What are the responsibilities and job description for the Craftsperson - Finishing position at Thos. Moser?
Description
About Thos. Moser
Since 1972, Thos. Moser has been building handcrafted hardwood furniture in Maine using honest materials, thoughtful design, and time-honored woodworking techniques. Our Auburn workshop is home to a community of skilled craftspeople dedicated to producing furniture of lasting beauty and integrity.
Position Overview
The Finishing Craftsperson plays a critical role in revealing the natural beauty of solid hardwood and ensuring every piece leaving the finishing department reflects the quality, integrity, and attention to detail that define the Thos. Moser standard.
This role is responsible for preparing, finishing, and refining furniture surfaces so that each piece meets our expectations for durability, appearance, and consistency. The ideal candidate takes pride in craftsmanship, maintains a high level of attention to detail, and values working in a collaborative, quality-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Surface Preparation & Finishing
- Prepare furniture for finishing through careful sanding and surface preparation.
- Apply a range of finishes—including oils, lacquers, varnishes, and polyurethanes—using spray equipment and other finishing techniques.
- Mix stains, toners, and other finishing materials to achieve consistent color and appearance across production runs.
Quality & Craftsmanship
- Inspect surfaces and finished pieces to ensure they meet Thos. Moser’s standards for craftsmanship and appearance.
- Perform touch-ups and finish repairs on completed furniture as needed.
- Repair minor defects such as scratches, dents, or surface imperfections prior to final finishing.
- Maintain careful attention to detail so that finished work meets the expectations of both the shop and the customer.
Equipment & Work Area
- Maintain spray equipment and finishing tools to ensure safe and reliable operation.
- Follow all safety procedures related to finishing materials and equipment.
- Maintain a clean and organized workspace consistent with shop standards.
Requirements
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience with wood finishing, spray equipment, or furniture manufacturing preferred
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
- Ability to work efficiently in a team-oriented production environment.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
Craft Development Opportunity
Thos. Moser is committed to developing the next generation of skilled craftspeople. This position is designed as an entry point into the finishing craft. New hires begin as Finishing Trainees, where they receive hands-on training in surface preparation, finishing techniques, color matching, and spray application.
The training period typically lasts three to six months, depending on individual progress. Upon successful completion of the training program and demonstration of the required skills and quality standards, trainees are promoted to Finishing Craftsperson and receive a corresponding wage increase.
In addition, employees who demonstrate strong performance and commitment to the craft may become eligible after one year of employment to apply for our Cross-Functional Training Program an internal development program focused on expanding specialized skills required to build our handcrafted furniture.
Compensation & Benefits
Thos. Moser offers competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package. Full-time employees are also eligible to participate in our Personal Projects program, which provides dedicated shop time and materials for craftspeople to design and build furniture for their own homes—an opportunity to deepen skills while celebrating the craft of furniture making.