Careers in Construction
Build a career in the trades with Otter Brook Builders!
Build something that lasts! At Otter Brook Builders, we're growing a team of passionate people who take pride in crafting high-quality, energy-efficient homes in Vermont. We're looking for sharp, driven people from a variety of professional backgrounds who have the aptitude, discipline, and work ethic that translate naturally into a rewarding career in construction.
Why Work for Otter Brook Builders?
An Ideal Working Environment
We’re not your average construction company. We're a small, tightly-knit crew focused on building beautiful, sustainable homes in Vermont, and we believe that the people doing the work deserve to have a real voice in how it gets done. Here, you'll work directly alongside our company owner and have genuine input on operational decisions. We provide the tools and training for you to succeed, then give you the space and autonomy to execute.
We specialize in residential construction with a focus on sustainable, energy-efficient building practices. That means the work you do here is meaningful for both homeowners and our environment. If you're looking for a sustainable construction job in Vermont where your craft makes a real difference, you've found the right place.
A Trade Job with Benefits
Competitive hourly pay ($33–$50/hour for experienced crew leads)
Simple IRA with 2% company match (after 6 months)
81 hours of PTO annually (after 6 months)
1% sales bonus for employee referrals
All power tools provided
Professional development opportunities and resources
4-day work week: 10-hour days, Fridays off
Year-round, stable employment (no winter layoffs)
Paid, on-the-job carpentry training
Team environment with mission-driven coworkers
On-the-Job Carpentry Training
Grow Your Skills With Us
One of the things that sets Otter Brook Builders apart is our commitment to growing the next generation of Vermont carpenters. We don't just hire for what you know, we hire for how you think, how you work, and how quickly you can grow. Then, we help you translate your existing skills and strengths into doing your best carpentry work. From day one, you'll be working alongside skilled tradespeople who are invested in your career development.
Here's how we support your growth:
Paid, hands-on training from experienced crew members
Free attendance to 1–2 building industry conferences per year to stay current on the latest techniques and materials
Free subscriptions to leading construction and building magazines and online resources
Unlimited budget for books relevant to construction and the building trades
Clear advancement track: move from Apprentice to Journeyman Carpenter to Crew Lead as your skills develop
Check-ins with the owner every 6 months to review your goals and progress
Your typical career path at Otter Brook Builders:
Apprentice Carpenter: Learn the fundamentals of residential framing, finishing, and construction. Work alongside experienced carpenters, build your tool knowledge, and develop the habits of a skilled tradesperson.
Journeyman Carpenter: Demonstrate your craftsmanship and efficiency on the job site. You'll be trusted to read and interpret blueprints and execute high-quality work independently.
Crew Lead: Lead a crew of 1–3 carpenters, delegate tasks, mentor newer team members, and coordinate with subcontractors. This is where strong decision-making and communication come into play.
Carpentry Crew Lead
Are you a seasoned residential carpenter who's ready to step into a leadership role? As a Crew Lead at Otter Brook Builders, you'll manage a crew of 1–3 carpenters on active job sites with minimal supervision. You'll delegate tasks, teach new skills to up-and-coming carpenters, and serve as the primary point of contact for subcontractors on site. The ideal candidate is a calm, decisive problem-solver who can keep things moving even when the pace is hectic.
Pay: $40–$50 per hour
Open Carpentry Positions
Take the first step toward a sought-after career in construction and sustainable homebuilding in Vermont. Apply for a residential carpentry position today!
Journeyman Carpenter
This position is built for residential carpenters who want to let their craftsmanship do the talking. As a Journeyman Carpenter, you'll focus on executing high-quality work with an eye for both efficiency and aesthetics. You won't be expected to lead a crew or manage subcontractors. Your job is to build excellent homes. Strong blueprint reading skills and a solid understanding of residential construction are a must. This is a great opportunity for an experienced residential carpenter looking to grow in a supportive, small-team environment.
Pay: $30–$40 per hour
Apprentice Carpenter
We hire smart people from a variety of backgrounds who have the right skills, attitude, and experience. If you value precision and are an expert problem-solver, our Apprentice Carpenter position may be for you. You'll spend your days learning hands-on from Journeyman Carpenters and Crew Leads, picking up skills in framing, finishing, and all aspects of residential homebuilding. While some of the work will be entry-level tasks, every day is an opportunity to observe, absorb, and advance. This is one of the best residential carpentry jobs in Vermont for someone looking to launch a trade career with real mentorship and a clear path forward.
Pay: $28–$30 per hour
Apply Now!
To apply for an open position, please send your cover letter and resumé to austin@otterbrookbuilders.com
Frequently Asked Questions
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We hire people who demonstrate strong problem-solving ability, a sharp attention to detail, and the drive to master a demanding craft. Many of our best team members have come from other industries.
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New hires are required to have a tool belt and basic hand tools. All power tools are supplied by Otter Brook Builders, so there's no major upfront cost to getting started. Here's the basic tool list we ask every employee to have:
Tool bags
Hammer
Cat's paw
7" metal speed square
Utility knife
25' tape measure
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Yes. This is stable, year-round outdoor employment. We work in all weather conditions, including rain and snow. The only exceptions are truly dangerous conditions such as high winds, temperatures below 0°F, or temperatures above 110°F. If you've been looking for a trade job with benefits that doesn't disappear in the winter, Otter Brook Builders offers just that.
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We begin the day at 7am with a morning meeting to review the day's plan and how it fits into our weekly goals for the project. The Crew Lead delegates tasks, confirms materials are stocked, and gets everyone moving. We break for an unpaid lunch from noon to 1pm. Work continues through the afternoon until 4:30pm, when we begin cleaning up. We're out by 5pm. Our 4-day work week means you have every Friday to yourself.
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Advancement is tied directly to your performance. Every 6 months, you'll meet with the owner to review your progress on your SMART goals. Employees who consistently hit their goals receive a commensurate raise. The pace of advancement is largely up to you—the more you grow, the more you earn.
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Yes. Carpentry and residential construction are physically demanding trades. You can expect long days on your feet, lifting heavy materials, working at heights, and operating in variable Vermont weather. If you're up for the challenge, the rewards are well worth it!
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We think so! Carpentry is one of the few careers where you can see the results of your work every single day. It is also the backbone of the construction industry, and the demand has never been higher. As a carpenter, you will benefit from steady work, strong pay, and real career growth without an expensive education.
Contact Us
Got a question about a career in residential construction and carpentry at Otter Brook Builders? Ready to apply for an open position? Reach out to us today.
Email:
Call:
(802) 324-0934
To Apply for a Job:
Send your cover letter and resumé to: