Design Drafter

Responsible for preparing detailed custom residential and commercial cabinetry and woodwork blueprints and shop drawings from designs for production per specifications. Effectively utilizes knowledge of various machines, engineering practices, mathematics, building materials, and other physical sciences to complete drawings. Also responsible for serving as a liaison between the office and the shop while working to facilitate the pre-production, production and post-production process for projects manufactured at Joseph A. Interiors. The individual in this position will also act as a representative for Joseph A. Interiors when on a jobsite working with customers and Project Managers with questions or issues.  

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Design

• Work directly with customers for initial designs and any revisions throughout the project. Address design challenges and provide creative solutions while maintaining the integrity of the design and functionality of the millwork.
• Work collaboratively with other team members, including Estimating, Purchasing and Production, to continually improve the communication process involved in project hand-offs from receipt of the project through the production process.
• Communicate regularly with other departments to keep staff informed of workload, goals and objectives, project results and other information.
• Receive and review project specifications/files from Sales and/or Project Manager; receive additional information on project during hand-off process.
• Interpret and asses all project information including architectural drawings, specifications, hand-off data and standards for design intent to generate clear and comprehensive drawings that meet client expectations.
• Update Team Leader and/or Project Manager on project status on a regular basis; coordinate questions with production/custom wood builders to ensure all project information is received and can be accurately reflected on drawings.
• Use computer assisted design/drafting equipment and software to prepare detailed design and production drawings following Joseph A Interiors standards of construction for all projects.

Pre-production process, to include:

• Reviewing projects upon award and becoming familiar with scope of work and specifications.
• Reviewing drawings to become familiar with project and to determine what verifications are needed and what areas may require special attention.
• Ensuring that project is drawn according to specification. Review details with Production as necessary for value engineering and production process ideas.
• Working with Project Manager to gather material information as needed for Purchasing.
• Reviewing projects with Team Leader/Project Manager upon return of plans following approval or request for re-submission.
• Attending job project handoff meetings and communicating project needs to production and reviewing scope issues at these meetings to ensure everyone is familiar with the project.

Production process, to include:

• Coordinating with appropriate production coordinators to ensure construction requirements can be met.
• Answering engineering questions and finding solutions to problems as they occur and ensure that follow-up is handled efficiently and accurately so that projects are not delayed unnecessarily.
• Updating all drawings as revisions occur and ensure that drawing files reflect correct information           on what was built.

Post-production process, to include:

• Reviewing overall project to learn from project experiences.
• Interacting with and assisting the Team Leader and other team members on a continual basis,     incorporating prior experience, and drafting knowledge to share information and learned    experiences.
  
  

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist Project Manager and Production Manager with monitoring project schedules to be familiar with the flow of projects. 
• Participate in company training programs and attend authorized external conferences or seminars as required to keep current in company and industry standards and operating procedures.
• Work effectively and efficiently as part of the department, participate in all department meetings and communications, and follow all department policies and procedures as outlined by the department leader.
• Ensure all company policies and procedures are always followed as they are outlined in the Joseph A. Interiors Employee Handbook.
• Perform any special assignments, additional projects, or other job-related duties as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of this position as required by management.

 

WORK RELATIONSHIPS AND SCOPE:

Works closely with custom wood builders, and various other production team members, and members of management.  Works to increase efficiency and profit through accountability (internal and external); taking ownership; good communication; quality; flexibility; customer focus (internal and external); and building positive relationships.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Minimum of an associate degree in Architectural Drafting/Design or business-related field, with emphasis on computer drafting. 
• Basic knowledge of custom woodwork construction, standards and installation; knowledge of standard casework, and ability to accurately prepare shop drawings off architectural blueprints.
• Proficient in the use of AutoCAD. Prior experience with Microvellum is a plus.
• Ability to learn new graphic software to compliment the presentation of AutoCAD designs.
• Strong math skills and the ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to accurately translate design concepts into technical drawings.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Communication and organizational skills required, including the ability to plan, prioritize, and organize work effectively, work effectively and efficiently under pressure and time deadlines.
• Able to analyze problems (not just symptoms); propose reasonable solutions, make logical decisions, carry-out decisions made, and follow up with feedback where appropriate. 
• Must be self-motivated and independent, able to work effectively with minimum supervision and multi-task with the ability to frequently jump from one assignment to another.
• Must be assertive and achievement-driven, possess high integrity and ethics, and can work diplomatically under stressful conditions and pressure.
• Must possess the ability to work collaboratively with all parties involved in job projects.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, some time will be spent in the field (on jobsites with general contractors and construction crew employees) and in the production area with shop employees where a minimal exposure to injury exists.  Hours of work will generally be during regular Joseph A. Interiors business hours; however, there will be some variation in work hours due to project work levels, deadlines, and other customer issues. For example, evenings, and/or weekends when necessary to meet with customers on or off jobsites.  Out-of-town business travel is also required occasionally for company business and/or educational purposes, primarily by auto. 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, use hands and fingers to handle; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Custom Builder

Responsible for laying out and building custom wood products according to Joseph A. Interiors set of quality standards and procedures, using shop drawings and various materials including wood and plastic laminate for the commercial or residential construction industry.  Custom Builder will cut, shape, and assemble wooden articles, as well as set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines.   

 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Read, study and understand blueprints/shop drawings of products to be constructed, and accurately plan sequence of cutting or shaping operations to be performed.  Ask appropriate questions when necessary to ensure lay-out is accurate and machinery is set up properly in order to build all projects according to specifications.
• Prepare accurate estimates of materials required for the job project based on blueprints and record inventory used according to company procedures. 
• Set up and operate woodworking machines (such as table saws, mitre box, band saw, radial arm saw, routers, and sanders), as well as use hand tools (nailers, staplers, etc.) to cut, shape, and assemble wooden and other various material components of project items.
• Trim component parts of joints to ensure snug fit, using hand tools, such as planes, chisels, or wood files. Glue, fit, and clamp parts and subassemblies together to form complete unit, using clamps or clamping machine. 
• Sand and scrape surfaces and joints of articles to properly prepare job project items for finishing department. 
• Continually monitor all project plans and workflow schedule, and ask appropriate questions to make sure material and hardware used is correct and errors are minimized. 
• Make recommendations to scheduling and project coordinators on potential inaccuracies and corrections to project specifications so that adjustments can be made during the building process. Make recommendations and suggestions on how to build different jigs or different techniques to increase the efficiency of the building process as a whole. 
• Verify dimensions and check the quality and fit of all job project items before releasing in order to ensure adherence to job project specifications.  

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• If required, travel to job sites to perform on-site work as needed. 
• Follow all company and department safety rules and requirements, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment. 
• Ensure all company policies and procedures are followed at all times as they are outlined in the Joseph A. Interiors Employee Handbook.
• Always take responsibility for the care and use of all company-owned equipment which is part of the day-to-day work function. 
• Participate in company training programs and attend authorized external conferences or seminars as required to keep current in company and industry standards and operating procedures.
• Daily clean-up of work area (5S)
• Perform any special assignments or projects as requested by the Production Manager or other members of management.        

 

WORK RELATIONSHIPS AND SCOPE:

Works closely with the Job Coordinator, all other production area team members and various members of management.  Works as part of the custom wood building team to increase efficiency and profit through accountability (internal and external); taking ownership; good communication; quality; flexibility; customer focus (internal and external); and building positive relationships.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• 1-3 years of experience building custom wood products using shop drawings and various materials. 
• Proven knowledge of and experience working with all hand power tools and all basic wood working machinery, and skills to fabricate wood and plastic laminate together. 
• Ability to read and understand all parts of a blueprint or shop drawing and visualize the construction and completion of a project. 
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Demonstrated ability to communicate orally or in written form effectively with co-workers, customers and vendors as well. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 
• Organizational skills required, including the ability to prioritize work effectively; work effectively and efficiently under pressure and time deadlines; analyze problems (not just symptoms); propose reasonable solutions, make logical decisions, carry-out decisions made, ask questions, and follow up with feedback where appropriate. 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a plant/manufacturing environment where an exposure to injury exists. Exposure to any number of elements but with none present to the extent of being disagreeable. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The performance of this position requires exposure to manufacturing areas were the use of personal protective equipment such as Safety Glasses is required. Temperature of work area may be affected by outside temperatures and machining. Industrial lighting provided. Hours of work will generally average 40 hours a week.  There will be some variation in work hours due to project work levels, deadlines, and other customer issues. 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk/move around; use hands to manipulate, handle, or grip; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. May also include frequent bending, stooping, squatting, pushing and pulling of products and carts.  The employee must physically be able to lift up to 50 lbs of material through the building process.  Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Finisher

Under the general direction of the Finishing Coordinator, the Finisher II ensures that a quality product is produced according to client specifications, using all finishing resources available.

 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• When necessary, prepare samples of finish in order to match job site color sample, using appropriate wood species detailed in specifications.  Ensure that sample formula is recorded on department computer system and sample is sent out in a timely manner.
• Read blueprints to determine the areas that require finishing and the appropriate steps to take to complete finishing.
• Determine if product is ready for the finishing process, including appropriate sanding.  Take any necessary steps to complete product for staining or make the determination to send it back to the production department for re-work.
• Prepare items for finishing process by ensuring that all non-wood surfaces are protected, using tape and paper where needed.
• Mix specified finishes by using recorded formulas and calculating required ratios of finish ingredients.   Test each finish prepared to ensure that it has the correct viscosity.
• Dye wood when required to prepare for finishing.
• Finish product, including staining, painting and shading, according to department procedures, ensuring that specifications are met and finish completed according to approved color sample.
• Perform quality check on completed product, ensuring that Joseph A. Interior quality standards are met, and correct any problems that surfaced from the finishing process.
• Clean product as required to prepare for shipment to client.
• Clean and maintain all equipment used in the finishing process, ensuring that safety procedures on equipment usage are followed.
• Record all necessary information on sample finishes and supplies.  Notify person ordering inventory of any inventory needs.
• Travel to job site, if required, to perform touch-up work.
• Meet priority dates at all times by working the hours required to get the product finished.
• Assist Assistant Finishing Coordinator with the training of new employees by demonstrating JAI techniques and teaching the appropriate finishing process.
• Dispose of hazardous waste in appropriate containers.
• Follow all department safety requirements, including the use of appropriate personal protective  equipment.

 

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure that all company policies and procedures are followed as they are outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Become familiar with and follow all company safety policies and procedures as they are outlined in the JAI Safety Manual.
• During the normal course of work, take responsibility for the care and use of all company-owned tools and machinery that are part of the day-to-day work function.
• Work as part of the Finishing Department, participate in all department meetings and communications, and follow all department policies and procedures as outlined by the Finishing Coordinator.
• Participate in company training programs as required.
• Perform any special assignments or projects as requested by the Team Leader or other members of management. 
• Daily clean-up of work areas (5S).

 

WORK RELATIONSHIPS AND SCOPE:

Works closely with the Lead Coordinator and all other production area team members, other Supervisors and various members of management.  Works as part of the Finishing team to increase efficiency and profit through accountability (internal and external); taking ownership; good communication; quality; flexibility; customer focus (internal and external); and building positive relationships.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Staining and spraying experience required.   
• Ability to train other team members.
• Must be detail-oriented, conscientious and willing to ask questions. 
• Experience with hand power tools.
• Must have the physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs. of material through the finishing process.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a plant/manufacturing environment where an exposure to injury exists. Exposure to any number of elements but with none present to the extent of being disagreeable. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts. The performance of this position requires exposure to manufacturing areas were the use of personal protective equipment such as Safety Glasses is required. Temperature of work area may be affected by outside temperatures and machining. Industrial lighting provided. Hours of work will generally average 40 hours a week.  There will be some variation in work hours due to project work levels, deadlines, and other customer issues. 

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk/move around; use hands to manipulate, handle, or grip; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. May also include frequent bending, stooping, squatting, pushing and pulling of products and carts.  The employee must physically be able to lift up to 50 lbs of material through the finishing process.  Frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.