Hand Last

Full-time position (40–55 hours/week) based in El Paso, TX (40 Walter Jones Blvd, 79906). Reports to the Lasting Supervisor. Standard schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM, with overtime and Saturdays as required.

About the role

At Lucchese Bootmaker, craftsmanship defines our brand. The Hand Laster shapes and attaches the boot upper to the last (the foot‑shaped form) by hand, pulling, stretching and tacking or cementing the leather to achieve a precise, wrinkle‑free fit. The role requires skilled craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a commitment to the quality standards of handcrafted Western boots.

Scope: The Hand Laster is responsible for shaping cowboy boot uppers by hand, stretching and securing the leather over the last to establish the boot's foundational fit, structure, and silhouette. This covers all hand‑lasting operations from receiving the prepared upper through to producing a smooth, properly tensioned, wrinkle‑free lasted boot ready for the next stage (typically bottoming/sole attachment). Tasks include last selection, positioning of upper/lining/insole, hand‑pulling and tacking the leather, and final quality inspection of the lasted upper before handoff. The role does not extend to leather cutting, sole attachment, or finishing — it sits specifically at the lasting stage of manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret production tickets and work orders prior to lasting.
• Prepare uppers, insoles, counters, and toe boxes before lasting.
• Select the correct last size, style, and width according to specifications.
• Position the upper, lining, and insole correctly onto the last.
• Hand‑pull and stretch leather evenly over the last to eliminate wrinkles, gaps, or loose areas.
• Secure the upper to the insole using tacks, cement, or lasting pincers as required.
• Shape the toe, heel, and vamp areas by hand to achieve the correct contour and fit.
• Inspect lasted uppers for smoothness, symmetry, and proper tension before moving to the next production stage.
• Handle exotic and premium leathers (e.g., ostrich, caiman, python, calfskin) carefully to prevent scratches or stretches.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized workstation.
• Support production goals while maintaining Lucchese quality standards.
• Comply with all safety, environmental, and company policies.
• Maintain accurate production and quality records.
• Ensure materials are handled and stored properly.
• Follow all workplace safety policies and wear required PPE.
• Keep the work area clean and organized according to 5S standards.
• Report equipment malfunctions, quality issues, or safety concerns to the supervisor.
• Work collaboratively with team members to achieve production goals.
• Assist in other areas as needed when directed by managers to meet production needs.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed work orders.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong attention to detail and time‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to team goals.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, production‑driven manufacturing environment.
• Passion for excellence and consistently exceeding quality expectations.
• Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks daily and weekly.
• Machine operation experience.
• Workplace safety awareness.
• Professionalism, organized work processes, effective information sharing, active listening, and trust‑building.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
• 2–3 years of experience in leather goods or boot manufacturing environment preferred.
• 5S Workplace Organization and Visual Management Training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit continuously for a minimum of eight‑hour shifts.
• Frequent repetitive hand and finger movement.
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing stairs, and reaching above shoulder level.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle, grasp, operate tools, equipment, keyboards, and other production‑related devices.
• Visual inspection capability (close and distance) for products, equipment, processes, and workplace conditions.
• Ability to hear and respond to verbal instructions, alarms, and other workplace communications.
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials or equipment up to 50 lbs; move heavier items with assistance or mechanical devices as required.
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, moving equipment, varying temperatures, noise, dust, and other industrial conditions while wearing required PPE.
• Regular, reliable attendance and ability to work scheduled hours necessary to meet business and operational requirements.

Safety and Compliance

• Comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local occupational safety regulations.
• Lead by example in promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and hazard awareness throughout the production team.
• Ensure consistent use of required PPE and adherence to safe work practices.
• Conduct routine safety observations, workplace inspections, and housekeeping activities to identify and address potential hazards.
• Immediately report, investigate, and document workplace injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions, and safety incidents; implement corrective and preventive actions as appropriate.
• Ensure employees receive required safety training and reinforce compliance with established safety procedures and safe operating practices.
• Support emergency preparedness activities, including evacuation procedures, emergency response protocols, and participation in safety drills.
• Stop or suspend work when an unsafe condition presents an immediate risk to employees, equipment, product quality, or the environment; promptly notify management.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard‑free work area in accordance with 5S and housekeeping standards.

Quality & Process Excellence

• Ensure all products meet Lucchese quality standards and customer expectations.
• Reinforce adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prevent unauthorized process changes; escalate improvement opportunities through the appropriate approval process.
• Partner with Quality and Manufacturing leadership to investigate root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve processes, workflow, and quality.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM (40–55 hours/week). Overtime and Saturday work required as needed.