our ReadingTailor

In this role, the Tailor creates and alters uniforms for various first responder groups and municipal organizations within MES, Inc’s customer base. Their primary responsibility is designing, sewing, repairing, and customizing uniforms to meet specific client needs and requirements. This role is crucial in helping individuals and organizations present a professional image while ensuring comfort and functionality in their uniforms. The ideal candidate will have technical skills, creativity, and great attention to detail. This role is based in our Reading, PA, location.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Uniform Design: Create uniform designs based on client specifications or industry requirements as per Workorder instructions.
• Sewing and Assembly: Cut, sew, and assemble uniform pieces using sewing machines, hand-stitching, and other techniques, including tapering shirts, adjusting waists, and hemming trousers,
• Customization: Place zippers, add pant stripes, apply patches, apply name strips, and apply stripes with accuracy and efficiency.
• Alterations: Perform alterations to ensure uniforms fit properly and are comfortable for wear.
• Fabric Selection: Advise clients on fabric choices and ensure that the selected fabrics are suitable for the uniforms' intended purpose.
• Measurement: Accurately measure clients to ensure proper fit, mark garments for alterations, problem-solve individual sizing issues, and maintain detailed records of measurements.
• Quality Control: Inspect finished uniforms for quality, accuracy, and durability, making any necessary adjustments.
• Deadlines: Meet production deadlines based on agreed customer delivery timeframes
• Repair Work: Repair damaged uniforms by patching, re-stitching, or replacing worn-out sections.
• Customer Service: Interact with clients to understand their needs, offer recommendations, and provide excellent customer service.
• Cost Estimation: Provide clients with uniform creation, alterations, and repair estimates.
• Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that sewing machines and other equipment are well-maintained and in working order.
• Inventory Management: Maintain an inventory of fabrics, threads, and other sewing supplies.
• Trend Awareness: Stay updated on the latest fashion trends and techniques in uniform design and tailoring.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience as a tailor or seamstress, preferably focusing on uniform creation and alterations.
• Proficiency in sewing, stitching, and fabric manipulation techniques.
• Understanding different designs, fabrics, threads, and sewing equipment.
• Knowledge of safety guidelines when working with sewing machinery and tools.
• Must be able to multitask, prioritize, and work under deadlines/pressure.
• A great understanding of feeding a thread through machine guides.
• Ability to pick the correct tool or equipment needed to do a job
• Familiarity in adjusting machine functions depending on the type of fabric being used
• Experience in selecting the proper thread to use for certain types of materials
• Ability to apply pins and markings to the fabric from different types of designs
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required
• Bilingual (English and Spanish)
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the tailoring industry
• Reliable transportation

Desired Characteristics

• Strong attention to detail and precision in measurements and sewing.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrates self-confidence
• Self-starter - takes the initiative.
• Follow through
• High level of integrity
• Customer service mindset with excellent interpersonal skills
• Formal training or certification in tailoring or fashion design is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• This work may require standing for extended periods and operating sewing machines and other equipment using continuous repetitive motions.

Pay and Benefits:

• Hourly rate based on experience
• 401(k)
• Ten Paid Holidays Annually
• Dental Insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Employee rewards and recognition program

About Us

Established in 2001, Municipal Emergency Services, Inc. (MES) is the nation’s largest provider of PPE, fire apparatus, uniforms, and services to first responders. With over 25 locations, MES is the most trusted source of equipment and service for firefighters, law enforcement, and EMTs. Our dedicated team of over 300 sales representatives and certified service technicians allows us to bring unparalleled quality and service to our industry. MES supports its customers with innovative digital commerce solutions and a nationwide warehousing system with three strategically located hubs that carry thousands of products representing the best brands on the market.

Additional Information

MES offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. MES is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

MES will only employ those legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a pre-employment screening.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• No nights
• No weekends

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• tailoring and/or sewing: 2 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Reading, PA 19605 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Reading, PA 19605: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person