Job Description

Company Overview:

At Activate, we are renowned for crafting extraordinary experiences that make a lasting impact for some of the world's most influential brands. Our expertise spans the production of kits, mobile tours, and standout live events, enhancing brand visibility and strengthening customer loyalty. As a WBENC-certified company, we take pride in fostering an inclusive work environment that emphasizes growth, offers competitive benefits, and champions collaboration.

Position Summary:

We’re seeking a skilled and resourceful Scenic Carpenter to join our team. This role is central to building the custom elements that power our immersive experiences, live events, and branded environments. You’ll work primarily with wood and related materials, using a full range of woodshop tools and fabrication techniques to bring concepts to life.

In addition to traditional carpentry skills, this role requires a creative builder’s mindset, someone who can look at a sketch or concept and figure out how to construct it safely, efficiently, and beautifully with support from Production and Operations leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Fabrication & Build

• Translate concepts into custom scenic pieces and structures, working primarily with wood and related materials to create durable, polished, and visually compelling builds.
• Interpret shop drawings when available, but also confidently build from concepts, sketches, or renderings; developing measurements, structure, and fabrication plans in partnership with leadership.
• Solve fabrication challenges creatively, identifying the right materials, joinery, reinforcements, and build methods for each project.
• Produce high-quality work with strong craftsmanship, precision, and attention to detail.
• Use standard woodshop tools (table saw, miter saw, band saw, sanders, routers) and general fabrication equipment.
• Installation & On-Site Execution
• Participate in load-ins, installations, and strikes for live events and experiential activations.
• Troubleshoot issues on-site and adjust builds as needed based on venue conditions or client requests.
• Work collaboratively with production, operations, and technical crews during onsite execution.

Collaboration & Problem Solving

• Partner closely with Production, Ops, and Creative to clarify build needs and propose fabrication solutions.
• Communicate proactively about project progress, material needs, timelines, and potential risks.
• Adapt to changing requirements and last-minute adjustments inherent to experiential and events work.

Shop Safety & Maintenance

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized woodshop environment.
• Follow all safety procedures and properly operate tools, PPE, and equipment.
• Assist with general upkeep and maintenance of tools, consumables, and workspaces.

Job Qualifications and Requirements:

• 3-5 years of fabrication, carpentry, scenic, exhibit, or woodshop experience (professional or trade school).
• Strong woodworking and fabrication skills, including measuring, cutting, fastening, finishing, and assembling.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to independently determine build methods.
• Produce basic CAD drawings, sketches, or mock-ups to communicate build intent and assist in securing approval from Production or Operations leadership.
• Experience using a wide range of woodshop tools and safe shop practices.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines with high-quality output.
• Experience in live events, experiential marketing, theatrical/scenic fabrication, or trade show environments preferred.
• CNC machine familiarity (operation or file prep) preferred.
• Carpentry or trade certifications (e.g., NCCER Carpentry, OSHA 10/30, or equivalent) preferred.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and perform physical labor for extended periods.
• Comfortable working with loud machinery, dust, fumes, and various shop materials.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends as project timelines require.
• Ability to travel occasionally for installations or event support.

Activate provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

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