Position Overview

Department: General Engineering (GE) Department
Job Title: Carpenter
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Environment: Residential buildings, workshops, stores and outdoor locations
Duty Location: Various locations, with possible deployment away from the normal duty station
Reports To: Relevant Chargehand / Maintenance Manager

Background

The General Engineering (GE) Department is seeking a skilled Carpenter to join its team. The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out carpentry and joinery work on new construction projects, refurbishment works and maintenance activities across residential buildings, workshops, stores and outdoor facilities.

The role involves working independently or as part of a team, using manual and power tools, woodworking machinery and other equipment to complete assignments to the required quality, safety and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Carpentry and Joinery

• Carry out carpentry and joinery work on new construction projects and refurbishment works.
• Perform carpentry tasks in:
  • Residential buildings.
  • Workshops.
  • Stores.
  • Offices and other facilities.
  • Outdoor areas.
• Carry out remodelling and repair works to a high standard of workmanship.
• Read and interpret work orders, technical drawings and blueprints.
• Apply appropriate mathematical skills to accurately measure, cut and install materials.
• Install and repair doors, windows, frames, trims and other wooden components.
• Perform stain-grade trim work.
• Hang and adjust doors.
• Drill and install door hardware.
• Set and install windows.
• Carry out other carpentry and joinery tasks according to assigned work orders.

Woodworking Machinery and Tools

• Safely operate manual and power tools used in carpentry and joinery.
• Set up and perform basic maintenance on woodworking machinery.
• Operate equipment such as:
  • Lathes.
  • Drill presses.
  • Sanders.
  • Shapers.
  • Planing machines.
• Maintain tools and equipment in a clean, safe and serviceable condition.
• Report defective or unsafe tools and machinery to the appropriate supervisor.

Project and Work-Order Management

• Receive daily assignments and work orders from the Chargehand or line manager.
• Complete assigned work within agreed schedules and timelines.
• Work independently when appropriately directed.
• Seek guidance from the line manager when dealing with new or unusual situations.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship and productivity.
• Advise senior colleagues on alternative carpentry techniques or practices that could improve efficiency or value for money.
• Prepare or contribute to method statements and risk assessments where required.
• Undertake additional tasks appropriate to the trade and grade as directed by line management.

Materials and Resource Management

• Use materials responsibly and efficiently.
• Maintain accountability for tools and materials issued for each assignment.
• Store tools and materials securely when not in use.
• Protect materials from weather and damage.
• Return unused materials to stores and ensure they are properly accounted for.
• Support effective planning and management of departmental resources.

Scaffolding and Working at Height

• Set up ladders and access equipment safely when required.
• Erect scaffolding in accordance with relevant procedures and training.
• Inspect and use scaffolding appropriately.
• Follow all working-at-height safety requirements.
• Undertake work at height only when appropriately trained and authorised.

Health, Safety and Environmental Responsibilities

• Comply with all relevant health and safety policies, regulations and codes of practice.
• Read, understand and comply with task-specific risk assessments and site safety orders.
• Identify workplace hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
• Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others affected by your work.
• Inspect, maintain and correctly wear task-specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Report dangerous situations, hazards or shortcomings in safety arrangements to the line manager.
• Maintain a safe and tidy worksite and workshop at all times.
• Clean and organise the worksite at the end of each shift or working day.
• Comply with relevant occupational safety requirements, including those relating to:
  • Manual handling.
  • Working at height.
  • Confined spaces.
  • Hazardous substances.
  • Asbestos.
  • Fire safety.
  • Equipment operation.
• Follow applicable UK, Kenyan and local laws, regulations, codes and standards relevant to the work area.
• Cooperate fully with the Garrison Engineer's Department in fulfilling health and safety responsibilities.
• Never intentionally or recklessly interfere with safety equipment or arrangements.

Teamwork and Professional Responsibilities

• Report to the relevant Chargehand and Maintenance Manager.
• Work effectively as part of the GE Department and wider maintenance team.
• Understand your role and how it contributes to departmental and organisational objectives.
• Maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and other personnel.
• Keep supervisors and colleagues informed of work progress, challenges and potential problems.
• Uphold DIO values and the BATUK Charter.
• Promote a workplace free from harassment, intimidation and unlawful discrimination.
• Treat colleagues and other personnel fairly, professionally and respectfully.
• Take responsibility for your own work and performance.
• Seek opportunities to develop skills by learning from colleagues and taking on new challenges.

Qualifications and Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Grade 1 Carpentry and Joinery qualification or equivalent trade qualification.
• Trade Test Grade 1 in Carpentry and Joinery, Woodwork or a related course.
• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
• Artisan/Craft qualification in carpentry or joinery.
• Valid Kenya driving licence, preferably Class B, C1 or C.

Technical Skills

The candidate should be able to:

• Perform carpentry work on new construction and refurbishment projects.
• Use manual and power tools safely and effectively.
• Operate woodworking machinery.
• Read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.
• Understand work orders and written instructions.
• Perform measurements and calculations relevant to carpentry work.
• Apply safe working practices.
• Conduct basic risk assessments and implement appropriate controls.
• Work with minimal supervision after receiving appropriate instructions.
• Understand occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Meet schedules and deadlines.
• Adapt to changing work priorities.

Experience Required

• Minimum of 3 years' relevant working experience in carpentry and joinery.
• Experience working on construction, maintenance or refurbishment projects.
• Experience working with manual and power tools.
• Experience operating woodworking machinery is an advantage.
• Previous carpentry experience with DIO/BATUK is an added advantage.

Core Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Planning and Managing Resources
• Communicating and Influencing
• Improvement and Change
• Working Together
• Strong practical problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Good workmanship.
• Reliability and accountability.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good communication skills.
• Commitment to safety and quality.
• Willingness to learn and develop professionally.

Working Environment

The position involves both indoor and outdoor work and may expose the employee to:

• Varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Hazardous traffic conditions.
• Noise and vibration.
• Fumes, gases and odours.
• Moving equipment and machinery.
• Toxic or caustic chemicals.
• Extreme heat.
• Wet or humid conditions.
• High, open or confined spaces.
• Manual handling and heavy lifting.

The job requires frequent:

• Standing and walking.
• Bending and stooping.
• Kneeling and crouching.
• Climbing and crawling.
• Balancing.
• Reaching and grasping.
• Lifting and moving objects weighing up to approximately 50 pounds (23 kg).

Emergency and Additional Duties

• Be available for emergency call-backs on a 24-hour basis when required.
• Work occasional evenings, weekends and public holidays during emergencies or special events.
• Be prepared to work overtime when operationally necessary.
• Carry out asbestos-related competent-person duties after receiving appropriate training and authorisation.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the trade and grade as directed by the Maintenance Manager or line management.

Training Requirements

The successful candidate may be required to undertake training in:

• Structure and functions of the British Army, Defence Estates and BATUK.
• Health and Safety at Work.
• COSHH awareness.
• Manual Handling.
• Fire Safety.
• First Aid.
• Equipment Care, Use and Maintenance.
• Scaffolding inspection, assembly and use.
• Confined Spaces.
• Working at Height.
• Asbestos awareness and safety.
• Military-related requirements.
• Other trade-specific training as required.

• Report to the relevant Chargehand and Maintenance Manager.
• Uphold the DIO values and BATUK charter.
• Conduct carpentry construction work, remodelling work with good workmanship, and producing specific method statements and risk assessments.
• Use both power and manual tools.
• Advise senior colleagues on alternative techniques or practices that would give better value for money, if required.
• Basic set up and low-level maintenance and operate woodworking machines, such as lathes, drill presses, sanders, shapers, and planning machines, to perform woodworking operations.
• Proficient at the following tasks: stain-grade trim work, hanging doors, drill and set door hardware, set windows.
• Read and understand blueprints, technical drawings & utilise appropriate maths skills.
• Reads and understand work order or receive instructions from Chargehand.
• Erects scaffolding or sets up ladders to work above ground level.
• Maintains all equipment in a clean, safe, and serviceable condition.
• Inspects, maintains, and correctly wears items of PPE specific to the task.
• Always keep work site/workshop tidy especially at the end of each shift or working day.
• Responsible for the use of materials and tools issued for the task including the safe storage and security, protection from the elements and being accountable for any unused materials, to be returned and signed back to stores.
• Understands and carries out all requirements under Health and Safety for the task including reading, understanding and complying with the risk assessments and site safety orders.
• Comply with relevant Regulations and Codes of Practice.
• Undertakes other tasks as directed by Line Management.
• Work is performed indoors and outside. Outside work requires exposure to varying weather and terrain conditions, hazardous traffic conditions, noise, fumes, odours, and gases; exposure to moving equipment and occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme heat, wet/humid conditions, high, open, or confined spaces, intermittent vibration, and noise.
• Work requires frequent standing and walking and occasional bending, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, crawling, reaching, grasping, and lifting and/or moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Employees may be required (after sufficient training and experience) be required to carry out the duties of Asbestos competent person duties.
• Employees are subject to call-back during emergencies on a 24-hour basis and are required to work occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays during special events.
• Carry out any other duties commensurate with the trade/grade as directed by the MLM.

• Working with power or manual tools
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Emergency response
• Teamwork
• Efficient work practices
• Operation of woodworking machines
• Reading blueprints and technical drawings
• Maths skills
• Scaffolding erection and ladder setup
• Equipment maintenance
• PPE usage
• Worksite tidiness
• Material and tool accountability
• Health and Safety compliance
• Understanding of Regulations and Codes of Practice
• Driving
• Use of motorised and hand tools
• Understanding occupational hazards and safety practices
• Accepting responsibility and informing others of progress
• Understanding of UK, National and local laws, codes and regulations
• Self-development and learning
• Heavy equipment operating techniques
• Understanding of organisational policies and objectives
• Supervision and employee development principles

• Minimum of Trade test 1 in carpentry and joinery or woodwork course
• Kenya Certificate of Secondary education (KCSE)
• Grade 1 Carpentry and Joinery qualification minimum
• Valid driving licence (Class B, C1 & C)
• Artisan and Craft Qualification