About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. 

Job Summary

The Carpenter I, working within the Alterations Department, maintains and enhances campus buildings and related structures. This role involves applying carpentry techniques and utilizing tools to construct, alter, repair, and/or install walls, stairs, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, hardware, and other architectural elements. The Carpenter I collaborates on alteration projects, performs structural modifications, and ensures high-quality, safe work. This position requires inspecting structures, estimating required resources, and interpreting blueprints or sketches.

Essential Functions

• Maintain and enhance buildings and structures through alterations, including constructing, repairing, and installing walls, floors, ceilings, doors, windows, ramps, shelving, and other architectural elements.
• Participate in alteration projects by interpreting and/or drafting blueprints, sketches, and layouts for carpentry work.
• Inspect buildings to determine the need for carpentry repairs or alterations, estimating job costs and materials needed.
• Prepare and repair surfaces for various finishes, including applying paint, stain, or varnish to completed work as necessary.
• Erect and dismantle ladders, scaffolding, and staging to perform duties.
• Collaborate with other trades and staff to address maintenance and alteration tasks effectively, ensuring timely project completion.
• Perform structural repairs, alterations, or improvements, including replacing countertops, building partitions, and lowering ceilings.
• Operate tools and equipment such as hammers, saws, drills, calipers, and power tools for carpentry tasks.
• Ensure adherence to all safety regulations and use appropriate safety equipment, including climbing equipment and power tools.
• Provide technical assistance and functional supervision to team members when needed.
• Respond promptly to routine and emergency calls involving alterations.
• Operates departmental motor vehicle(s) to work sites.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as required or directed.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• At least two (2) years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in carpentry, woodworking, or cabinetmaking.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of carpentry principles, materials, and techniques.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, sketches, and work plans.
• Familiarity with safety practices, tools, and equipment used in carpentry, including power tools and climbing equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.

Preferred Qualifications

• Journeyman's qualifications in carpentry.
• Experience working in higher education or similar institutional environments.
• OSHA 10 certification and other safety-related training.
• Experience with asbestos awareness and handling safety protocols.

 Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to work in confined spaces and climb and work from ladders and scaffolds.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects.
• Physical stamina and endurance, ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to balance, pull, push, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist, and perform repetitive movements.

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday 6am-2pm.
• This position may require off-shift hours and emergency call response as necessary.

Salary Information

AFSCME Grade 15.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.