10/08/2026
We're hiring - Operations Management Trainee — Part-Time - $25 Hr
�Porch Guard Solutions | Fuquay-Varina, NC�20–25 hours per week to start • Paid position • Schedule coordinated around coursework
The opportunity
Porch Guard Solutions is a growing, veteran-owned business that manufactures and installs custom removable clear porch panels, helping homeowners extend porch season and reduce pollen exposure. We were recently awarded a patent for our product and are building the team and processes to support continued growth.
We’re looking for a dependable, hands-on construction management or engineering student, or recent graduate in either field, who wants to learn every aspect of the business directly from the owner and develop into a key leader.
The goal is for you to become capable of performing every core production and installation task, coordinating daily operations, and eventually serving as Operations Manager. As you demonstrate readiness, you will also assume day-to-day oversight of our two part-time employees.
This position starts at 20–25 hours per week, with opportunities for additional hours and eventual full-time employment as the business scales.
What you’ll learn and do
* Learn and perform panel fabrication, equipment operation, material handling, and installation.
* Learn site measurements, estimating, production cut sheets, and job preparation.
* Help organize the shop and maintain tools, materials, and customer-job inventory.
* Follow and improve documented procedures and quality checklists.
* Verify job readiness and identify problems before materials leave the shop.
* Track labor, material usage, rework, and job completion.
* Assist with production schedules, installation appointments, and customer communication.
* Learn purchasing, job costing, seasonal panel storage, and service coordination.
* Progress toward overseeing two part-time employees, including assigning tasks, checking quality, supporting training, and keeping work on schedule.
* Be willing and able to step into production or installation work when the team needs support.
What we’re looking for
* Currently studying construction management, engineering, or a related field, or recently graduated.
* Reliable, organized, and attentive to measurements and details.
* Willing to work in the shop and on customer installations.
* Comfortable learning tools, equipment, spreadsheets, and business software.
* Able to communicate professionally with customers and coworkers.
* Willing to ask questions, report mistakes promptly, and follow established procedures.
* Able to lead by example and hold others accountable respectfully.
* Interested in building a long-term career with a growing small business.
Prior experience is helpful, but we are willing to train the right person.
Development and advancement
Training will progress through demonstrated skills:
1. Learn the work: Build proficiency in production, installation, safety, and quality standards.
2. Own specific responsibilities:Independently manage assigned tasks such as inventory, job preparation, quality records, or scheduling.
3. Lead daily workflow: Coordinate the two part-time employees, inspect work, support training, and resolve routine issues.
4. Earn broader leadership: Advance toward Operations Manager as performance, leadership ability, availability, and business needs support it.
Advancement is based on readiness and results rather than a guaranteed timeline. You will learn the work before taking responsibility for supervising it.
What success looks like
You become a trusted, versatile leader who understands how each job moves from measurement through production, installation, and seasonal service. Jobs are prepared accurately, the shop stays organized, employees understand their e assignments, and customers receive quality work and clear communication.
Over time, you can run daily operations with less owner supervision while maintaining our standards.
Compensation and schedule
This is a paid, part-time position starting at 20–25 hours per week and growing to full time as we continue to scale. Hourly compensation will be discussed based on experience and initial responsibilities.
We will establish a consistent schedule that accommodates coursework and business needs. Hours, compensation, and leadership responsibilities can grow as the business scales and you demonstrate proficiency.
