Build a Future of Service: Career Opportunities for Carpenters at the Durham VA

Are you a skilled carpenter looking for a stable career where your work directly impacts the lives of others? The Durham VA Health Care System is currently looking for a dedicated Carpenter to join their Facilities Management team in North Carolina. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to maintaining the spaces where our Veterans receive the care they have earned.

Job Responsibilities

As a Carpenter, your work will be central to the structural integrity and functionality of the Durham VA facilities. While specific duties will be detailed in your onboarding, you will generally be responsible for:

Performing high-level carpentry and woodworking tasks.
Operating and maintaining specialized construction equipment.
Reading and interpreting complex building plans and blueprints.
Planning work sequences to ensure safety and efficiency.
Working in varying physical environments, including on ladders, scaffolding, and rooftops.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet several key criteria:

U.S. Citizenship: Required for all federal appointments.
Resume Guidelines: You must submit a resume that is two pages or less.
Background Check: Successful completion of a background investigation is required.
Physical Capability: The role requires frequent lifting and physical labor.

Comparison of Potential Work Environments

Feature	Private Sector Carpentry	VA Facilities Carpentry
Mission Focus	Profit/Client Satisfaction	Veteran Care Support
Benefits	Varies by Employer	Standard Federal Package
Environment	Commercial/Residential Sites	Hospital & Clinical Facilities

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive hourly wage between $29.98 and $33.81. Beyond the paycheck, federal employees are eligible for a robust benefits package that includes accrual of annual and sick leave, access to health programs, and the stability that comes with working in a federal government environment.

How to Apply Successfully

Applying for federal jobs can be complex. To maximize your chances:

Use the Resume Builder: The USAJOBS resume builder helps ensure you hit all the necessary formatting requirements.
Focus on Competencies: Clearly state your technical skills in your resume rather than relying on general job titles.
Submit Timely: Ensure all documentation is uploaded well before the November 5, 2026, closing date.

Working at the Durham VA Health Care System offers a unique blend of technical challenge and personal satisfaction. If you are a carpenter who takes pride in your craft and wants to contribute to a noble cause, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Carpenter Job Matters

Join the team at the Durham VA Health Care System and turn your carpentry skills into a mission of service for those who have served our country.

Carpenter Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a skilled Carpenter to join the Facilities Management Service at the Durham VA Health Care System in Durham, North Carolina. This position is vital to maintaining our medical facilities, ensuring that our infrastructure supports the compassionate care provided to our nation's Veterans. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise within a mission-driven organization.

Requirements for Carpenter

U.S. Citizenship
Ability to pass a federal background investigation
Must be able to lift heavy equipment and supplies
Ability to work from ladders, scaffolding, and in awkward positions
One-year probationary period
Must be eligible for federal employment
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service

Preferred Qualifications for Carpenter

Documented experience in carpentry and woodworking
Demonstrated proficiency in operating specialized construction equipment
Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, engineering drawings, and wiring diagrams
Proven history of working independently with minimal supervision

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly pay
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
✓Accrual of annual and sick leave
✓Opportunities for professional development
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to the VA mission

💡 How to Apply Carpenter Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Carpenter Job

Log in to or create your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all necessary supporting documents including your resume and relevant certifications.
Submit your complete application package by 11:59 PM (EST) on November 5, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will be rejected.
Use clear, result-oriented language when describing your past carpentry projects.
Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.
Be specific about your skills and competencies as the VA does not make assumptions.
Review your application status frequently via your USAJOBS dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly pay for this position?

The salary range for this Carpenter position is $29.98 to $33.81 per hour.

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

No, this position is open to the public; however, preference is given to qualified veterans.

Is there a page limit for my resume?

Yes, federal agencies now require resumes to be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.

What if I have prior military service?

*A: Qualified veterans are encouraged to apply, and while Direct-Hire Authority is being used, your service will be fully considered during the selection process.*

Can I submit a portfolio with my resume?

*A: No, please do not submit PDF portfolios. Stick to the required documentation format to ensure your application is processed correctly.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cornerstone of American service. Guided by the core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence—collectively known as "I CARE"—the VA provides world-class care and support to those who have served in our nation's military. Joining the Veterans Health Administration means becoming part of a mission-critical team that honors the promise made to our Veterans.