Now Hiring · Denver Metro

Join the 5280 Lights Installer Bench

We're a new permanent outdoor lighting company building a small, reliable bench of 1099 installers across the Denver Metro area. Flexible 1099 work. Weekends to start. Growing from here.

Apply in 5 Minutes ✦

Full Transparency

We don't have installs scheduled yet. We're pre-launch and building the bench now so when the first jobs hit, we're ready. First installs will likely be on weekends to work around current schedules. If you're looking for guaranteed work this week, this isn't it. If you're looking to get on the list for a growing company in a great seasonal niche, you're in the right place.

What We Install

5280 Lights installs permanent outdoor LED lighting on residential homes across the Denver Metro area. We use Govee permanent lights mounted in commercial-grade powder-coated aluminum channel — not plastic clips, not 3M tape. Wiring is fully concealed. The system looks clean and architectural year-round, which is why HOA neighborhoods specifically choose us.

Most installs are residential single-family homes, often two-story, with the channel mounted under the soffit. A typical job runs 4–8 hours start to finish with a two-person crew.

The Roles & The Pay

Lead Installer
$200 – $350
per install

Runs the install start to finish. Comfortable on a 2-story ladder. Owns basic tools (drill, ladder). Can read a measurement plan and direct a helper.

Helper / Ladder Hand
$120 – $180
per install

Works alongside the lead. Comfortable on ladders, willing to learn. No prior install experience required — reliability and work ethic matter most.

Pay is per-install, paid same-day or next-day after each job. Pay scales with install size and complexity.

Who We're Looking For

You don't need to have installed permanent lights before. Most of our best applicants come from related trades:

If you've never done any of those but you're reliable, comfortable on a ladder, and want consistent seasonal work — apply anyway as a helper. We'll train you on the install process.

The Requirements

Why 1099? Because you're a contractor running your own schedule, not an employee. You set your availability, accept the jobs you want, and bill per install. We provide the customer, the job, the materials, the install plan, and the pay. You provide the labor and the craftsmanship.

How It Works

  1. You apply using the form below — takes about 5 minutes
  2. We review applications as they come in and reach out for a quick phone screen if there's a fit
  3. We add you to the bench — meaning you're on the list when jobs come in
  4. When a job is booked, we reach out with the date, address, and details. You accept or decline based on your availability
  5. You show up, do the install, and get paid — same-day or next-day after the job

For the first 5–10 jobs, the owner (Jake) will be onsite to walk through the install process and make sure quality is dialed in. After that, lead installers run jobs independently.

Apply for the Bench

Five minutes. We review every application personally. Honest answers help us match you to the right role.

Common Questions

Do I need to be set up as a 1099 already?

No. If you're not currently set up as a 1099 contractor but you're willing to be, that's fine. We'll point you in the right direction when we onboard you.

Do you provide tools and materials?

We provide all install materials — aluminum channel, screws, wiring, weatherproofing, the lights themselves. Lead installers bring their own basic tools (drill, ladder). Helpers don't need to bring anything but themselves.

When will work actually start?

We're pre-launch and actively quoting now. First paid installs are likely within the next 30–60 days. Permanent light demand spikes August through December (holiday season buildup), so the bench will see most of its volume in late summer and fall.

Is this seasonal or year-round?

Permanent light installs are strongly seasonal with peak demand August through December. We'll have steady weekday and weekend work during peak season, lighter and more sporadic work the rest of the year. This is a great fit if you have other seasonal work (roofing, gutters, holiday installs) that complements it.

How far do I need to drive for a job?

Jobs are within the Denver Metro area — we don't take work outside the Front Range. We try to match installers to jobs near where they live to keep drives short, but be prepared to drive across the metro for the right job.

What if I'm not sure what to put for expected pay?

Leave it blank. The expected pay field on the application is optional. Our pay ranges are listed above — if those work for you, that's enough.

Can I apply if I've never installed lights before?

Yes — apply as a helper. If you're reliable, comfortable on a ladder, and want to learn, we'll train you on the install process. Lead installer roles do require prior trade experience.