Construct forms or chutes for pouring concrete.
  • Build sleds from logs and timbers for use in hauling camp buildings and machinery through wooded areas.
  • Work with or remove hazardous material.
  • Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • 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.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Clean work sites.
  • Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
  • Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
  • Mark reference points on construction materials.
  • Cut wood components for installation.
  • Install building fixtures.
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Knowledge

Building and Construction
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Design
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Skills

Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring
  • Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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Abilities

Manual Dexterity
  • The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Trunk Strength
  • The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Visualization
  • The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
Operating system software
  • Microsoft Windows Hot Technology
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
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