Lead Carpenter - Big Creek Reserve

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 05-06-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The University of California Natural Reserve System (NRS) is a unique assemblage of 42 protected sites throughout California. The reserves encompass nearly all of the state's major ecosystems, preserved in as undisturbed a condition as possible to support University-level research and teaching programs. The NRS is a Trustee Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act, and UC manages the NRS resources in the Public Trust. The five NRS sites that form the UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) unit are spread along 60 miles of the central coast: Ano Nuevo Island Reserve (25 acres), Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve (8,000 acres), Fort Ord Natural Reserve (606 acres), Younger Lagoon Reserve (47 acres) and Strathearn Ranch in the Diablo Mountains in San Benito County. The UCSC NRS also administers the UCSC Campus Natural Reserve (400 acres) and the Santa Cruz Mountains Reserve. Each reserve has unique research and teaching opportunities, physical conditions and constraints, regional and local political considerations, and funding and administration issues. The mission of the Natural Reserve System is to contribute to the understanding and wise management of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research, and public service at protected natural areas throughout California.

More information can be found at: https://bigcreekreserve.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Resident Director, the Lead Carpenter performs detailed carpentry work on specific, defined facilities projects at Big Creek Reserve which include, assessments, repairs, preventative maintenance and documentation. The Lead Carpenter performs inspections, repairs, replacements, renovations, and new construction functions on natural reserves buildings, outbuildings, campgrounds and related infrastructure.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $52.86/hour.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Mid-Level benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Limited appointment

Job End Date: 5 months from date of hire, with possibility of extension

Work Location: Off Campus - Big Creek Reserve

Union Representation: K7 Union

Job Code Classification: 008109 (CARPENTER LD)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

70% - Renovation/Construction

• Work from blueprints, simple drawings or verbal directions.
• Perform remodeling and replacement of walls, windows, doors, floors, siding, decks and roofs.
• Perform rough carpentry construction of walls consisting of metal, wood, block, or cement; form, pour, and finish concrete; framing of windows and doors.
• Perform installation of floor, deck, and ceiling joists; hang both metal and wood doors, sheet rock and/or other surface materials.
• Perform finish carpentry work of cabinets, drawers, hardwood flooring, moldings, shelving.
• Use a combination of materials and methods suitable to each construction application (rough or finish).

25% - Maintenance

• Inspect building interiors and exteriors for deficiencies in systems, equipment, or deterioration of building elements.
• Perform various maintenance and construction tasks on various structures, including but not limited to patching of floors, walls and roofs.
• Repair and/or replace doors, windows, etc. in various wood frame or metal frame buildings, enclosures, sheds, etc.
• Repair and or replace broken hardware, pipes, and fixtures in bathrooms not requiring a plumber.

5% - Tools and Purchasing

• As necessary, perform millwork using saws, planers, sanders, shapers, drills, and other power tools using proper safety procedures.
• Inspect and request necessary repairs and adjustments to the shop's tools and equipment.
• Order parts and materials as required.
• Drive University trucks to hardware stores and lumber yards in town to purchase materials.
• Keep records and receipts for documentation and accounting requirements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five years experience in building construction, renovation, repair, remodeling.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize work.
• Wood framing experience.
• Finish carpentry experience.
• Ability to analyze building envelopes to determine possible water intrusion sources and repairs needed.
• Knowledge of safety procedures to operate saws, planers, shapers, drill press, band saw, and other power tools.
• Ability to handle difficult situations by responding in a proactive and adaptable manner.
• Must possess interpersonal skills sufficient to interact and work effectively with members of the campus community.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and documents; knowledge of specifications of products in building plans.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in the installation and repair of plumbing fixtures and systems.
  Ten years experience in construction, including interior/exterior building repair and maintenance, sheet rock application, door/window hanging, hardware installation, concrete forming/pouring, roofing, interior and exterior finishing.
• Ability to work in remote locations in a largely wilderness setting.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Ability to work long periods of time in wilderness conditions and to travel to remote areas.
• Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
• Ability to do occasional work in confined spaces such as attics and trenches while bending, stooping and/or kneeling with the possibility of being exposed to live electrical circuits and machinery.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation.
• Ability to conduct outdoor site visits, including use of required personal protective equipment, as required to conduct investigations, inspections, or view work in place.
• Ability to sustain exposure to dusty, noisy environments and inclement weather as necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work a variable schedule.
• Ability to work safely in areas where hazardous materials are present or stored.
• Ability to wear a respirator in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 8, 5144.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• Ability to travel within a defined regional or service area.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.