Shoe Machine Operator / Tender

Operate or tend a variety of machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Boot Maker; Cobbler; Inseamer; Insole Department Worker; Shoe Cementer; Shoe Maker; Side Laster; Stitcher; Toe Trimmer

Tasks

• Inspect finished products to ensure that shoes have been completed according to specifications.
• Align parts to be stitched, following seams, edges, or markings, before positioning them under needles.
• Operate or tend machines to join, decorate, reinforce, or finish shoes and shoe parts.
• Remove and examine shoes, shoe parts, and designs to verify conformance to specifications such as proper embedding of stitches in channels.
• Switch on machines, lower pressure feet or rollers to secure parts, and start machine stitching, using hand, foot, or knee controls.
• Draw thread through machine guide slots, needles, and presser feet in preparation for stitching, or load rolls of wire through machine axles.
• Study work orders or shoe part tags to obtain information about workloads, specifications, and the types of materials to be used.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance such as cleaning and lubricating machines or replacing broken needles.
• Test machinery to ensure proper functioning before beginning production.
• Select and place spools of thread or pre-wound bobbins into shuttles, or onto spindles or loupers of stitching machines.
• Cut excess thread or material from shoe parts, using scissors or knives.
• Turn knobs to adjust stitch length and thread tension.

Knowledge

• Production and Processing
• Administration and Management

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Near Vision
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Control Precision
• Manual Dexterity
• Finger Dexterity
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Perceptual Speed
• Selective Attention
• Multilimb Coordination
• Reaction Time
• Extent Flexibility