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Wendell Castle Workshop
Resident Shop Coordinator Position

Wendell Castle Workshop is seeking a resident shop coordinator. This is an annual (April–December) live-in internship position aimed at early career woodworkers. Duties include preparing material stock for students, ensuring that equipment and tooling are sharp and ready for each class, and assisting instructors during class sessions. The resident shop coordinator reports to the WCW director.

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There will be approximately 90 class days and 15-20 prep days from April through December in 2025—an average of 12-14 days per month of on-duty work for the shop coordinator. The resident shop coordinator will have full access to WCW equipment for their own projects at all times outside of class and prep days. The coordinator will be expected to teach one weekend course and donate one piece made during their time at WCW to the nonprofit.

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​Click here for a list of machinery available for use at WCW.

​​​​Benefits:

  • Build relationships with some of the best professional woodworkers in North America. This can really kickstart your career if you make the right impression. The woodworking community is a small one.

  • Learn from these professionals as you assist them in their classes.

  • With just 12-14 days/month average working for WCW you have a lot of time to focus on your work in a fully equipped shop—a great opportunity to bridge from school to your practice

  • Opportunity to study Wendell Castle’s pieces, models, drawings, and paintings in person

  • Work and live in the same studio as Wendell Castle


Qualifications:

  • US citizen, conversant in English

  • Ability to lift 40 pounds and climb stairs

  • Safe work practices

  • Recent graduate of a woodworking program (minimum one year)

  • Extensive experience with woodworking equipment including jointer, planer, table saw, horizontal slot mortiser (desired), router table, hand held router, hand held sanders, stationary sanders (disc and belt), Festool Domino, drill press, hand drills, angle grinder, hand planes, chisels, gouges, mallet, hand saw, measuring equipment, etc.

  • Should be adept at machine adjustments, changing blades, and some simple repairs

  • Patient with students at all experience levels

  • Able to take direction and accept feedback

  • Considering the location of WCW, applicants should have a car

  • Applicants must submit to a drug test and criminal background check

 

Accommodations:

  • Private bedroom with shared full kitchen, full bathroom, and half bathroom

  • Laundry area with washer, dryer, and sink

  • Unlimited access to Wendell Castle Workshop library

  • Access to the gallery of Wendell Castle's work and his wife,Nancy Jurs

  • Extensive machine room (separate bathroom facilities in school area)

  • Bench room

  • Lathe room

  • Local amenities: sawmill with low prices on hardwood 15 minutes away, Woodcraft 15 minutes away, mall and big box stores 15 minutes away

  • Rochester city center 25 minutes away

 

Stipend:

$400/week to cover living expenses and supplies (wood, etc.) paid bi-weekly. Lunch will be provided on days the school is in session.

 

Dates:

April 7, 2025 (or mid-May to accommodate graduation start date) with an end date of December 19, 2025.

 

Application:

Any questions may be submitted to Ken.Page@wendellcastle.org.

Applications due: March 15, 2025

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