Shop Technician

Port Townsend School of Woodworking seeks a disciplined self-starter for a full-time (32 hours a week) Shop Technician position. We are looking for an adaptable team player with a willingness to learn and passion for woodworking. The anticipated start date is September 2026, following a paid 2-week training period.

About PTSW

Founded in 2007, Port Townsend School of Woodworking (PTSW) is the premier woodworking school in the northwestern United States with a vision to cultivate a thriving, interconnected community of passionate woodworkers. PTSW offers an array of classes from two-day courses covering hand and machine tools to twelve-week woodworking intensives. The school provides education in subjects such as hand tool woodworking, traditional furniture making, studio furniture, turning, timber-framing, green woodworking, Indigenous carving, and Japanese woodworking.

Position Summary

Shop Technicians are responsible for a variety of operational and programmatic tasks at PTSW. These include classroom preparation, cleaning, tool maintenance, facility maintenance, teaching assistance during programs, ordering supplies and tools, and coordination with visiting instructors. Shop Technicians are part of the Shop Team which meets regularly to coordinate these tasks. This role includes weekday, weekend, and evening work.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensures an excellent student experience at the school consistent with our values
• Enforces safety policies and procedures
• Maintain hand tools and machine tools in working order
• Coordinate maintenance and repairs of the tools, equipment, and facilities
• Communicate with instructors to prepare for courses
• Confirm shops contain the necessary supplies
• Carry out shop maintenance projects
• Assist during school events
• Support instructors during courses as needed

Required Qualifications

• 2 years of woodworking experience (apprentice, artist, DIYer, carpenter, trade education, etc.)
• Take pride in your work, small or large
• Clear, consistent, and respectful communicator
• History of following shop safety rules
• Ability to perform basic math and geometry
• Ability to work weekends and overtime as requested

This description is not intended to cover every aspect of this job. We are a team that works together to meet the needs of students, and every member of the team is expected to contribute, even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this posting.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working at an educational institution
• A sense of humor (a punny one preferred)
• Passion for woodworking and the value of a craft education
• Experience with woodworking hand tools
• Experience with industrial woodworking machinery

Work Environment/Conditions

Indoor workshop, with some outdoor or offsite locations

Occasionally loud and sudden noises

Physically demanding job, requiring standing, walking, reaching using hands and arms, and ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Compensation

• Hourly wage: $20 - $28/hour, with target starting range $23/hour
• Mandatory training period from September 7, 2026 - September 18, 2026 dependent on experience
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Sick days and paid time off (PTO)
• School vacations as designated for your position
• $500 allotment for professional development
• Flexible, consistent schedule
• After hours access to a fully equipped wood shop

How to Apply

Candidates of all backgrounds who think they will be successful in this role should consider applying, even if you don’t meet all the qualifications. We highly encourage women and other marginalized genders, BIPOC, and veterans to apply.

Please share a brief letter of interest and a resume, including two references. Your letter should tell us about your background, experience, skills, and especially why you think your passion and expertise align with the position. Portfolios welcome and encouraged. Selected candidates will be invited to a skill-based interview at our wood shop.

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement

Port Townsend School of Woodworking is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, hair texture or protective hairstyles, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. Further, Port Townsend School of Woodworking is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of harassment.

Background Check Statement

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Pay: $20.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Are you able to perform basic math and geometry calculations?
• Will you be able to participate in an in-person skill assessment in Port Townsend, WA?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Woodworking: 2 years (Required)
• woodworking hand tool maintenance: 1 year (Preferred)
• woodworking machine tool maintenance: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• First Aid Certification/CPR (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $28