Upholstery Assistant – No Experience, Fine Manual Work

About the Company

Ethan Allen is a leading global interior design company and manufacturer of high-quality home furnishings. With a steadfast commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, and personalized service, we help clients create beautiful and comfortable living spaces that reflect their unique styles. Our St. Petersburg Design Center is a hub of creativity and skill, where we uphold our legacy of quality and design excellence. We are looking for passionate individuals to join our artisan teams and contribute to our tradition of fine furniture making.

Job Description

Ethan Allen in St. Petersburg, Florida, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Upholstery Assistant to join our dedicated team. This is a unique entry-level opportunity for individuals with no prior upholstery experience who possess a keen eye for detail, strong manual dexterity, and a genuine desire to learn a skilled trade. You will work alongside experienced upholsterers, contributing to the creation and restoration of high-quality furniture pieces. This role involves fine manual work, requiring precision, patience, and a meticulous approach. We are looking for someone eager to develop a craft and become an integral part of our commitment to quality and artistry. This position is on-site and offers comprehensive training from our master craftspeople.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior upholsterers with various tasks, including fabric cutting, pattern matching, frame preparation, and spring tying.
• Learn and practice basic upholstery techniques under direct supervision, focusing on precision and quality.
• Prepare and organize materials and tools efficiently for upholstery projects.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area at all times.
• Perform preliminary quality checks on finished and in-progress pieces, identifying any discrepancies.
• Handle all materials with the utmost care to prevent damage or waste.
• Adhere strictly to all company safety guidelines and operational procedures.
• Support the team in ensuring projects are completed efficiently and to Ethan Allen's high standards.

Required Skills

• Strong manual dexterity and excellent hand-eye coordination.
• Exceptional attention to detail and precision in all tasks.
• High degree of patience and a meticulous approach to fine manual work.
• Eagerness and willingness to learn new skills and techniques.
• Ability to follow complex instructions accurately and consistently.
• Basic understanding of measurements and angles.
• Reliable and responsible with a strong work ethic.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with crafts, sewing, woodworking, model building, or similar fine manual hobbies.
• Familiarity with various types of fabrics, materials, and their properties.
• A portfolio or examples demonstrating manual skills and attention to detail (e.g., personal craft projects).
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Perks & Benefits

• Comprehensive on-the-job training and mentorship from experienced artisans.
• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.
• Exclusive employee discount on Ethan Allen products.
• Opportunities for continuous skill development and career growth within a respected craft.
• A positive, collaborative, and supportive team environment.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

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