Becoming a carpenter in Bryan, TX typically starts with an apprenticeship, which combines hands-on experience with classroom learning, allowing individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring many hours of training under licensed professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 352,779 carpenters nationwide, with a steady growth rate of 1.1% from 2019 to 2024. Apprentices earn an average of $458 per week in Bryan, TX, with an annual wage of approximately $23,816. Trade schools, unions, and platforms like Gild help aspiring carpenters find apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential—often exceeding $51,933 annually for experienced professionals.
About the position Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company, emphasizing the importance of its team members as the key to success. The company is committed to providing the necessary tools, training, and time for employees to perform their jobs productively while ensuring they return home safely each day. The goal is to build strong teams that contribute to building strong communities. Currently, Knife River is seeking a skilled bridge carpenter to join their team in Bryan, Texas. This position involves constructing rough wooden structures, including concrete forms, scaffolds, tunnel and sewer supports, and temporary frame shelters, based on sketches, blueprints, or oral instructions. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to safety and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. The bridge carpenter will be responsible for examining specifications to determine the dimensions of structures, measuring and cutting materials, and assembling components to create sturdy and reliable structures. The role requires a solid understanding of construction plans and the ability to use and maintain power equipment effectively. Candidates should be prepared to work flexible hours, including overtime, and must adhere strictly to safety policies and procedures. Knife River values diversity and encourages women, minorities, and veterans to apply, recognizing the transferable skills from military experience that align with the bridge carpenter position. Responsibilities • Examine specifications to determine dimensions of structure. , • Measure boards, timbers, or plywood using square, measuring tape, and ruler, marking cutting lines on materials using pencil and scriber. , • Saw boards and plywood panels to required sizes. , • Nail cleats (braces) across boards to construct concrete supporting forms. , • Brace forms in place with timbers, tie rods, and anchor bolts for use in building concrete piers, footings, and walls. , • Erect chutes for pouring concrete. , • Cut and assemble timbers to build trestles and cofferdams. , • Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures. , • Examine structural timbers and supports to detect decay, replacing timbers as required using hand tools, nuts, and bolts. , • Understand and comply with all Company Safety policies and procedures, ensuring proper safety scaffolding and equipment is in place while performing job duties. , • Secure and put away all tools, equipment, and materials at the end of each work day. , • Perform other duties as instructed. , • Maintain timely and regular attendance. Requirements • Have a valid Driver's License (preferred). , • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and physical. , • Must meet Knife River-South employment standards regarding background/MVR checks. , • Have basic carpentry skills. , • Have previous bridge carpentry/construction experience (preferred). , • Be able to read construction plans. , • Must have proper knowledge of using and maintaining any type of power equipment required to fulfill job description and possess the appropriate tools of the trade. , • Must be able to work overtime and be flexible with hours (daytime/nighttime). , • Ability to work outside in all seasons. , • Must have a 'safety first' attitude with strict adherence to safety requirements and procedures. Nice-to-haves • Experience in construction engineering or related military roles (e.g., Army Construction Engineering Technician, Marines Basic Engineer, Construction, and Equipment Marine, Navy Builders). Benefits • Paid Holidays , • Paid Time Off , • Medical Plans with GENEROUS Employer contributions and funding , • Health Savings Account , • Prescription Card , • Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Dependent Care , • Dental , • Vision , • Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance , • Company Paid Short Term Disability Income Replacement , • Company Paid Long Term Disability Income Replacement , • Profit Sharing , • 401(k) with Company Match , • Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents , • Critical Illness Plan , • Accident Coverage Plan , • Company Paid Employee Assistance Plan , • Travel Insurance , • Access to Legal Advice
See More Details >>Perform tasks involving physical labor at building, highway, and heavy construction projects, tunnel and shaft excavations, and demolition sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, clean up rubble and debris. May assist other craft workers. Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, and adjustment of machinery, equipment, and materials. Clean and prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards. Control traffic passing near, in, and around work zones. Lubricate and clean equipment and tools. Must have a valid Driver's License, CDL a plus. Job Requirements It is occasionally necessary to crawl, kneel & balance. It is frequently necessary to reach above shoulder level, crouch. It is continuously necessary to bend, squat, push/pull equipment. It is occasionally necessary to climb. In an 8 hour day, the employee can expect to stand about 4 hours and to walk about 3 hours. Frequently be required to carry loads up to and including 24 lbs. Frequently be required to lift loads up to and including 24 lbs. The job requires repetitive movement of both feet. Simple grasping with both hands is necessary. Fine manipulation with both hands is necessary. Firm grasping with both hands is necessary. Requires being around moving machinery, exposure to marked changes in temperature/humidity, driving automotive equipment, exposure to dust, fumes, and gases. VEVRAA Federal Contractor Request Priority Referral of Protected Veterans EOE Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Disabled We do not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, or national origin or because he or she is an individual with a disability or disabled veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, or active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, or thereinafter referred collectively as "protected veterans."
See More Details >>Job Overview: The construction laborer plays an essential role in assisting skilled tradesmen and ensuring smooth operations at a construction site. This position involves a variety of physical tasks related to building, maintaining, and repairing structures, ensuring that all materials and tools are readily available, and helping with the overall efficiency of the project. Description Responsibilities: • Assist in the preparation of construction sites by clearing debris, laying out materials, and ensuring all tools and equipment are organized. • Help with the loading, unloading, and moving of materials like bricks, lumber, concrete, and tools. • Dig trenches, operate hand tools, and assist in basic construction activities like mixing concrete and pouring foundations. • Carry out tasks such as demolition, clean-up, and basic maintenance of the site to keep it safe and organized. • Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean and safe working environment. • Assist with the setup and teardown of scaffolding and other temporary structures. • Follow instructions from supervisors or skilled workers and work as part of a team to ensure deadlines are met. Skills & Qualifications: • Ability to follow instructions and work under supervision. • Physical strength and stamina to perform manual labor tasks. • Knowledge of basic hand tools and construction equipment. • Familiarity with safety procedures on construction sites. • Strong attention to detail and reliability. Working Conditions: • Work is performed in outdoor environments, subject to weather conditions. • Must be comfortable with heavy lifting, bending, and standing for long periods. • Protective gear such as helmets, gloves, and safety boots must be worn. Education & Experience: • No formal education required, although high school diploma or equivalent is beneficial. • Previous experience in construction or similar labor roles is a plus.
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