Lead Studio Woodworker — Path to Workshop Manager

Practice Space; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Meditation time

Growth to full-time

Job summary

Practice Space in Portland, OR, seeks a Lead Studio Woodworker to take prototypes to small-batch production. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and independent work with a collaborative team, reporting to the founder and guiding shop processes.

This is a 2–3 day/week position (16–24 hrs) with a clear path to full-time and eventual Workshop Manager. Candidates should bring fine woodworking experience and a strong sense of craft, process, and contemplative practice.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in fine woodworking including handtool techniques.
• Demonstrated aesthetic judgment and curiosity about design, art, and craft lines.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and precision.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Unwavering attention to safety and honest communication.
• Bonus: interest in adjacent fine arts, fabrication and other sculptural practices.
• Bonus: prior experience as a shop lead or running small-batch production.
• Bonus: interest in meditation or contemplative traditions.

Responsibilities

• Prototype to production: turn ideas/prototypes into repeatable production with templates, cutlists, build notes, and steps.
• Project management: estimate timelines, track progress and communicate early; propose solutions and identify partners.
• Obsessive quality control: maintain high finishing standards and fix issues early.
• Maintain shop order: keep logs, clean areas, enforce safety culture and routines.

Skills

Fine woodworking

Handtool techniques

Aesthetic judgment

Detail oriented

Safety culture

Independent work

Team collaboration

Studio production

Contemplative practices

Tools

Bandsaw

Table saw

Jointer

Planer

Scrollsaw

Router

Drill press

Diamond plates

Whetstones

Job description

Practice Space in Portland, OR, seeks a Lead Studio Woodworker to take prototypes to small-batch production. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and independent work with a collaborative team, reporting to the founder and guiding shop processes.

This is a 2–3 day/week position (16–24 hrs) with a clear path to full-time and eventual Workshop Manager. Candidates should bring fine woodworking experience and a strong sense of craft, process, and contemplative practice.