Star Team Lead Carpenter - Facilities Services - UTK

Star Team Lead Carpenter serve as Facilities Services' rapid-response team, supporting both new and existing researchers. As a member of this team, they must demonstrate leadership, collaborate effectively, and be knowledgeable in multiple trades. This role is primarily responsible for carpentry (90%) and assists other trades such as plumbing and electrical as needed (10%) to include evaluating researcher needs, renovating lab spaces, installing equipment, and ensuring smooth transitions for new researchers. The role also involves resolving daily operational issues, coordinating with internal staff and external contractors, and ensuring uninterrupted lab operations.

• Build containment areas to maintain safety and cleanliness during construction in active lab environments.
• Set up rigging systems to assist in moving heavy research equipment upon request.
• Repair or modify cabinetry to meet evolving lab layout or operational needs.
• Ensure all carpentry work complies with applicable building codes and regulations.
• General Construction & Carpentry: Perform advanced commercial construction work, including layout, repair, and maintenance of labs, buildings and structures.
• Construct, repair, and maintain rough frame wood and light steel stud structures, including floors, walls, roofs, stairs, decks, ramps, fences, and gates.
• Execute finish carpentry tasks, including constructing and installing cabinets, counter tops, laminate constructions, interior and exterior trim, and wainscoting.
• Install, repair, and maintain windows and frames, doors and frames, screens, and finish hardware systems.
• Masonry Work: Perform general commercial masonry, including the layout of block and brick corners.
• Conduct basic masonry repairs, including work on block, brick, pre-cast stone, and tile.
• Form, pour, and finish concrete sidewalks, pads, and foundations. 
• Provide technical assistance, mentorship, guidance, and training for Carpenter I, II, and Senior I personnel.
• Review completed work to ensure it meets standards and correct any complex unsafe or dangerous conditions.
• Assist in the supervision of work crews by assigning duties and reviewing work for compliance with instructions.
• Material Management & Estimation: Order supplies and pull materials needed for various projects.
• Conduct site measurements, estimate material takeoffs, and prepare orders for supplies and equipment.
• Prepare designs and sketches for some design/build carpentry projects.   
• Communication & Coordination: Communicate effectively with all shops, customers, and contractors within and outside the university.
• Participate in work assignments from the beginning to the end of the project, ensuring all tasks are completed to specifications.
• Follow blueprints and specifications to ensure accurate work. 
• Specialized Tasks: Install drywall, partitions, floor tile, ceiling tile, and shingle and metal roof systems.
• Hang shelving, whiteboards, signs, and other items as needed.
• Perform selective demolition and removal of construction debris.
• Operate and maintain stationary woodworking equipment, including table saws, band saws, boring machines, planers, jointers, and shapers.
• Operate power hand tools, including jigsaws, reciprocating saws, drills, hammer drills, drivers, impact drivers, and screw guns.
• Operate personnel lifts (platform or boom) and forklifts as needed for projects.     
• Quality Assurance: Conduct walk-through of jobs to ensure work orders are completed correctly and to a high standard.
• Actively seek opportunities to improve carpentry and construction practices on campus.   
• Assume the responsibilities of the Carpentry Foreman in their absence, including overseeing projects and ensuring timely completion.
• Assist other STAR Team Members in plumbing, electrical, and other duties assigned.              

• Required Education and Experience:  
  • Nine (9) years of experience or trade school and experience. (Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis)

• Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Skilled in the safe operation of power tools. 

  • Skilled in all aspects of blueprint reading, measurements, and symbols. 

  • Ability to train and supervise junior carpenters and manage work crews effectively.

  • Knowledge of building codes and regulations. 

  • Strong knowledge of both rough and finish carpentry techniques, as well as basic masonry practices.

  • Knowledge of general carpentry technology and fundamental principles of structural layouts, dimensions, and components.                                 

  • Ability to read and interpret oral and written instructions. 

  • Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

  • Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, climbing, and working at heights.

  • This position involves working in various environments, including indoor and outdoor settings, with exposure to different weather conditions and potential hazards.

  • Knowledgeable in other trades areas such as plumbing and electrical

• Other Conditions: 
  • Valid Driver’s license
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Work Location

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR08
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute.  The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.