Carpenter Helper

POSITION SUMMARY: The Worcester Housing Authority (WHA) is expanding its skilled Trades team into Western Massachusetts as part of a subsidized regional maintenance initiative designed to support neighboring housing authorities. Recognized for its high standards of property maintenance, operational excellence, and commitment to quality public housing, WHA is extending its expertise and resources to assist housing authorities facing maintenance backlogs, staffing challenges, and property improvement needs. As part of this initiative, the Carpenter Helper will work alongside experienced WHA Carpenters, providing hands-on assistance with carpentry, repairs, renovations, and general property maintenance at housing authority properties throughout Western Massachusetts. This is a field-based position that will primarily serve the greater Springfield area and surrounding communities, rather than a single, fixed worksite. The role is full-time and benefits-eligible, with regular business hours Monday-Friday 8am-4:30PM EST. This junior opportunity is ideal for an individual interested in developing a career in the skilled trades. Through practical experience, on-the-job training, and mentorship from experienced tradespeople, the Carpenter Helper will gain exposure to both rough and finish carpentry while contributing to WHA's mission of improving housing conditions and maintaining safe, quality homes for public housing residents. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Assists Carpenters with the installation, maintenance, and repair of doors, windows, frames, flooring, ceilings, walls, cabinets, and other building components. Supports rough and finish carpentry projects, including measuring, cutting, assembling, and installing building materials under the direction of experienced Carpenters. Prepares work areas by gathering materials, setting up equipment, protecting surrounding surfaces, and ensuring tools and supplies are readily available. Assists with repairs to stairs, siding, trim, roofing components, and other interior and exterior building structures. Learns to safely operate and maintain common carpentry hand tools and power tools, including saws, drills, sanders, and measuring equipment. Assists with the removal and replacement of damaged or deteriorated building materials. Performs basic maintenance and repair tasks independently as skills and experience develop, subject to appropriate supervision and authorization. Maintains clean, organized, and safe work areas, including removing debris and properly storing materials and equipment. Assists with loading, unloading, transporting, and organizing tools, equipment, and construction materials. Develops familiarity with blueprints, measurements, work orders, and technical instructions used in carpentry and building maintenance. Follows established safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment and safe handling of tools and materials. Travels with assigned Carpenters or other WHA personnel between participating housing authorities and properties throughout Western Massachusetts. Assists with emergency maintenance activities, including response to fire, flood, snow removal, or other property-related emergencies as directed by management. May work from ladders or scaffolding and in cramped quarters, elevated areas, or other challenging work environments, consistent with training and applicable safety requirements. Demonstrates a willingness to learn new skills, accept constructive feedback, and progressively take on additional responsibilities. Performs similar job-related duties as assigned. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED: High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Previous experience in carpentry, construction, building maintenance, or a related trade preferred but not required. Interest in pursuing a career in carpentry or the skilled trades, with a willingness to participate in hands-on training and professional development. Basic familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and construction materials preferred. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and work effectively under the direction of experienced tradespeople. Basic math and measuring skills, including the ability to use a tape measure and perform simple calculations. Ability to work both 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 providing quality service to 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 in a timely and efficient manner. Capable of meeting 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. ENVIRONMENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This position requires working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and may involve heavy or strenuous physical activity. May encounter undesirable pests. Ability to work in a public housing environment, including occupied and unoccupied units, common spaces, mechanical rooms, roofs, and exterior property areas. Work may involve exposure to heat, cold, humidity, rain, snow, dust, dirt, and other environmental conditions. Work environments may include fumes, odors, chemicals, construction dust, grass, weeds, pollen, and noise associated with maintenance and construction activities. Duties may require working in confined spaces, on ladders, or in elevated locations, subject to appropriate training, supervision, and safety precautions. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Constant (over 70% of the time): Repetitive arm/hand movement, eyesight and hearing, bending and twisting at the waist, reaching above shoulder level, lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds, and handling tools and materials. Frequent (30–70% of the time): Lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing ladders, kneeling, squatting, standing, walking, and assisting with the movement of construction materials. Occasional (10–30% of the time): Sitting, lifting up to 75 pounds, pushing and pulling, crawling, climbing stairs, and working in awkward or restricted positions. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Worcester Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.