Tailor

DHRM; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA is seeking a Tailor to learn the garment alteration trade for cadets. No professional sewing experience is required; we will train the right candidate in machine operation, garment alterations, and repair techniques for uniforms.

Responsibilities include garment alterations and repairs, inspection, quality standards, and professional communication with cadets, faculty, staff, and supervisors.

Qualifications

• Friendly, professional, and customer-service oriented.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Dependable, self-motivated, and positive attitude.
• Able to sit for extended periods.
• Basic computer skills.
• Basic math skills (add/subtract measurements).
• Able to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
• Good hand and finger dexterity.
• Willing to learn new skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform garment alterations and repairs under supervision.
• Inspect garments and identify repairs or adjustments needed.
• Maintain quality standards and attention to detail.
• Communicate professionally with cadets, faculty, staff, and supervisors.
• Follow written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Work both independently and as part of a team.

Skills

Customer service oriented

Detail oriented

Dependable

Sits for extended periods

Basic math skills

Basic computer skills

Able to follow instructions

Self-motivated

Willing to learn

Tools

Sewing machine operation

Threading & maintenance

Pressing garments

Job description

Title: Tailor

State Role Title:

Hiring Range: $32,500

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Virginia Military Institute

Location: Virginia Military Institute

Agency Website: www.vmi.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is seeking motivated candidates interested in learning the tailoring and garment alteration trade. No professional sewing experience is required. We are willing to train the right candidate in machine operation, garment alterations, and repair techniques for uniforms and other garments issued to cadets.

• Perform garment alterations and repairs under supervision
• Inspect garments and identify repairs or adjustments needed
• Maintain quality standards and attention to detail
• Communicate professionally with cadets, faculty, staff, and supervisors
• Follow written and verbal instructions accurately
• Work both independently and as part of a team

Minimum Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• Be friendly, professional, and customer-service oriented
• Have strong attention to detail
• Be dependable, self-motivated, and maintain a positive attitude
• Be able to sit for extended periods of time
• Possess basic computer skills
• Have basic math skills, including adding and subtracting measurements
• Be able to understand and follow written and oral instructions
• Can work independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrate good hand and finger dexterity
• Be willing to learn new skills

Additional Considerations

• Basic comfort with a sewing machine or hand sewing is preferred, but not required
• Previous experience in alterations, tailoring, or sewing is a plus

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Professional experience is not required. We will train the right candidate who is enthusiastic, reliable, and willing to learn.

• Sewing machine operation, care, and maintenance
• Threading, oiling, and troubleshooting sewing machines
• Pinning, marking, and pressing garments for alterations
• Button replacement
• Zipper replacement
• Hemming techniques
• Uniform and garment alterations
• Quality control and inspection procedures

Contact Information

Name: Matthew Hart

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 17 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 31 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time