Careers

Lead Carpenter

Position Overview

Breadtree Farms is seeking an experienced Lead Carpenter to join and lead our internal construction team, known affectionately as Breadtree Frames. For the next two years (2026-2027) a primary focus for this leadership role will be overseeing the renovation of historic barns into a modern chestnut processing facility in Salem, NY. The ideal candidate will help transform our agricultural infrastructure, managing hands-on carpentry work while coordinating crew activities to create what will become the largest chestnut processing facility in the country.  This position is funded through a USDA Organic Market Development Grant with construction scheduled for 2026-2027.

Please note: if you think you’d be a good fit to join the Breadtree Frames crew and build this facility, but you don’t have the experience or inclination to lead the project, please get in touch — we just haven’t gotten around to writing that job description :).

About Breadtree Farms

Breadtree Farms (founded 2019) has grown from a grassroots community-supported project into the largest agroforestry operation by acreage in the Northeast, now stewarding over 20,000 crop trees and shrubs across 800 acres in the Upper Hudson Valley and Southwest Vermont. Our vertically integrated operation combines sustainable agroforestry practices with diversified perennial farm enterprises including organic chestnuts, hickory oil, seaberry, maple syrup, honey, and integrated silvopasture livestock systems. We're building a regional model for perennial agriculture that is ecologically regenerative, economically viable, cooperatively organized, and offers an abundance of delicious staple foods to feed our region. Learn more about our work here.

Primary Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Crew Management

  • Lead and supervise an in-house carpentry crew through all phases of barn renovation

  • Coordinate daily work activities and ensure project milestones are met

  • Maintain quality standards and ensure adherence to building codes

  • Collaborate with Breadtree’s leadership team on procurement decisions and subcontractor coordination

  • Provide hands-on expertise while delegating tasks appropriately to crew members

Facility Renovation — Technical Scope of Work

  • Oversee demolition of existing stick frame structures

  • Direct careful disassembly and storage of historic timber frame components

  • Lead restoration work including slate roof repairs, flashing replacement, and cupola restoration

  • Supervise installation of modern building envelope systems including continuous exterior insulation, weather barriers, and siding

  • Manage installation of windows, doors, roofing, and gutterage systems

  • Oversee interior buildout including insulation, wall paneling, and framing/finishing of office, bathroom, and cold storage spaces

Our Construction Philosophy

  • We prioritize sustainable, natural, and locally-sourced construction materials and techniques. 

  • We generally take a design/build approach to infrastructure projects on the farm, finding creative ways to make functional and beautiful structures while working within existing constraints and with locally available materials.

  • We also have the capacity to harvest and mill timbers on-site, allowing us to integrate site-harvested materials into our building projects. 

  • While experience with timber framing is a plus, it's not required for this position – we value candidates eager to learn these traditional techniques alongside modern sustainable building practices.

Required Qualifications

Experience

  • Minimum 5 years of carpentry experience; experience in a project lead or supervisory role is a plus, but not a requirement — tell us why you’re ready

  • Experience managing renovation and adaptive reuse projects

  • Experience with both historic restoration and modern construction techniques

  • Experience with (or interest in) sustainable and natural building materials

Skills & Knowledge

  • Proficiency in reading blueprints and construction documents

  • Experience understanding and meeting building codes and permit requirements

  • Experience with traditional and modern framing techniques — as noted we work with timber-framed structures but you do not need to be a professional timber framer

  • Knowledge of building envelope systems and moisture management

  • Ability to estimate material quantities and track project budgets

  • Creativity and problem-solving skills for adaptive reuse challenges

  • Openness to learning timber framing, working with site-harvested materials, and developing other relevant skills

  • This position offers significant growth potential beyond the initial facility renovation. You don’t have to be sure you want to pursue that longer-term position and work-scope, but at least being interested/curious is a plus.

Leadership Qualities

  • Strong communication skills for coordinating with leadership, crew, and subcontractors

  • Ability to train and mentor less experienced crew members

  • Detail-oriented with commitment to quality craftsmanship

  • Self-motivated with ability to work independently when needed

  • Flexibility to adapt to evolving project requirements typical of agricultural operations

Work Environment & Timeline

  • Rural farm setting with historic barn structures

  • Mix of indoor and outdoor work in varying weather conditions

  • Physical demands include lifting, climbing, and extended periods of standing

  • Project Timeline: Construction beginning 2026, with target completion late summer/early fall 2027

  • Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday with occasional weekend work as needed

Compensation & Benefits

  • $55-75k annual salary commensurate with experience

  • We build long-term relationships and invest in our team, including education stipends for professional development and trainings

  • Paid time off

  • Paid sick days

  • After a trial period, all committed full time employees have a path toward partnership and equity in the company

  • Affordable housing is available for team members

To Apply

Please email noah@breadtreefarms.com with a simple summary of your interest and your relevant experience. If you have pictures of your work you'd like to share, go ahead. Please provide references from recent projects (employers, clients, whoever you think can help us understand how you work). Resume welcome but not required.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team.

Learn more about our work