Employee Wanted

[Jim Kibler]

I've posted this before, but we are still searching for a qualified muzzleloading gunsmith here at Kibler's Longrifles.  In short what this means is that we are looking for someone with strong hand skills that has experience in building high quality longrifles.  Ideally they would have an understanding of the historical aspect of these rifles as well.

Duties would include assembling rifle kits, some "in the white" some finished.  Carving and engraving rifles if capable as well.  In addition there would be continual work involving prepping kit stocks for shipment.

We will pay extremely well for a highly qualified individual (75-80K per year).  Wage would of course be commensurate with ability, however.  We searched several months ago with little luck, but thought I would mention this again. 

If interested please send a message to jim@kiblerslongrifles.com and include examples of your work.

Jim

[Jim Kibler]

I would like to add that we would also consider someone who has little or no muzzleloading experience but has very good hand skills.  Perhaps a woodworker or craftsman in some other area than longrifles.  In my experience it is very difficult to find those who have excellent hand working skills, but I know they are out there somewhere.

Thanks,
Jim

[Bigmon]

I wish I were 20 to 25 years younger.  Of course back then I hadn't developed the still limited knowledge, but I did have hand skills.
Still have the hands, now no eyes to go with them.
Best of luck Jim.  You have a great thing going there.

[bob in the woods]

I have been a luthier for 46 years, and I can appreciate your comment re hand working skills.  In my attempts to work with others, I would add " patience" .  There are very few I've met who have it.

[wapiti22]

I'm 72 and would love to come work for you. I live in Seattle so you would need to cover my moving expenses.  And also the divorce as my wife has no intention of moving to Ohio!

[Audi]

Just throwing it out there, have you tried some internet means of looking for help, meaning places like ziprecruiter, etc.?  Full disclosure, I've never even been to that site but I've heard of people finding help through there; if you're looking beyond the immediate muzzleloading community that might be an option?  Also maybe there's job boards at woodworking specialty schools (North Bennett Street School in Boston comes to mind, there must be other places as well).  I'd be interested, just too well-established in what I'm doing, but 25 years ago I'd have jumped at the chance.

As an aside I just got my SMR kit last week and am super impressed with the quality so far, hope you find the help you need to keep providing a great product.

Audi

[okawbow]

Like several of you; I wish this was 20 years ago. I have only built about 20 rifles from planks, but have made over 5000 longbows, and about 20 violins, violas, cellos, and guitars. I worked for 30 years, designing and building assembly machines for writing pens, maintaining production machines, and programing PLC controllers. I know how to improve production speed and quality in a hands on working environment.

At 68 yso, with a recent quad bypass, a new career and a move is a little too much change. Would love to do it, though.

[Darkhorse]

Seems like your main problem is people with those skills are to old and/or settled to pull up stakes and move.
I'm in the same boat. Almost 70, I was a master toolmaker for the Air Force. I pulled about 10 or more years in NC, designing and building fixtures to hold aircraft parts. Proving out new jobs and setting up old ones. I also have good skills at handwork and have built 2 rifles. Also about 10 years as a data management specialist. Plus other skills that comes with the jobs.
But like the others I enjoy my retirement and marriage, as my wife won't even consider moving.

[flehto]

A more likely candidate would be a younger person....but, he/she probably doesn't have the skills you require and possibly wouldn't be capable of acquiring them?. Pulling stakes and moving to another state is a negative factor for  many   older persons who might have the skills you mentioned but  are more reluctant to move.  Also....you didn't mention that there's probably a trial period which could  cause some hesitancy.

A retirement mindset  is not conducive to moving and starting over in  a different state. Also being  financially "set" would be discouraging  of taking a job in  "unfamiliar" locations.....no financial urgency on the candidate's part. 

To sum it up.....you've got a thriving business which requires a lot from you and expecting the same dedication from an employee  {not a 9-5 job? } might not be possible...especially an older individual.

I headed a few engineering depts and am very familiar w/ hiring suitable people and we had an apprenticeship design  program which req'd being even more critical of the candidates......fortunately it worked well.....Fred

[little joe]

Contact some industrial arts, machine trades tech. instructors at trade schools, possibly they can help

[porchdog48]

You may try some of the woodcarvers shows and clubs in the area. There is a show at the Wilmont Wilderness center in Wilmont, Ohio in September . Stark county has a carving club.
Dave.