1

Timber Craft Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Timber Craft information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$17

$30

$38

How much do timber craft jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for timber craft in Chicago, IL is $30.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.50 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Timber Craft professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Timber Craft professional, you need strong woodworking skills, a keen understanding of timber properties, and experience with carpentry or joinery, often supported by vocational training or apprenticeships. Mastery of hand tools, power tools, CNC machines, and familiarity with safety standards are typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication help professionals deliver high-quality custom pieces and collaborate with clients or teams. These skills ensure precision, safety, and the creation of durable, aesthetically pleasing timber products.

What is the difference between Timber Craft vs Carpenters?

AspectTimber CraftCarpenters
CredentialsTypically requires woodworking certifications or apprenticeshipsOften have similar certifications or apprenticeships in carpentry
Work EnvironmentSpecializes in working with timber, including framing, finishing, and custom wood projectsWorks on a variety of construction projects, including framing, cabinetry, and general carpentry
Industry UsageCommonly employed in timber framing, custom woodwork, and specialty projectsWidely used across construction, renovation, and general carpentry tasks

Timber Craft and Carpenters share many skills and certifications, but Timber Craft often emphasizes working specifically with timber and custom wood projects. Carpenters have a broader scope in construction. Both roles are essential in the woodworking and construction industries, with overlapping skills but different specializations.

What are timber craft jobs?

Timber craft jobs involve working with wood to create structures, furniture, or decorative items. These roles can include carpenters, woodworkers, cabinet makers, and artisans who design and build products using timber. Timber craft professionals use a variety of hand and power tools to shape, join, and finish wood. The work may involve both traditional techniques and modern technology, and can be found in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and fine arts.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in Timber Craft, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Timber Craft often encounter challenges such as sourcing sustainable, high-quality wood, maintaining precision in craftsmanship, and ensuring safety while operating tools and machinery. Managing these challenges involves developing strong relationships with reputable suppliers, investing in ongoing skills training, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Collaborating closely with designers, builders, and clients is also essential to meet project specifications and timelines while delivering exceptional results.
What are popular job titles related to Timber Craft jobs in Chicago, IL? For Timber Craft jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Timber Craft jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Timber Craft jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Timber Craft job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,506 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Seasonal Natural Resources Worker - Indiana Dunes State Park

State of Indiana

Chesterton, IN • On-site

$13.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 hours ago


State Of Indiana rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 50 rated states


Job description

Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package, and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About Indiana Dunes State Park:
Indiana Dunes consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, beautiful, historic, and unique Hoosier landscape and includes more than three miles of beautiful beach along Lake Michigan's southern shore. In the early 1900s, scientists, recreationists, and nature enthusiasts, recognizing the value and potential of the Indiana dunes area, fought to have the region preserved. As a result, in 1925, the state park was established. Large dunes, located along the shoreline, tower nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan. A wide range of habitats and plant species are found in the park, with vegetation stabilizing some of the sand. These habitats provide homes for many types of plants and animals. The lake also provides a habitat for many aquatic species, as well as a constantly changing fishery.
Salary Statement:
The hourly wage for seasonal positions varies, starting at $13.25/hour.
A Day in the Life:
The Seasonal Natural Resources Workers provide customer service and education to visitors about park features while maintaining the property's natural resources. Seasonal Natural Resources Worker positions and their essential functions are as follows:
  • Interpretive Specialists: Educate the public on property-specific nature, history, culture, and park services through memorable experiences.
  • Naturalist Aides: Assists with education of the nature center programming, local/common flora and fauna, and local/common animal species. This position may also assist in the care of animals (feeding, watering, and bedding changes) and the general maintenance of the nature center.
  • Village Workers (Spring Mill State Park Only): Assists with education of period-appropriate trades, techniques, and crafts while presenting cultural history. Trades include woodworking, leatherwork, broom-making, blacksmith, weaving, and milling.
  • Cave Tour Guides (O'Bannon Woods State Park Only): Educate the general public on the natural history of caves. Tour Guides assist with scheduling reservations and collecting tour fees. Further, research may be required on the identification and care of relevant flora and fauna. Tour Guides are expected to maintain boats, equipment, and the registration shed.
  • Resource Management Techs: Assists with the control of invasive plant species natural area restoration trail maintenance, brush and tree removal, signage, timber marking, and/or timber stand improvement based on the property.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
What You'll Need for Success:
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:
  • High school diploma, GED, or one (1) year of work experience
  • May be expected to work afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • May be required to wear a DNR-provided uniform
  • May be required to travel to different properties
  • May experience working in potentially inclement weather
  • May experience working with DOC work release crews
  • May be required to have a valid driver's license.
  • May perform duties in a variety of different environments, including an office environment, field environment, rugged terrain, and various adverse weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.).
  • May work around potentially dangerous heavy equipment (e.g. tractors, disks, mowers, planters, etc.).
  • Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
This seasonal position does not offer benefits and is limited to 180 working days in an eleven (11) month continuous period
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.
If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Current Employee? Click here to apply.

What State Of Indiana employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom