Furniture Technician

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a master craftsperson and customer service champion to join our team as a Furniture Technician. In this pivotal role, you will be the face of our company, traveling to customers' homes to perform high-quality repairs and restorations on a wide range of furniture. You are a problem-solver at heart, with the technical artistry to fix anything from a minor scratch on a wooden table to a complex mechanical issue in a power recliner. This position is perfect for an independent, detail-oriented individual who takes immense pride in their work and enjoys creating positive experiences for customers by bringing their cherished furniture back to life.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Apprentice Technician / Woodworker's Assistant
Furniture Installer or Delivery Professional
Cabinet Maker or Carpentry Professional
Skilled Hobbyist in Woodworking or Upholstery

Advancement To:

Lead Furniture Technician / Senior Technician
Field Service Supervisor or Workshop Manager
Quality Control Inspector / Quality Assurance Specialist
Technical Trainer

Lateral Moves:

Custom Furniture Builder / Finisher
Property Maintenance Specialist
Product Restoration Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform expert-level in-home and in-shop furniture repairs, addressing issues with wood, leather, fabric, upholstery, and motion mechanisms.
Diagnose furniture defects and damages to determine the most effective and efficient repair strategy, ensuring a high-quality, lasting solution.
Execute detailed wood repairs, including fixing scratches, gouges, and dents through techniques like burn-ins, filling, and grain simulation.
Conduct precise color matching and blending of stains, paints, and finishes to flawlessly restore the original appearance of wooden furniture.
Address a variety of upholstery and fabric issues, such as repairing seam separations, replacing buttons, re-stuffing cushions, and minor stitching.
Perform skilled repairs on leather and vinyl, including fixing scuffs, scratches, and small cuts, and rejuvenating color and finish.
Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical and electrical components on motion furniture, including recliners, adjustable sofas, and lift chairs.
Manage a daily schedule of service calls, optimizing routes for punctuality and efficiency while providing clear communication to customers.
Assemble and "delux" (inspect and perfect) new furniture pieces, ensuring they meet stringent quality standards before customer delivery or placement on the showroom floor.
Provide an exceptional level of customer service, professionally explaining the repair process and educating clients on proper furniture care to prevent future damage.
Disassemble and reassemble furniture as required to perform complex repairs or to facilitate transportation and delivery.
Operate and maintain a diverse range of hand, power, and pneumatic tools with a strong commitment to safety and precision.
Evaluate furniture for factory defects or shipping damage, providing detailed reports to support quality control and warranty claim initiatives.
Make sound, independent judgments in the field to resolve customer issues on the first visit whenever possible.
Perform structural and frame repairs on sofas, chairs, and case goods, including re-gluing, reinforcing joints, and replacing broken components.

Secondary Functions

Meticulously document all service activities, including detailed descriptions of work performed, parts utilized, and time spent, using a mobile tablet or device.
Maintain and manage an accurate inventory of parts, tools, and supplies within a service vehicle, placing orders as needed to ensure readiness.
Prepare and submit comprehensive reports, including clear photos of damages and completed repairs, for internal review and claims processing.
Adhere strictly to all company and industry safety protocols, including the proper handling of chemicals, materials, and operation of equipment.
Collaborate with customer service and claims departments to provide technical insights and support the resolution of complex customer cases.
Assess returned products to determine their disposition—whether they can be repaired for resale, used for parts, or must be salvaged.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced Wood Repair: Mastery of techniques including burn-ins, fill sticks, grain matching, and the application of stains, lacquers, and topcoats.
Leather & Upholstery Repair: Proficiency in repairing cuts, scuffs, and discoloration on leather/vinyl, and fixing seams, buttons, and padding on fabric.
Color Theory & Matching: A strong artistic eye for accurately matching colors, sheens, and textures for seamless finish repairs.
Motion Furniture Mechanics: In-depth knowledge of the electrical and mechanical components of recliners, adjustable beds, and lift chairs.
Structural Repair: Ability to diagnose and repair furniture frames, joints, and support systems for stability and longevity.
Tool Proficiency: Skilled in the safe and effective use of a wide array of hand tools, power tools, and specialized repair equipment.
Driving & Route Management: A valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and the ability to plan an efficient daily route.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Exceptional diagnostic skills and the ability to think critically to find effective solutions for diverse repair challenges.
Customer Focus: A genuine desire to help customers, demonstrating empathy, patience, and professionalism in every interaction.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough, with a commitment to producing high-quality work that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Time Management: Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage a schedule independently and meet appointments on time.
Communication: Excellent verbal communication skills to clearly explain technical issues to non-technical customers and provide status updates.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or trade school specializing in furniture repair, woodworking, or upholstery.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Woodworking / Cabinetmaking
Upholstery
Fine Arts / Restoration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of direct experience in professional furniture repair, restoration, or a closely related field.

Preferred:

Previous experience in an in-home field service role is highly desirable. Experience working with a wide range of furniture brands and styles, from antique to contemporary, is a significant plus.