Iowa State

Carpenter

Ames, IA Full time

Position Title:

Carpenter

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Four years of experience in the trade, including apprenticeship.

Special Required Qualifications

Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications:

-Industrial/commercial carpentry work.
-Experience in large square footage facility.
-Working with non-traditional construction materials.
-Experience with commercial locks, hardware, and components
-Experience with locksmithing tasks

Job Description:

Under general supervision, applies knowledge and skill at the level of a journeyworker to build and repair doors, frames and related components.  The carpenter will work with a team of locksmiths, system control technicians, and contractors to secure campus properties.  This position will have opportunities to work with many different components to accomplish work orders to further safety and security on campus.  This position is a crucial component of the DPS team assisting with specialized skills and solution finding. 

This position is for a person that wants to be challenged every day and accepts that no two days will be the same.  DPS offers a supportive work atmosphere while offering opportunities for new learning experiences.  DPS supports a collaborative and progressive work environment for all staff members while assisting the campus community. 

In addition to Iowa State University's standard background check, candidates are required to successfully complete additional background checks, thorough reference checks, and pre-employment health evaluation(s) in accordance with the Department of Public Safety's hiring practices. Employees must maintain a suitable background through out the duration of employment. 

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

• Constructs, installs, and repairs cabinets, doors, windows, screens, shades, blinds, furniture, seats, laminate materials and other components not available from commercial sources.  
• Constructs walls, ceilings and floors. Frames and installs doors and windows; insulates walls and performs demolition work as necessary.  
• Estimates, measures, fabricates and cuts metals for associated jobs using precision leveling equipment. Design and fabricate necessary metal and wood projects that do not necessarily have a planned design.  Fabricate one-off pieces to include, but not limited to: brackets, hangers, supports, etc. 
• Lays tile, linoleum, laminates, epoxies and various other kinds of coverings on floors and other surfaces; patches, repairs or replaces work and damaged floors; installs counter tops and covers other surfaces; cuts forms and adheres coverings to various shapes and types of surface; tapes and finishes dry wall.  
• Installs door closures, hinges, door stops, handles, related hardware and performs minor glazing. 
• Performs patching, repair and rust removal work for all types of walls and surfaces to a finished stage.  Full and partial removal of existing materials like door frames, cutting and final fitment of replacement parts, then surface preparation to provide smooth finished texture with tasks such as grinding, sanding, body filler and primer for final finishes and applies finishes as required. 
• Draws rough layouts and reads and interprets blueprints and drawings.

• Prepare estimates of materials and time needed to complete assigned jobs and orders materials as needed. 
• Erects and disassembles ladders and related equipment. 
• Assembles and disassembles all supports, structure, hangers, mounts (motorized or non-motorized) for audio visual equipment installations including ergonomic workstations.  May also rework existing building structure to allow for new or replacement projection screens. 
• Set up and tear down of office spaces. Ability to assemble and disassemble different types of modular office furniture.  Includes walls (with or without power and data capabilities), doors, shelves, desks, filing cabinets, etc.  Ability to recognize different manufacturers and their unique assembly requirements. 
• Assists in directing work and training of apprentices and other workers. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques used in the carpentry trade.

• Ability to perform the full range of carpentry tasks independently.

• Ability to interpret and follow carpentry instructions and specifications such as blueprints, manuals, sketches, and work orders.  
• Ability to operate safely and care for carpentry tools, machines and equipment.  
• Knowledge of materials used in carpentry and ability to determine materials needed for the job and prepare cost estimates.  
• Ability to lift or maneuver up to 100 pounds.  
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the trade.  
• Ability to erect ladders and work at heights. 
• Knowledge and working ability of computers for planning, organizing and ordering equipment and materials. 
• Ability to set up and tear down audiovisual equipment. 
• Knowledge of standard cleaning techniques, rust removal techniques, and characteristics of surfaces to be cleaned, and equipment and supplies required. 

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

5061a

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

November 7, 2025

Posting Close Date:

November 29, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R18079