The Opportunity J.K. Adams is hiring Production Associates for its woodshop in Dorset, Vermont — hands-on roles in packaging and in wood sanding and finishing, where the quality of the work shows up in every board that leaves the building. These are craft-adjacent manufacturing jobs in a company that has been making cutting boards and kitchen accessories in the same Vermont town since 1944. No prior woodworking experience is required; we train on the job, and associates are cross-trained across work centers so there is real room to grow into more skilled production roles over time. About John Boos & Co. and J.K. Adams J.K. Adams Co., based in Dorset, Vermont since 1944, is a heritage American woodworking company specializing in cutting boards, serving boards, and kitchen accessories. John Boos & Co. has been crafting premium wood and stainless-steel kitchen equipment in Effingham, Illinois for nearly 140 years, serving foodservice, industrial, and consumer/retail markets. The two companies recently joined forces, creating a combined American-made woodworking and foodservice platform with shared scale, expanded resources, and deep wood-products manufacturing capability. Position Summary Reporting to the Production Supervisor, the Production Associate works on the shop floor at J.K. Adams Dorset, Vermont facility supporting two core areas: wood sanding and finishing, and packaging and shipping preparation. On the sanding side, associates bring cutting boards, serving boards, and kitchen accessories to their final surface quality using wide-belt, drum, orbital, and hand-sanding methods. On the packaging side, associates inspect, label, pack, and palletize finished goods for wholesale, retail, and e-commerce orders. Associates are cross-trained across both areas and may be assigned where production demand is greatest. Key Responsibilities Wood Sanding & Finishing Sand cutting boards, serving boards, and kitchen accessories to the specified grit and surface finish using wide-belt, drum, orbital, and hand-sanding methods. Work through grit sequences in order; ease edges, break corners, and remove mill marks, glue lines, and surface defects without altering part dimensions. Inspect grain, color, and surface quality throughout the process; route pieces for rework or rejection according to quality standards. Change and tension sanding belts, discs, and pads; monitor abrasive wear and replace before finish quality degrades. Keep dust collection connected, running, and clear at each station. Apply oils or finishes to product as assigned, following product specifications and cure and handling requirements. Packaging & Shipping Preparation Inspect finished goods against quality standards before packing; pull anything that does not meet standard. Apply branding, care cards, inserts, UPC/SKU labels, and customer-specific labeling accurately and in the correct position. Assemble cartons, pack product with the correct protective materials, and seal and label to specification. Pack to differing requirements across wholesale, retail, and e-commerce/direct-to-consumer orders, including retailer-specific packaging standards. Build, wrap, and label pallets; stage completed orders for shipping. Assemble kits, gift sets, and seasonal or promotional configurations as scheduled. Record counts accurately and report shortages, damage, or discrepancies to the supervisor. What We're Looking For Required Ability to work full-time, on-site at the Dorset, Vermont facility. Reliable attendance and punctuality — the line depends on a full crew. Ability to stand for a full shift and to perform repetitive hand, arm, and shoulder motion. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and to routinely carry, push, and pull materials and finished cartons. Willingness to work in a woodshop environment with dust, noise, and machinery, using required personal protective equipment. Basic counting, measuring, and the ability to read and follow work orders, labels, and packing instructions. Must be 18 years of age or older. Preferred Prior experience in wood sanding, finishing, cabinetry, millwork, or another woodworking trade. Prior packaging, fulfillment, warehouse, or light-industrial manufacturing experience. Familiarity with hand and power sanding equipment and abrasive selection. Experience with handheld scanners, label printers, or basic production tracking systems. Forklift or pallet-jack experience (certification can be provided). High school diploma or equivalent — helpful, but not required. We train on the job. Key Competencies Craftsmanship and attention to detail — notices the flaw before the customer does. Consistency and pace — produces steady quality output through a full shift. Safety mindset — follows procedure every time, and speaks up when something looks wrong. Team-oriented — supports teammates and communicates across handoffs. Adaptable — willing to cross-train and move between work centers as demand shifts. Dependable — shows up, on time, ready to work. Benefits Overview - Full Time Employees Only J.K. Adams offers a competitive benefits package to regular full-time employees.

Highlights include:

Health Insurance — a choice of group medical plans through BlueCross BlueShield, including HSA-eligible options, with a nationwide PPO network. Dental — voluntary dental coverage with diagnostic and preventive services covered at 100% in-network, with no deductible applied. Vision — voluntary vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents, including an annual eye exam and lenses or contacts, and frames every 24 months. Life & AD&D Insurance — basic term life and accidental death & dismemberment coverage funded in full by the company, with voluntary supplemental coverage available for you, your spouse, and your children. 401(k) Retirement Plan — with a Safe Harbor company match — dollar-for-dollar on the first 3% you contribute, plus 50% on the next 2%. Pre-tax and Roth options are available, and both full-time and part-time employees are eligible after six months of service. Paid Vacation — accrues immediately upon hire and is available as soon as it is accrued, with annual rollover allowed. Paid Time Off — personal time accrues immediately upon hire, separate from vacation, and is available as soon as it is accrued. Paid Holidays — eight observed holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. 529 College Savings Plan — an employer-sponsored CollegeAmerica 529 plan with access to a financial advisor, for your own education or a family member's.

Pay:

$17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) matching Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person