What are the responsibilities and job description for the Shop Assistant/Apprentice Fabricator position at FLEXHIBIT?
Location: Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Job Type: Part-time (20–30 hours per week, flexible around school schedules)
Duration: This is currently a temporary position, anticipated at 4-6 months.
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour (D.O.E.)
Benefits: Tools provided, hands-on mentorship, clear path for career advancement.
About the Role
FLEXHIBIT manufactures interactive, world-class science museum exhibits. We are looking for a motivated, hardworking Shop Assistant / Apprentice to join our production team on a temporary basis for an initial 4-month trial period (possibility for extension).
If you are currently enrolled in a trade program (carpentry, cabinetry, or manufacturing) or looking to get your foot in the door of a high-end custom fabrication shop, this is your opportunity. You will work directly under our Senior Builders and CNC Operators, learning how to build complex, interactive exhibits from the ground up. At the end the duration of the temporary position, successful candidates will be considered for a full-time career path.
Key Responsibilities
Surface Preparation: Own the sanding and prepping phase. You will ensure all wood, acrylic, and metal components are sanded smoothly and prepped perfectly for paint, stain, or assembly.
Shop Maintenance: Keep the production floor organized, clean, and safe. This includes sweeping, emptying dust collection systems, and staging materials for upcoming builds.
Material Handling & "Gopher" Work: Unload material deliveries, move parts between workstations, and assist senior builders with heavy lifting or clamping during complex assemblies.
Parts Organization: Kit and organize hardware, fasteners, and CNC-cut parts so the assembly team has exactly what they need to hit strict deadlines.
Basic Fabrication: As your skills and efficiency progress during your trial period, you will be trained on basic machine operations, assembly, and finishing techniques.
What We’re Looking For
Work Ethic & Speed: You don't stand around waiting to be told what to do. You see a messy workbench and clean it; you see a pile of parts that need sanding and you get to work.
Reliability: You show up on time, every day of your scheduled shift, ready to work hard.
Willingness to Learn: You take direction well from senior builders and don't mind doing the unglamorous tasks (like sanding) because you know it's critical to the final product.
Detail Oriented: To prove you actually read this entire posting, please mention the word "Banana" in your application or initial message.
Qualifications
Experience: No professional experience required, but basic familiarity with hand tools and shop environments (or current enrollment in a trade program) is highly preferred.
Physical: Must be able to lift 75 lbs, stand for 8-hour shifts, and handle repetitive physical labor (sanding/lifting).
Environment: Must thrive in a professional, non-smoking, high-output shop environment.
License: Valid Driver's License and reliable transportation (Required).
Why Apply?
This isn't a dead-end warehouse job. At FLEXHIBIT, you will see unique, creative projects come to life every week. For the right candidate, this temporary position is a direct stepping stone into a higher-paying, full-time Fabricator or CNC Operator position.
Apply today to kickstart your career in custom manufacturing.
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $22