Lead Carpenter

Description

At Buffalo Builders, our people are the backbone of every project. We don’t just build structures—we build teams, careers, and communities. As part of our Self-Perform Division, you’ll help us take greater ownership of our projects by completing critical scopes of work in-house with speed, quality, and pride in craftsmanship.

The Lead Carpenter / Interior Trades Specialist is an experienced, hands-on construction professional responsible for executing structural and architectural interior scopes across Buffalo Construction’s commercial projects. This position is designed for a versatile tradesperson who can step onto a job site, understand the plans, identify what needs to be done, and execute the work at a high level.

From framing and drywall to doors, millwork, and finish carpentry, this role helps keep our projects moving by tackling critical work in-house rather than relying solely on subcontractors.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Perform and lead a variety of self-perform construction scopes on active commercial job sites
• Read and interpret commercial architectural drawings, plans, details, and specifications
• Perform accurate field layouts based on construction documents and existing conditions
• Identify and install required backing for cabinetry, sinks, handrails, accessories, equipment, and other wall-mounted items
• Frame walls and structures using both wood framing and commercial metal stud framing systems
• Hang, tape, mud, sand, and finish drywall to a high-quality finished standard
• Install Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) wall panels in commercial kitchens, restrooms, and other applicable spaces
• Install architectural millwork, cabinetry, molding, baseboards, trim, and other finish carpentry
• Install pre-hung doors, frames, and finish hardware
• Perform punch-list, repair, and corrective work as needed to keep projects on schedule
• Troubleshoot field conditions and develop practical solutions when unexpected issues arise
• Coordinate work with Superintendents, Project Managers, subcontractors, and other Buffalo Builders
• Help direct and mentor less-experienced members of the Self-Perform team
• Plan work efficiently, including identifying required tools, materials, and manpower
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area
• Safely operate hand and power tools appropriate to assigned scopes
• Follow all Buffalo Construction safety policies, procedures, and OSHA requirements
• Maintain Buffalo’s standards for quality, professionalism, and craftsmanship on every project

Required Qualifications: 

• 5+ years of carpentry, commercial construction, or related skilled-trades experience
• Strong experience with commercial metal stud framing
• Experience with wood framing and rough carpentry
• Proficiency in drywall hanging, taping, mudding, sanding, and finishing
• Experience with finish carpentry, including trim, doors, hardware, cabinetry, and millwork
• Ability to independently read and interpret commercial construction drawings
• Strong layout, measuring, cutting, and installation skills
• Ability to identify backing and blocking requirements from architectural plans and field conditions
• Ability to independently plan and execute assigned scopes with minimal supervision
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing job site conditions
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality finished work
• Ability to communicate effectively with field leadership, project teams, and other trades
• Ability to perform physical labor, including lifting up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying job site conditions
• Reliable transportation to job sites
• Own and provide standard hand tools appropriate for the trade, including hammer, snips, Kleins, nail pouch, mud pan, drywall knife, tape measure, level, pliers, crescent wrench, square, screwdrivers, chalk line, pry bar, and similar tools. Power tools will be provided by Buffalo Builders.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working on commercial interiors, restaurant, retail, or similar fast-paced commercial construction projects
• Experience installing FRP wall systems
• Experience with acoustical ceilings and insulation
• Experience installing commercial doors, frames, and hardware
• Experience leading or mentoring other carpenters or laborers in the field
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification (Buffalo will provide certification if needed)

What Success Looks Like: 

A successful Lead Self-Performing Carpenter is someone the project team can count on when work needs to get done. You can review the plans, understand the scope, gather what you need, and execute the work without constant direction.

You take pride in the details, understand the importance of schedule, and are willing to jump between scopes when the project requires it. Whether you’re framing a wall, finishing drywall, installing millwork, hanging doors, or knocking out a punch list, your goal is the same: do quality work and keep the project moving.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements: 

• Work is performed primarily on active commercial construction sites
• Requires standing, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting for extended periods
• Must be comfortable working from ladders and lifts when required
• Regular exposure to construction noise, dust, tools, equipment, and outdoor elements
• Travel to Buffalo Construction project sites may be required based on project needs

Schedule: 

• Full-time position
• Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings or weekend work based on project schedules
• Schedule and location may vary depending on active project needs

Why Join Our Team: 

At Buffalo, we believe great projects start with great people. Our Self-Perform Division gives skilled tradespeople the opportunity to take ownership of their work, expand their capabilities, and play an important role in the success of our projects.

We offer:

• Competitive pay based on experience and skill level
• Steady commercial construction work
• Opportunities for advancement as our Self-Perform Division grows
• Hands-on work across a variety of commercial construction scopes
• Opportunities to develop leadership skills and mentor other Buffalo Builders
• A team-oriented culture built around Celebration, Commitment, Compassion, and Continuous Improvement
• A company that values craftsmanship, accountability, safety, and getting the job done right

If you’re an experienced carpenter who enjoys solving problems, working across multiple trades, and taking pride in seeing a project come together, we’d love to have you on the Buffalo Builders team.