Peg by Hand

Department: Finishing • Effective: 11/04/2026 • Reports to: Manufacturing Supervisor • Full‑time, 40–55 hrs/week • Schedule: Mon–Fri 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (OT & Saturdays as needed) • Location: 40 Walter Jones Blvd., El Paso, TX 79906

About the role

The Hand Pegger secures the shank area of handcrafted western boots by driving wooden pegs or brass nails by hand through the outsole into the insole. Using an awl, peg hammer, and pegging tools, the pegger places each peg in a consistent pattern, spacing, and depth to give the waist of the boot strength, support, and a long service life. This traditional step is done with care on every pair, without damaging the sole or the upper, so that each boot meets Lucchese quality and craftsmanship standards.

Scope: The Hand Pegger owns the hand pegging of the shank area on every pair, from receiving the boot after sole attaching to a pegged, inspected pair handed to the next operation.

Responsibilities

• Drive wooden pegs or brass nails through the outsole into the insole using an awl, peg hammer, and pegging tools.
• Read work tickets to confirm style, size, width, peg pattern, and number of rows for each order.
• Inspect boots before pegging for loose soles, misplaced shanks, or other defects; set aside and report any issues.
• Mark and punch peg holes with consistent spacing, alignment, and angle, following the specified pattern.
• Set pegs to the correct depth so they hold firmly without splitting the sole or breaking through the insole.
• Keep the peg pattern symmetrical on both boots of the pair.
• Trim or level peg ends flush with the sole and insole surfaces as required.
• Inspect pegged boots for loose, broken, missing, or misaligned pegs; correct or set aside nonconforming pairs.
• Keep pairs together and correctly tagged; route them to the next operation.
• Record production counts, rework, and defects on work tickets or in the shop system.
• Keep tools sharp, clean, and in good condition; report worn or damaged tools promptly.
• Follow all safety procedures, including safe use of awls, hammers, hand tools, and required PPE.
• Keep the work area clean, organized, and free of peg scraps and debris.
• Support other bottoming operations as assigned by the supervisor.
• Assist in other areas as directed by management.

Requirements

• Experience working with leather, footwear, boots, or similar materials (preferred).
• Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and hand‑eye coordination.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, patterns, and production specifications.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, production‑driven manufacturing environment.
• Strong commitment to quality, productivity, and workplace safety.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Professional attitude, reliable attendance, and excellent verbal/written communication skills.
• Preferred: bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to share information, listen actively, build trust.
• Strong time management, prioritization, and analytical/critical thinking skills.
• Passion for excellence and consistently exceeding quality expectations.
• Ability to analyze issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Experience operating industrial sewing machines, preferably in footwear, leather goods, or upholstery (preferred).
• Ability to work seated at a station for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Preferred: experience with western boots or leather.

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.
• Ensure consistent use of required PPE and 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.
• Ensure employees receive required safety training and reinforce compliance with established safety procedures.
• Support emergency preparedness activities, including evacuation procedures, emergency response protocols, and safety drills.
• Stop or suspend work when an unsafe condition presents an immediate risk; promptly notify management.
• Maintain a clean, organized, 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.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit continuously for a minimum of eight‑hour shifts.
• Frequent repetitive hand and finger movement.
• Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and reach above shoulder level.
• Frequently use hands and fingers to handle, grasp, operate tools, equipment, keyboards, and other production‑related devices.
• Visually inspect products, equipment, production processes, and workplace conditions (close and distance vision).
• Hear and respond to verbal instructions, alarms, and other workplace communications.
• Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 lb; move heavier items with assistance or mechanical devices as required.
• Work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, moving equipment, varying temperatures, noise, dust, and other industrial conditions while wearing required PPE.
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance and