Position: Outdoor Apparel & Gear Repair Specialist - Sewing
Location: Milwaukie, Oregon
Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 8:30am – 5:30pm (part time position, approx. 24 hrs week)
Are you a skilled seamstress, seamster, or sewist who has some experience constructing, modifying, and/or repairing complex items?
An Outdoor Gear Repair Technician at Mountain Soles & Outdoor Threads is responsible for performing repairs on technical outerwear, apparel, and other outdoor gear that meet both high quality and shop productivity standards. This person repairs a broad spectrum of clothing and equipment based on a strong understanding of garment construction and design. The work must be done to exacting standards with sewing skill, experience, and concern for our customers’ needs. As the time to get someone up to speed is often lengthy, we are looking for employees in love with repairing and who will join us for the long term.
What You’ll Do:
Tasks
Essential Job Functions:
Work as a team member to uphold repair quality, communication, and desired turn-around times.
Ability to interpret the design and intended use of an item so that you can offer repair solutions which keep that item functional long after a repair is complete.
Perform high quality sewing repairs, modifications, and alterations on high-end outerwear, tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, etc.
Repair/ replace zippers on the above listed items.
Visualize three-dimensionally.
Comfortable using home sewing machines and have experience with industrial sewing machines (needle feed, walking foot, bar- tacker, serger etc).
Troubleshoot and solve problems creatively. You think ‘outside the box’ and are willing to learn new things.
Soft Skills
Practice "active" listening and be fully present both one-on-one and/or with a team.
Participate in an environment where everyone can learn from mistakes, voice their opinions, and ask judgment-free questions.
Value the perspective of team members, even if it is different from your own.
Skills acquired within six months to one year:
After the first six months be able to complete a number of repairs that is equal to the number of hours you work per week. Repairs may range from quick, simple repairs to complex, which take more time to complete.
Skilled operation of specialty industrial sewing machines including basic sewing machine maintenance and troubleshooting.
The technical knowledge of how to repair the following:
o Mountain sports, ski and technical gear
o Backpacks, Tents, Sleeping Bags
o Lightweight casual sports apparel and accessories
Who You Are
You are excited to learn new skills.
Deeply passionate and committed to keeping products in-use longer and out of the landfill.
Thrives in an environment with a high level of autonomy, working with little or no supervision. You are a self-starter committed to high quality work and able to work autonomously.
Not afraid to ask questions, especially while learning.
Thrives in an environment with a small team and diverse personalities.
Good organizational and prioritization skills, detail oriented. You are able to interpret instructions and have a keen eye for detail.
Skilled at dealing with ambiguity and can demonstrate flexibility in a changing work environment.
Enjoys working with others in a team-oriented approach.
Excellent communication skills; written, verbal, and non-verbal (body language). You have good handwriting and verbal communication. If English is not your native language that is OK, but some basic English is required.
Willingness to pitch in and help others during slower work periods.
Exercise sound judgment and follow all safety guidelines.
Demonstrates excellent attendance and punctuality. You are reliable.
You are able to keep a clean workspace.
You are comfortable with other simple tasks (vacuuming, sweeping, cleaning windows, etc.).
Physical Requirements
Requires bending, stooping, reaching up, and lifting up to 40 pounds.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to perform routine tasks for extended periods of time.
Must follow all shop safety requirements.
Ability to read and comprehend safety materials.
Equal Employment Opportunity
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.
Pay and Benefits
$18 to $24 per hour DOE
Paid Holidays
Paid Time Off for employees consistently averaging 32 hrs week or more
Health Insurance Stipend of $120 per month employees consistently averaging 32 hrs week or more
Want to learn more about our business before you send your resume? Visit the Mountain Soles website at www.mtnsoles.com
HOW TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:
Reply to this CL ad with a resume and 3 references and cover letter (optional).
Please include prior relevant work and/or sewing related experience including pictures of past projects.
Include email and a phone number where you can be reached.
DO NOT call us to ask about job openings.
If we like your resume we will call you for an interview.
A background and reference check may be required.