Cowdin Design + Build

Carpenter's Laborer

Location: Plymouth, MI (projects along the I-275 corridor: Farmington Hills, Novi, Northville, Plymouth, parts of Canton)

Build a career you're proud of, one house at a time.

If you love working with your hands, keeping jobsites dialed in, and being the person a project can count on, this role is for you. As a Carpenter's Laborer with Cowdin Design + Build, you'll support high-quality residential remodels and additions, from site protections and cleanups to material runs and assisting skilled carpenters, so every project finishes strong.

We're a small, highly focused design-build firm delivering 10 to 13 major projects a year across Metro Detroit's west side. Think whole-home remodels, kitchens, primary suites, additions, and exterior makeovers, with the craftsmanship and client care that turn first-time customers into lifelong fans. Our in-house field team is the heartbeat of our quality and schedule. When you win, our clients win.

This is a hands-on, field role supporting our carpenters across active job sites. It is not an accelerated training track to carpentry; rather, it's a critical, long-term support position for someone who takes real pride in helping projects run smoothly and safely.

Responsibilities

• Set up and maintain site protections (floor coverings, dust barriers), signage, and safety equipment.
• Keep jobsites clean, organized, and stocked (tape, screws, caulk, plastic, floor protection).
• Assist carpenters with basic construction tasks: demolition, light framing, drywall, painting, flooring, measuring/cutting under direction.
• Handle material runs and deliveries; load, transport, and store materials and tools safely.
• Maintain tools and job equipment; perform basic vehicle checks (tire pressure, fluids, safe loading).
• Document work with progress photos and notes in Buildertrend.
• Support shop/office upkeep (organization, filters, trash, general tidiness).
• Interact with clients professionally on occupied job sites.

Qualifications

• Ability to safely use common hand and power tools; basic construction know-how and a willingness to learn.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and follow-through; you take ownership of the "little things" that make a big difference.
• Physical ability to lift up to 90 lbs and work indoors/outdoors in varying conditions.
• Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (per company insurer).
• Smartphone with data for photos and Buildertrend updates.
• Reliable, daily commute to our service area; most projects are within ~20 to 45 minutes of Plymouth.
• Nice to have: Prior residential remodeling exposure; familiarity with Buildertrend (we'll train on our process).

Pay, Schedule & Benefits

• Full-time W-2 position
• Pay: $15 to $22/hr (non-exempt, overtime eligible after 40 hrs/week)
• Schedule: Four 10-hour days, Monday-Thursday (overtime after 40 hours/week per MI/FLSA).
• Paid Time Off: PTO accruals begin after 90 days, increasing with tenure.
• Paid Holidays: 7 paid holidays after 90 days (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day).
• Sick Time: 3 days annually after 90 days.
• Health Insurance: Company covers 80% of employee cost (up to $400/month) after 90 days; buy-up options available via payroll deduction; dependents are optional at employee cost.
• 401(k): After 1 year, 4% employer match (vested).
• Tools/Equipment: You provide basic job-appropriate tools and attire; the company may provide a computer/tablet if needed. Tool fund eligibility may apply after one year.
• Vehicles: Laborers typically drive a company vehicle on work tasks (subject to insurability requirements).

How We Hire

• Employment is at-will.
• Offers are contingent on a post-offer background check and driving record review. A past conviction does not automatically disqualify you; we consider the nature and gravity of the offense, its relevance to the job, and time elapsed, consistent with applicable law and business necessity.
• We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
• We provide reasonable accommodations throughout the hiring process and on the job. If you need an accommodation, please let us know.

Ready to apply?

Send a brief note about where you'll be commuting from, your resume (or a quick work history), and a line on why this role fits you. If you like organized job sites, clear expectations, and being trusted to get things done, we'd love to meet you.