Blacksmithing Jobs

Position Description: This position serves visitors to Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP) by working as a historic blacksmith interpreter at Colonial Michilimackinac, a reconstructed 18th century fortified fur trading center in Mackinaw City, Michigan. This full-time seasonal position is responsible for interpreting the role of blacksmiths at Michilimackinac during the 18th century.

Responsibilities: 

• Put visitors to Michilimackinac and other MSHP sites first by treating them with respect, serving their needs, and providing an enjoyable and educational experience.
• Using a charcoal forge and other period-appropriate tools, demonstrate late 18th-century blacksmithing skills to park visitors.
• Interpret the history of the shop building, the people involved with the shop, and the role of blacksmiths in the Michilimackinac community.
• Through demonstrations and interpretation, produce items for use in park displays and interpretative programs, and for sale in the MSHP museum stores.
• Participate in other regularly scheduled interpretive presentations and special events as required.

Position Requirements:

• Must have an interest in historical interpretation, 18th century blacksmithing techniques and material culture, and metalworking.
• Must be outgoing, enthusiastic, self-motivated, and have strong public speaking skills.
• Experience with the demonstration and interpretation of historic blacksmithing techniques is strongly preferred.
• Must be able to work assigned position length. Position works 23 weeks, from early May through mid-October.

How to Apply: Details and application link available here on the Mackinac State Parks website.

Listing Expires: When position is filled.

Position Description: Smith Shop, a celebrated Detroit-based metalsmithing studio, is now accepting applications for a full-time blacksmith. Applicants should have a solid proficiency in ornamental forgework and a firm grasp of foundational blacksmithing skills and concepts, including tool making, power hammer forging, traditional joinery, and forgewelding. Experience in machining and steel fabrication preferred, experience in jewelry making and/or silversmithing is also desirable. In addition to a demonstrated blacksmithing proficiency, candidates should be able to manage forging and fabrication tasks independently and communicate aesthetic and mechanical concepts effectively. Smith Shop will give preference to applicants who desire room for advancement and will seek to help the shop grow to meet our current volume of demand. Candidates should seek to contribute to a community-oriented studio that executes commission and production work, offers classes and workshops, and facilitates a larger metalworking community in Detroit. Two + years of industry experience in a reputable ornamental metalwork shop, a relevant certificate or credential, a BFA, or journeyman’s qualification is required. As a benchmark, ABANA Level III certification is roughly the competency a candidate should possess. A paid two-week trial is required for all candidates before hiring.

Responsibilities:

• Creating custom and production artistic metalwork from blueprints and schematics

• Managing projects and tasks independently

• Designing and engineering creative metalwork

• Working special events, including retail and trade shows (some weekends required)

Required Skills

• A good attitude! We take our workplace culture seriously.

• Ability to arrive at work on time

• Experience in hot forging metal, including ornamental work, power hammer forging, forge welding, and tool making

• Experience building fixtures, dies, and jigs to support metal forging

• Good organizational skills

• Ability to understand and articulate aesthetic and mechanical concepts

• Ability to work with fractional and decimal tolerances

Other helpful skills

• Proficiency in jewelry making and/or silversmithing

• Experience and accuracy in cutting, welding (MIG & TIG), grinding, and finishing steel

• 3D Modeling experience in Rhino

• Manual machining experience (lathe & mill)

• Familiarity with CNC cutting and tool path programming

• Adobe illustrator & photoshop

Perks

• Opportunity for advancement

• Access to the facility for personal projects

• Paid work-related travel

• Free metalworking classes and products

• Work in a dynamic, highly creative, and entrepreneurial environment

• Dog-friendly work environment

• Opportunity to teach classes through Smith Shop (additional compensation offered).

How to Apply: Please send a letter of interest, 10+ images of recent work, resume, and names + contact info of two references to info@smithshop.com with the subject line “Careers”.

Questions? Send an email to info@smithshop.com.

Position Description: We are seeking a skilled and passionate blacksmith to join our team. As a vital member of our shop, you will contribute to the creation of unique, handcrafted metal pieces while upholding our standards of quality and artistry. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative environment alongside experienced artisans and contribute to the production of custom pieces that showcase the timeless beauty of metalwork and blacksmithing.

Responsibilities:  

• Forge and shape metal using traditional blacksmithing techniques, including heating, hammering, and shaping.
• Fabricate and assemble metal components to create finished products according to design specifications.
• Collaborate with design teams to interpret sketches and plans, ensuring accurate execution of projects.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace, adhering to safety protocols and best practices.
• Continuously refine techniques and skills through ongoing training and professional development.
• Contribute to the creative process by offering insights and innovative ideas for new projects and designs.

How to Apply: Send resume to matt@mdofab.com to apply. View complete position description.

Listing Expires: No expiration date at this time due to multiple position openings and future company growth.