Overview

DeadTree General Contracting is seeking a skilled residential remodeler, lead carpenter, or journeyman-level tradesperson for residential remodeling and repair work throughout Southern Illinois.

This position is intended for someone with real field experience who can help move jobs forward without needing every step explained from the beginning. We need someone who understands jobsite sequencing, basic framing/layout, residential remodeling, customer-occupied homes, and quality workmanship.

This is not primarily an entry-level apprentice position. Apprentice-level applicants may still be considered, but this posting is focused on finding someone with more developed construction ability.

We are also open to former contractors or business owners who are tired of chasing estimates, bookkeeping, scheduling, collections, and administrative work but still want to build and produce quality work in the field.

Duties

Perform residential remodeling, repair, and property improvement work.
Assist with or independently complete framing, subfloor repair, drywall, flooring, siding, decking, porch repairs, bathroom remodels, kitchen remodels, trim, finish work, and general repairs.
Read a tape measure accurately and make clean, accurate cuts.
Lay out basic framing, blocking, sheet goods, and substrate repairs correctly.
Understand that drywall, subfloor, sheathing, plywood, OSB, and other sheet goods must land on proper framing or solid backing.
Identify rot, water damage, framing issues, unsafe wiring, plumbing concerns, or other hidden conditions before covering them up.
Work safely in occupied residential homes.
Protect customer property, maintain a clean jobsite, and communicate professionally.
Ask questions when something is unclear instead of guessing or creating rework.
Help train or guide lower-skilled helpers when needed, depending on experience level.
Communicate with the owner about delays, field issues, missing materials, damage, scope questions, and scheduling concerns.

Types of Work

Our projects may include:

Bathroom remodels
Shower conversions
Kitchen remodels
Decks and porches
Framing and structural repairs
Subfloor repairs
Drywall and finishing
Flooring installation
Siding, soffit, and fascia
Roofing repairs
Property maintenance
General residential remodeling

This is a multi-trade remodeling position. We are not looking for someone who only wants to do one narrow task every day. We need someone who can think through jobsite conditions, adapt, and help produce forward progress.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate may be one of the following:

Skilled residential remodeler
Journeyman-level carpenter
Lead carpenter
Experienced framing carpenter
Bathroom or kitchen remodeler
Deck builder
Former contractor or business owner
Licensed plumber seeking part-time project work
Certified carpenter or experienced trade professional
Retired or semi-retired tradesman seeking supplemental work

Strong candidates should be comfortable with several of the following:

Reading a tape measure accurately
Laying out basic framing
Understanding 16-inch on-center layout
Cutting accurately with saws
Setting saw depth correctly
Installing sheet goods with proper substrate support
Understanding butt joints and framing/backing requirements
Identifying rot, water damage, framing issues, and unsafe conditions
Installing or repairing subfloor
Framing walls, decks, porches, or repairs
Hanging drywall or assisting with drywall work
Installing flooring
Performing trim or finish work
Understanding basic plumbing and electrical concepts
Working safely in occupied residential homes
Communicating clearly with the owner and crew

Compensation

Compensation is based on actual demonstrated ability, reliability, production, communication, and responsibility.

This is not a flat apprentice position.

Higher compensation is available for candidates who can prove skill, production, judgment, and ability to work independently.

Qualified journeymen, lead carpenters, licensed plumbers, certified carpenters, and experienced trade professionals may qualify for higher daily rates based on:

Verifiable experience
Licenses or certifications
Portfolio or photos of completed work
References
Ability to work independently
Ability to lead tasks or train helpers
Customer communication
Jobsite judgment
Quality and speed of production

Apprentice-level applicants may still be considered, but apprentice-level compensation is lower and based on current demonstrated ability.

Work Environment

Most projects are located within approximately 40 miles of Carbondale, Illinois.

Travel outside our normal service area may be compensated according to company travel policies and billed to the project.

Our crews focus on production, efficiency, craftsmanship, customer service, and problem-solving rather than simply filling a time clock.

We believe in doing quality work, cleaning up properly, treating customers with respect, and going home.

Benefits and Practical Support

DeadTree is a small growing company and does not currently offer corporate-style benefits such as health, dental, or vision insurance.

We do offer practical support for dependable long-term crew members, including:

On-the-job training
Flexible scheduling when project conditions allow
Professional development and skill-building
Tool assistance when earned through reliability and performance
Employee discounts where applicable
Potential vehicle maintenance support for personal vehicles used to get to and from work

Reliable transportation is critical in construction. When possible, DeadTree reinvests into dependable crew members by helping keep their vehicles maintained and roadworthy so they can continue showing up and working.

Vehicle repair or maintenance assistance is considered based on reliability, performance, company profits, and project conditions.

Construction Skills Assessment Required

Applicants will complete a Construction Field Literacy Assessment as part of the hiring process.

The assessment covers:

Tape measure reading
Framing and layout
Sheet goods and substrate support
Butt joints
Plumbing fundamentals
Electrical fundamentals
Drywall, flooring, roofing, and siding concepts
Safety and jobsite judgment

This assessment is not designed to trick anyone. It helps determine actual skill level, trade knowledge, judgment, and whether a candidate can recognize what they know and what they need to verify.

Applicants may use code books, manufacturer specifications, Google, YouTube, AI tools, and other resources during portions of the assessment. If information is researched, simply note it by writing “RESEARCHED” or “LOOKED UP” next to that answer.

In construction, nobody knows everything. What matters is whether a person can find accurate information, verify it, ask questions when needed, and apply it correctly before making mistakes in the field.

Tools Required

Applicants should own basic construction hand tools and a starter cordless tool kit.

Examples include:

Tape measure
Hammer
Utility knife
Tool pouch
Drill
Impact driver
Circular saw
Sawzall / reciprocating saw
Oscillating multi-tool preferred

We are not expecting applicants to own thousands of dollars in specialty equipment, but skilled applicants should have their own basic working tool setup.

DeadTree believes in investing in people who invest in themselves. Team members who demonstrate reliability, commitment, skill development, and long-term potential may receive additional training opportunities, tool assistance, and advancement opportunities.

Requirements

Applicants should have:

Reliable transportation
Working phone
Basic hand tools
Residential construction or remodeling experience
Ability to read a tape measure accurately
Ability to follow directions and ask questions when unsure
Ability to work safely in occupied homes
Ability to communicate clearly
Pride in quality work
Respect for customers and coworkers

Skill can be developed, but reliability, integrity, and work ethic must come from the individual.

Application Instructions

Please include the following when applying:

Name
Phone number
Construction experience
Transportation status
Tools you own
Strongest skills
Areas you want to improve
Availability
Photos, portfolio, certifications, licenses, or references if applicable

Qualified applicants will be contacted for the next step, which may include the Construction Field Literacy Assessment, an interview, and/or a paid hands-on trial day.

DeadTree General Contracting
Carbondale / Southern Illinois
618-356-3036
DeadTreeRemodeling@gmail.com

Pay: $150.00 - $250.00 per day

Benefits:

Employee discount
Flexible schedule
On-the-job training
Professional development assistance
Tools provided

Work Location: In person

DeadTree General Contracting

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