Assistant Set Decorator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About Strategic Operations, Inc.
Since 2002, Strategic Operations, Inc. (STOPS) has been providing training services and products for the military, law enforcement, first responders, and other organizations responsible for Homeland Security. STOPS is committed to excellence through state-of-the-art live action training support - employing "Hollywood" style special effects, role players, props of all kinds, 3D targets, the re-locatable habitat unit (RHU), and the conversion of shipping containers to create immersive training environments that are the most unique in the industry.
STOPS calls this type of immersion training - Hyper-Realistic® and defines it as "such a high degree of fidelity in the replication of specific conditions in a training environment that participants so willingly suspend disbelief that they become totally immersed and eventually stress inoculated" - all their senses tell them, emotionally and intellectually, that the scenarios are real. It is the ultimate in Theater Immersion Training.
STOPS continues to introduce innovative solutions to overcome the challenges of limited budgets. We are adept at creating real-life training situations/environments or providing safe, sound, and reliable housing for disaster response.
Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Set Decorator Carpenter with a minimum of 3 years of hands-on carpentry experience to join our team. This role supports the construction, installation, modification, and maintenance of sets, scenic elements, props, fixtures, and decorative structures for a variety of production environments.
The ideal candidate has strong practical carpentry skills, a creative and detail-oriented approach, and the ability to translate drawings, concepts, and production requirements into finished set elements. This position requires the flexibility to work independently and collaboratively with set decorators, designers, production teams, and project leads at locations throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Key Responsibilities

• Construct, modify, install, and dismantle set decoration elements, scenic structures, furniture, fixtures, displays, and other production-related builds.
• Perform basic to advanced carpentry tasks, including measuring, cutting, fitting, assembling, reinforcing, and installing wood, metal, and other materials.
• Build and adapt set pieces and decorative elements to meet design specifications, dimensions, and production requirements.
• Read and interpret drawings, sketches, plans, elevations, and technical instructions to accurately execute builds.
• Work closely with set decorators, designers, art department personnel, and project leads to achieve the desired look, functionality, and finish of set elements.
• Make on-site adjustments, repairs, and modifications to set decoration and scenic elements as required during installation and production.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment safely and efficiently.
• Assist with loading, unloading, installation, strike, storage, and transportation of set decoration materials and finished elements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area while protecting finished sets, locations, and surrounding property.
• Support senior carpenters, set decorators, and project leads with additional fabrication and installation tasks as needed.
• Travel to various production and job sites, including occasional international assignments.
• Follow all safety, security, production, and site-specific requirements, including requirements associated with U.S. military installations.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of professional carpentry or related fabrication experience.
• Experience with set construction, set decoration, scenic fabrication, theatrical production, film/television production, events, exhibits, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of carpentry techniques, materials, hardware, and construction methods.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, sketches, and technical documents.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with common hand tools, power tools, and carpentry equipment.
• Ability to work efficiently under production schedules and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary production team.
• Ability to gain access to and work on U.S. military installations and meet all applicable security and clearance requirements.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and professional job-site practices.

The pay range for this role is:
28 - 32 USD per hour (STOPS)