Cobbler (Shoe Repairer)

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to work behind the scenes at the United States Naval Academy, providing shoe repair services and more to the Brigade of Midshipmen. You will work in a fast-paced environment alongside other skilled tradesmen in this exclusive trade.

Duties

• Repairs shoes, replaces soles, heels, welts, re-stitches uppers, replaces eyelets, counters and linings
• Operates machines used to accomplish above work: straight and curved needle stitches, cutters, skiving machines, edgers, grinders and finishers, shoe pressers, stretchers, sewing machines, auto-soler, heel wheeler and heel remover
• Repairs and alters articles such as suitcases, bags, gloves, belts, and other articles made of fabric, leather and leather-like materials
• Makes repairs to, cleans and adjusts all machines used
• Alters shoes to provide relief from corns, to compensate for a short leg, to correct posture deficiencies, to correct flat feet and to correct arch abnormalities; occasionally alters shoes to correct or compensate for various abnormalities
• Responsible for keeping the working area of the Cobbler Shop clean

Work environment

The work is required to be done at a rapid pace to meet workload demands of approximately 7,000+ pairs of shoes per year. Standing, sitting and continual body movement is required. Moderately heavy handwork is required when feeding and holding work through and against machines. The individual works indoors amidst noisy and vibrating machinery.

Requirements

• Must obtain and maintain a security clearance – requires 18 years of age
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service
• Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required – E-Verify participant
• Probationary period: Flexible employees are employed based on the needs of the business
• Must be able to understand and communicate in English
• Must complete an Occupational Health screening for this position
• Participation in Direct Deposit
• Must maintain the privacy of official work information and data, and demonstrate the highest level of ethical conduct

Qualifications

Experience that has equipped you with the ability to perform the duties of a cobbler/shoe repairer, which may include but are not limited to: repairing shoes; operating shoe repair machines and sewing machines; repairing and altering suitcases, backpacks, handbags, belts; etc.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Experience working with a variety of leathers, leather-like, rubber, plastic, cotton, fiberglass, and other similar materials
• Experience performing shoe repair/cobbler duties in a retail establishment preferred
• Ability to clean, adjust and operate a variety of specialized machines for repair of shoes and other items
• Experience using shoe repair machines and equipment preferred
• Ability to plan work by taking measurements, selecting proper materials to fit customer's needs, and adapting work to various designs and conformations of different manufactures
• Customer service experience, with skill in verbal and written communication
• Experience corresponding with customers via email is preferred
• Experience working a cash register or a point-of-sale (POS) system

Benefits

This flexible position is not eligible for federal benefits, but NABSD employee perks include: use of the Brigade Sports Complex; shop at the Midshipmen Store; shop at the Navy Exchange; potential membership eligibility at the Naval Academy Club; use of MWR facilities; eligible to join Navy Federal Credit Union; eligible for childcare with CDC & NAPS; use of Employee Assistance Program.