Leather Belt Making Assistant

Buck Mason; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Buck Mason in Los Angeles is seeking a Belt Leather Smith to join our workshop, bringing belts from the ground up. This hands-on role involves working with raw leather, hardware, and finishing techniques to create durable pieces that reflect our commitment to quality.

You don't need prior belt‑making experience; we value mechanical mindset, comfort with hand tools, and a willingness to learn. The position offers on-site work in a Los Angeles workspace with a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• Prior experience with hand tools required.
• 1–2 years in a shop or fabrication environment preferred.
• Leatherworking experience is a plus but not required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and detail orientation.
• Comfort with measurements and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist with production of leather belts from raw materials through final assembly.
• Cut and measure leather according to specifications.
• Perform edge finishing and other leather finishing techniques.
• Install buckles, hardware, and belt components.
• Safely use hand tools and small shop equipment.
• Learn Buck Mason’s belt-making techniques and production standards.
• Inspect finished work for accuracy and quality.

Skills

Hand tools use

Mechanical aptitude

Attention to detail

Craftsmanship mindset

Willingness to learn

Tools

Leatherworking tools

Measuring tools

Edge finishing tools

Job description

We’re looking for a Belt Leather Smith to join our team and help bring Buck Mason’s leather belts to life from the ground up. This is a hands‑on opportunity to learn the craft of leatherworking while working with everything from raw leather and hardware to finished product—and creating durable, beautifully made pieces that reflect our commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

You don’t need to be a professional leatherworker to succeed in this role. We’re looking for someone who is comfortable with hand tools, mechanically minded, detail‑oriented, and eager to learn a new craft. Experience in woodworking, metalworking, fabrication, or another hands‑on trade is highly transferable. You’ll learn our belt‑making techniques and production standards while developing your skills in a working Los Angeles workshop.

If you like working with your hands, figuring out how things are made, and taking pride in getting the details right, we’d like to meet you.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the production of leather belts from raw materials through final assembly

• Cut and measure leather according to established specifications

• Perform edge finishing and other leather finishing techniques

• Install buckles, hardware, and other belt components

• Safely and confidently use a variety of hand tools and small shop equipment

• Learn and follow Buck Mason’s belt‑making techniques and production standards

• Inspect finished work for accuracy, consistency, and quality

• Prepare leather, hardware, and other materials for production

• Keep tools, materials, and hardware organized and ready for use

• Maintain a clean, efficient, and safe workspace

• Assist with general leatherworking, production, and shop tasks as needed

• Learn the characteristics of different leathers and how they respond to cutting, finishing, and construction

• Identify issues along the way and work with the team to find practical solutions

Required Skills:

• Prior experience working with hand tools is required

• 1–2 years of experience in a shop, fabrication, woodworking, metalworking, manufacturing, or similar hands‑on environment is preferred, but not required

• Leatherworking experience is a plus, but not necessary

• Strong mechanical aptitude and an ability to learn new tools, techniques, and processes quickly

• Comfortable working with measurements, specifications, and detailed instructions

• Strong attention to detail and a genuine appreciation for craftsmanship and quality

• Patient and focused when working through repetitive or highly detailed processes

• Dependable, organized, and takes ownership of your work

• Comfortable working in a hands‑on workshop environment

• Experience working with natural materials or making, building, or repairing things is a plus

• Curious about how things are made and excited to develop a new skilled craft

• Entry‑level candidates with strong hands‑on skills are encouraged to apply

$25 - $30 an hour

Here at Buck Mason, we’re all about transparency and fairness, especially when it comes to compensation. While the base salary range for this role is $25‑$30 per hour, your total compensation package may include bonuses and other perks tailored to your performance and dedication to our craft.

Buck Mason designs updated, modern American classics for daily wear. Founded in 2013 by Sasha Koehn and Erik Allen Ford, who were neighbors in Venice, California. Initially, they set up shop in a 350 square foot garage off Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Sasha built the website and Erik created the brand’s first collection of jeans and tees. Obsessed with quality, they worked closely with a local family factory to create small batch production runs, crafting each piece using old school manufacturing techniques combined with modern technology.