At Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia (“HFHP”), we are builders who work alongside, not for, others. We are driven by accountability and defined by our stick-to-itiveness. Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s (HFHP) BUILD Department directly improves the living conditions of low-income families by creating safe, healthy, affordable dwellings through the construction of new multi- and single-unit new housing, rehab projects, and owner-occupied home repair work.  HFHP also creates opportunities for career development in the trades through its Carpentry Fellowship program. The Carpentry Fellowship is a 1–2-year entry-level program designed to provide the introductory skills and hands on experience needed to start a carpentry career in residential home construction.

Position Overview  

The Carpentry Fellowship Instructor will train and mentor 2-4 Carpentry Fellows in all carpentry phases of residential home construction. The instructor will join the BUILD team as the Carpentry Fellowship Program prepares to launch its first cohort of fellowship opportunities and will lead the development of the training curriculum. With rehab and new home construction projects as the training lab, the instructor will teach fellows the basics of residential home construction and oversee them as they practice their skills on active construction sites.   The Carpentry Fellows is the primary workforce, and the Carpentry Fellowship Instructor will lead the carpentry work on all rehab projects active in HFHP’s portfolio. The instructor will also work to create volunteer work opportunities on rehab projects.

Key Responsibility: Carpentry Fellowship Program- Development and Instruction  

• Lead the development of classroom and hands-on training curriculum that will provide a thorough introduction to the primary areas of carpentry in residential home construction: rough framing, decking, siding, flooring, drywall, door and window installation, flooring, trim, kitchen and bath installs, and painting.

• Promote and demonstrate industry best practices in areas such as: tool and equipment skills training, material uses and specifications, installation techniques, and building science principles.

• Teach and uphold safety standards following OSHA and EPA guidelines at all times; coach fellows in how to create and maintain a work site that is safe, healthy, and efficient.

• Provide mentoring and coaching to each fellowship member to assist them in reaching their individual career goals; lead with an attitude of respect and approachability at all times.

• Coordinate with fellows and key members of staff for scheduling of external training opportunities.

Key Responsibility Area: Rehab Construction   

• Lead and oversee the labor force on active rehab projects: Carpentry Fellows and Volunteers.

• Coordinate with Project Managers and Sr. Manager of Construction teams to advance the progress of all carpentry and general building phases of the project and deliver work as per plan, budget, and schedule.

• Plan and execute work through a lens of opportunity and access for those interested in gaining new skills and contributing to Habitat’s efforts.

• Oversee volunteer opportunities by assigning work that is appropriate for volunteer workers and providing planning and technical assistance for successful workdays.

Required Education, Experience, Knowledge & Skills: 

• Strong carpentry background, skills in other home construction trades also encouraged, minimum of 7 years of related work or educational experience

• Ability to work across a range of home building tasks including rough framing and decking; installation of windows, doors, finish trim, flooring, and kitchen and bath installs/renovation; hanging and installing drywall; siding and exterior finishes.

• Experience with teaching, mentoring, or instruction.

• A high degree of emotional intelligence and ability to effectively communicate with a broad and diverse audience.

• Strong planning, and organizational skills with demonstrated experience managing tasks and projects.

• Proficient computer and tech competencies:the ability to check and send emails, and operate a tablet/iPad to utilize project management programs and communication software.

• Understanding of the Habitat for Humanity philosophy and the desire to promote it.

• Professional attitude and strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with volunteers and in diverse populations.

• Ability to maintain a posture of respect and compassion when working with people who are in difficult life circumstances.

• Valid driver’s license with no major violations in the last 3 years.

Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge & Skills:  

• Ability to read architectural drawings

• Understanding of energy efficiency and house-as-a-system best practices

• Knowledge of or experience in a variety of building trades: plumbing, electric, HVAC, masonry, roofing

• Familiarity with local building codes and permitting process

Physical Requirements to Perform Duties: 

• Ability to perform all construction duties, such as: lifting up to 50 lbs; working in unconditioned workspaces in the heat of summer and cold of winter

• Comfortable working at heights and on ladders and scaffolding

Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, paid vacation, sick time, and holidays. Salary is commensurate with experience.

To Apply:  Please send your resume and salary requirements through the Indeed application portal by July 21, 2023.  No calls, please.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy 

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, familial status, source of income status, domestic or sexual abuse victim status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local law in any employment-related decision, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.