Upholsterer

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida on Main Campus in Gainesville is seeking an experienced Upholsterer to join the Facilities Operations team. You will disassemble, repair, and re-upholster furniture and perform related sewing, cutting, and finishing tasks to restore items to their original or improved condition.

You will also perform general carpentry for residence hall facilities, read blueprints, manage work orders, maintain supplies, and ensure safety standards including respiratory protection.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; three years of relevant experience required.
• Valid Florida driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Disassemble, repair, and re-upholster furniture including chairs, sofas, and couches.
• Perform sewing, cushion filling, and stapling during reupholster process.
• Measure, cut, and sew fabric or leather for custom designs.
• Input and process work order requests using web-based system.
• Perform general carpentry tasks and install cabinetry.
• Read blueprints and reference maintenance manuals.
• Maintain inventory and keep workstations organized.
• Follow safety procedures, including respirator use.

Skills

Sewing

Upholstery tools

Carpentry

Woodworking

Stain and finishes

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vocational/technical training substitution

Job description

Upholsterer

Job No: 541116

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Facilities Operations/Skilled Trades, Veteran's Preference Eligible

Department: 07700500 - HO-FURNITURE SHOP

Classification Title: Upholsterer

Classification Minimum Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and three years of relevant experience; appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Upholstery Operations and Work Order Management

• Disassembles, repairs, and re-upholsters commercial and residential furniture including but not limited to chairs, sofas, and couches; performs sewing, cushion filling, and stapling during re-upholster process; reupholsters vehicle seats and replaces headliners
• Conduct thorough quality checks to ensure that finished items meet standards of appearance, comfort, and safety
• Measure, cut, and sew fabric, leather, or other materials to create custom upholstery designs
• Replace worn-out materials, including padding, springs, and fabric, to restore furniture to its original or improved condition
• Apply various techniques such as buttoning and pleating to enhance the appearance and functionality of furniture
• Input and process work order requests utilizing web-based work order management system

Perform general carpentry or maintenance for residence hall facilities as directed

• Perform general carpentry tasks using power and hand tools (e.g. table saws, planers operate jointers, drill press, router, and shaping tools) to construct or assemble furniture parts, laminate and finish file cabinets and countertops, install cabinets and associated components, as well as fabricate and install multiple forms of millwork products
• Assist with cutting, assembling, laminating, covering, delivering, and installing cabinetry and related items such as kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, desks, and wardrobes
• Responsible for collecting field measurement necessary to design cabinetry
• Repairs and maintains current furniture such as striping, refinishing and applying stains of furniture
• Read and interpret blueprints/schematic drawings and specifications
• Reference maintenance manuals for task completion
• Use issued air purifying respirator; abide by the UF EH&S Respiratory Protection Program

Assist in maintaining inventory of materials, supplies, tools and/or equipment throughout area of responsibility; ensure organized workstations and storage closets with necessary materials as directed

• Perform general cleaning duties after the completion of maintenance tasks within buildings or properties

Perform other duties as assigned, including special tasks

Expected Salary

$20.00-$25.00 hourly;commensurate with experience

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and three years of relevant experience; appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Valid Florida driver's license.

Preferred

EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

• General experience or working knowledge of operating a sewing machine and upholstery related tools
• Working knowledge of assembly techniques
• General experience with carpentry
• Experience with woodworking, including applying stain and paint finishes

SKILLS

• Proficiency with sewing and the ability to handle various fabrics and materials Demonstrated proficiency with computers and basic software applications (e.g. work order management systems)
• Demonstrated communication skills (verbal and written) and ability to communicate with various levels of staff
• Demonstrated attention to detail, professionalism, dependability, and timeliness
• Demonstrated customer service and interpersonal skills

ABILITIES

• Ability to interpret project specifications accurately and understand schematics or blueprint drawings
• Ability to remain discreet and respect the privacy of residents, tenants, and/or guests.
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects or tasks simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to understand, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a multifaceted environment

Health Assessment Required:Yes

Applications Close

28 September 2026

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.