Carpenter Helper

Candidates who are blind or visually impaired and/or deaf or hard of hearing are encouraged to apply for this position and may be given preference in hiring as permitted by federal laws.  Information related to disability is not required, and if disclosed voluntarily, will be used only in AIDB’s efforts to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Non-disclosure will not subject any applicant to adverse treatment.

POSITION:      Carpenter Helper 
                         (2) Positions - Physical Plant Department- Talladega, AL
Reports to:     Carpentry Foreman

ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND

Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.

Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state’s largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB’s three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential.

Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.

About the Role

The Carpenter Helper is a semi-skilled maintenance position within the Central Maintenance Services / Physical Plant Department responsible for providing essential support to skilled carpenters and other maintenance professionals in the repair, construction, renovation, and upkeep of AIDB facilities.

This position assists journeyman-level trades employees with a variety of carpentry, construction, and general maintenance activities. The Carpenter Helper performs tasks ranging from preparing work areas, transporting tools and materials, assisting with installations, performing basic carpentry duties, and supporting facility improvement projects across AIDB campuses and locations.

Under the direction of experienced maintenance personnel, the Carpenter Helper develops and applies knowledge of carpentry practices, construction techniques, building materials, and safe equipment operation. The position requires the ability to work effectively as part of a team while demonstrating initiative, reliability, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality workmanship.

The Carpenter Helper plays an important role in maintaining safe, functional, and accessible facilities that support AIDB’s educational, residential, administrative, and operational programs. Through daily maintenance support and project assistance, this position contributes directly to creating environments where students, employees, visitors, and the individuals served by AIDB can thrive.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. 
• Valid State of driver license. Driving accommodations may be made for applicants with an exceptionality.
• Must meet AIDB vehicle insurance eligibility requirements. 
• Must meet suitability requirements for employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Five (5) years of related full-time work experience and/or equivalent technical training preferred. 
• Trades Background: Experience in carpentry, construction, facility maintenance, or a related skilled trade.  
• Vocational Training: Vocational or technical training in construction, carpentry, or building maintenance. 
• Commercial Tools: Experience working with commercial tools, equipment, and building materials. 
• Project Support: Experience assisting with renovations, repairs, and facility improvement projects. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Carpentry & Maintenance Assistance

• Trade Support: Assist journeyman-level trades employees and skilled carpenters with repairs, construction, renovations, and general maintenance tasks. 
• Work Area Preparation: Prepare work areas, set up safety equipment, and clear debris to support efficient trade operations. 
• Basic Installations: Perform basic carpentry duties and assist with installations across AIDB campuses and facilities. 
• Work Orders & Specifications: Read and interpret basic measurements, instructions, and work orders to complete daily tasks accurately. 
• Physical Capability: Must possess the physical ability to perform assigned duties. 
• Instructional Comprehension: Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions. 
• Tool & Equipment Operation: Ability to safely operate basic hand tools, power tools, and maintenance equipment. 
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with skilled trades personnel and department leadership. 

Material, Tool & Facility Operations

• Tool & Material Transport: Transport tools, building materials, and equipment to and from various job sites. 
• Equipment Maintenance: Maintain the safe operation and care of basic hand tools, power tools, commercial equipment, and departmental vehicles. 
• Material Handling: Safely lift, carry, move, and position construction materials and building components. 
• Elevated Work Operations: Work safely at heights using ladders, platforms, man lifts, and rooftops when supporting roof or high-structure repairs. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Carpenter position requires the ability to perform physically demanding skilled trade work, including:

• Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, and reaching for extended periods. 
• Lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling construction materials, tools, and equipment. 
• Working indoors and outdoors in varying environmental conditions. 
• Operating power tools, woodworking equipment, vehicles, and construction equipment. 
• Working from ladders, lifts, rooftops, and elevated surfaces.  
• Performing tasks requiring strength, coordination, precision, and attention to safety. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

Professional Development and Certifications

• Sign Language Proficiency: Because AIDB serves individuals who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, and multidisabled, a minimum SURVIVAL level of sign language proficiency must be obtained within the first thirty-six (36) months of employment. 
• Skill Acquisition: Maintain dependability, accountability, and an active willingness to learn new skills and maintenance techniques under supervision. 

Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.
 

SALARY:    $15.25- $17.89 per hour        Scale C5  Rank 31

                    Direct deposit is required.

                    (260 Days)