About this role
Join the Backstage Magic! OSF Is Hiring a Carpenter II
Location: Ashland, OR | Department: Scene Shop | Status: Full-Time, Seasonal August 31, 2026-November 6, 2026
Hourly Pay Range: $27.25/hour
Are you someone who brings creativity, precision, and passion to every build? Do you love working with your hands in a dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven environment? Whether you're starting your professional journey or bringing seasoned skills to the table, we'd love to work with you.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is looking for a Carpenter II to join our Scene Shop team- so if you've got a background in scenic construction and a love for the arts, read on!
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
• Build scenic elements and rehearsal scenery for OSF projects including, for example: platform and flat construction using wood and metal, trim detail fabrication, automation projects, sewing, painting, and carving.
• Models and supports the IDEA values of OSF by:
• Demonstrating inclusive behavior and creating an environment of belonging.
• Maintaining a safe and anti-racist working environment
• Recognizing micro-aggressions and interrupting othering behaviors.
• Participate in the daily clean-up of all shop areas at the end of each workday and keep a clean and efficient workspace and tool cart.
• Assist in maintaining the stock material inventories. Adheres to OSF Safety and Scene Shop Safety procedures/protocols.
• Safely transport and deliver scenic elements using company vehicles.
• Install and fine tune scenery (load-ins and notes) including rigging and soft goods.
• Maintain and repair scenic elements during the performance run.
• Strike and restore scenic elements at the end of the production run. When the productions are co-productions, purchased, or rented, Carpenters will assist in packaging, labeling and loading scenic elements for transport.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
• Construction of multi-disciplinary elements (prop-scenery, lighting-scenery, etc.).
• Attends company, department, shop meetings, and safety trainings as assigned.
• Pick up and deliver supplies.
• Engages with OSF patrons
• Support Marketing and Development efforts.
• Mentor colleagues as requested
• Perform other duties as assigned by scene shop management staff.
Work Experience: Two years of experience in professional theatrical scenic construction. One year of combined training and technical experience will be considered in lieu of professional work experience.
Physical Ability: Must be able to lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 75 pounds, wear fall arrest harnesses, wear a respirator, regularly squat and maintain position, crawl and kneel, reach above shoulders, climb and work from ladders and personnel lifts. Ability to stand and walk for up to 6 hours.
Essential Skills and Qualifications:
Carpenter II will have advanced demonstrated skills in the following areas. This is a non-comprehensive list:
• Theatrical woodworking
• Metal welding and metal working
• Trim and detail fabrication
• Sewing
• Foam carving/sculpting
• Theatrical rigging
Other Skills, Knowledge, and Ability:
• Basic ability to work with computers (email, spreadsheets, cloud-based information services, open and review CAD drawings).
• Comfortable with standard wood working hand and power tools such as saws, routers, staple guns, metal forming tools, and lathes.
• Ability to do shop math (an understanding of mathematical calculations in the construction world for building elements).
• Truck loading and securing of materials
• The ability to create positive working relationships with designers, colleagues, and staff in other departments.
• An understanding that identity informs every individual's human experience in a way that may differ from one's own personal experience.
Special Qualifications: Valid driver's license with good driving record and ability to drive OSF trucks. Ability to drive a forklift, operate CNC machine and personnel lifts (OSF to provide training). Ability to pass and maintain a clear background check.
Special Hours Requirements: Standard work week is Monday – Friday. Occasional night-time and weekend hours are required for load-ins, load-outs, and technical rehearsal support.