Lead Carpenter - Sheds & Garages
Join Our Family-Owned Team and Build a Stable, Rewarding Career
We are a small, family-owned business proudly serving Virginia and North Carolina with top-quality outbuildings—sheds, garages, and more. We're growing the right way and seeking an experienced, confident Lead Foreman who is ready to step up and lead. This is a career opportunity for the best in the trade: skilled carpenters with natural leadership abilities who take pride in their work and want to be part of a true team.
We value experience and skill highly—if you have strong carpentry fundamentals and the ability to lead and motivate a small crew, we’ll support you fully in learning our specific building systems and standards. But this role is only for those who already bring expert-level carpentry and leadership confidence. We're building a top-tier team and only want the best.
What You'll Do
· Meet daily at our shop in Chesapeake, VA.
· Drive a company truck to job sites (you’ll maintain truck inventory and ensure everything needed is loaded and organized before leaving).
· Start hands-on with an experienced crew to quickly master our processes, then transition to leading a small team of 4–5 (2–3 carpenters + a helper).
· Oversee complete builds, from foundation/framing through siding, roofing, and finish details.
· Handle a variety of projects: from small precut 8x8 shed packages that assemble quickly to full garages on slabs with trusses.
· Ensure compliance with Virginia and North Carolina building codes.
· Operate pneumatic tools, generators, and compressors (all provided by us).
· Problem-solve on the fly, make quick decisions, motivate your crew, and drive projects to timely, high-quality completion.
· Maintain professionalism and respect when interacting with customers.
Who We're Looking For
You’re the right fit if you:
· Have proven, expert-level experience in framing, siding, and roofing on outbuildings, garages, or similar structures.
· Are confident in your carpentry skills and natural leadership ability.
· Are highly accountable, goal-oriented, and driven to finish projects efficiently without sacrificing quality.
· Excel at motivating others, holding the team to high standards, and fostering a positive crew dynamic.
· Can problem-solve under pressure and make quick, smart decisions while keeping strong attention to detail.
· Treat customers with genuine respect and professionalism.
· Have experience operating lifting equipment
· Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and can pass a pre-employment drug test.
· Come prepared with your own basic tool bag (hammer, square, chalk line, tape measure, etc.—we supply all power tools, pneumatics, generators, and compressors).
Technical drawings are used occasionally; ability to read them is helpful but not the primary focus.
What We Offer
· Competitive pay starting at $25/hour (negotiable based on experience—we pay for proven skill and leadership).
· Year-round stability with consistent, full-time work.
· Comprehensive benefits: Health insurance, retirement plan, PTO, and 12 paid holidays per year.
· Company truck for job-site travel.
· All materials, precut packages (when applicable), and heavy equipment provided.
· Real autonomy on site with full support from ownership.
· A true family culture: holiday parties, company events, and annual outings
If you’re a top-tier carpenter and leader looking for a place that respects your expertise, gives you stability, and treats you like family—this is it.
To Apply: Send your resume and a brief summary of your relevant experience and leadership background to careers@emerlin.com. We’re excited to hear from proven professionals ready to join the best.