Landscaper / Groundskeeper

Carpenters construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. Finish and custom carpenters specialize in detailed work including custom cabinetry, built-in furniture, millwork, trim installation, staircases, and architectural woodwork. The role requires reading blueprints, measuring and cutting materials precisely, joining materials using nails, screws, adhesives, and joinery techniques, and ensuring finished work meets aesthetic and structural standards. Carpenters must understand different wood species, their properties, and appropriate applications. The work spans new construction, renovation, restoration of historic buildings, and custom furniture fabrication. Each project presents unique challenges—fitting trim around irregular walls, matching existing woodwork in older homes, or translating design concepts into functional pieces. Physical demands include lifting materials, extended standing, and working at heights or in awkward positions.

Roofers install, repair, and replace roofs using various materials including asphalt shingles, metal panels, tile, slate, and membrane systems. The work involves inspecting roof structures for damage, measuring roof dimensions, removing old materials, preparing surfaces, installing underlayment and weatherproofing, cutting and fitting roofing materials, and ensuring proper drainage and ventilation. Roofers work on residential homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. The physical demands are significant—carrying heavy materials up ladders, working on steep slopes, and exposure to heat, cold, and weather conditions. Safety is paramount given the fall risks inherent in roofing work. Specializations include commercial membrane roofing, historic slate and tile restoration, solar-ready installations, and green/living roofs. The work requires understanding different material properties, regional weather considerations, and building code requirements.

General contractors manage construction projects from planning through completion, coordinating subcontractors, materials, schedules, and budgets to deliver finished projects. The work involves preparing cost estimates, hiring and supervising subcontractors, obtaining permits, ensuring code compliance, managing project schedules, solving problems that arise during construction, and maintaining communication with clients. GCs work on residential renovations, new home construction, commercial build-outs, and larger development projects. The role requires understanding all construction trades sufficiently to coordinate their work and identify problems. Successful contractors balance technical knowledge with business acumen, project management skills, and client relationship abilities. Projects involve countless decisions affecting quality, timeline, and budget, requiring judgment about trade-offs and creative problem-solving when unexpected issues arise.