Head Carpenter

Chicago Scenic is the 45-year innovator of immersive, powerful experiences that delight people and get them talking. As a long-time custom fabrication and design studio we’re a unique mix of collaborative storytellers, producers, designers, maker geniuses, project managers and much more. Our wide experience includes everything from the design and fabrication of museum exhibits, themed entertainment, interactive experiences, theatrical and finish construction.

Overview: CSSI is seeking an experienced and skilled Head Carpenter to lead the department, oversee staff, and ensure high-quality fabrication and finish standards. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, technical expertise in woodworking and fabrication, and the ability to collaborate effectively with other departments. 

Responsibilities:

  • Communicate effectively with other Department Heads, Job Leads, Project Managers, and the Director of Operations.
  • Manage department staff, including scheduling, weekly timecard approval, training, mentoring, supervising tasks, performance evaluations, etc.
  • Oversee and assist Project Leads in planning and resourcing labor and materials.
  • Specify and work with Procurement in sourcing and ordering materials projects and inventory.
  • Ensure quality fabrication standards and proper techniques are used.
  • Lead QA/QC process ensuring all work meets projects requirements and specifications.
  • Assist project managers and project leads with maintaining budgets and schedules, identifying and offering solutions proactively.
  • Assist Job Leads with fabrication, packing, installation, and facilitation for projects
  • Work with Director of Operation and VP of Projects in developing and reviewing Bid estimates as needed.
  • Supervise adherence to safety policies and practices, to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Maintain a clean and safe shop.
  • Lead Tool Maintenance, repair and replacement process.
  • As needed, attend onsite calls for preplanning, installation, maintenance and repair of projects.
  • Develop, research and implement new procedures, processes, materials, equipment and systems to improve and gain efficiency.

Qualifications:

  • Must have excellent communication skills and desire to work as part of a team with a “lead by example mentality”.
  • Proficient in project planning, with the ability to read and interpret drawings, sketches, and project specifications (physical and electronic) to fully grasp project scope and requirements
  • Experience leading teams, labor resourcing, and delegating task
  • Significant experience in woodworking and fabrication techniques, across a broad range of project requirement, including Exhibit, casework and millwork
  • Extensive experience with wood working and fabrication tools and machines, (stationary and Portable), CNC Experience highly desired.
  • Knowledgeable with materials related to woodworking (lumber, adhesives, hardware, plastics)
  • Detail oriented to maintain quality standards, schedules and budgets
  • Experience with Project management software (ProCore, MS Project), beneficial. • Capable of performing physically demanding tasks, including lifting and moving heavy items, 50lbs solo and more than 50lbs with assistance.
  • Must be able to work periodic overtime
  • Available to travel for job-related installs, maintenance and repair as needed.
  • 3-5 years of professional experience in a regional theatre, commercial scene shop, or similar environment desirable.

CSSI is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.

Please send a resume to recruiting@chicagoscenic.com, This is an hourly position with a base rate of $42.54 and includes benefits as specified by the collective bargaining agreement and company handbook.