Cobbler (Shoe Repairer) Job

Vacancy No. 26-068 Department Commander, Navy Installations Command
Salary $23.96 to $23.96 Grade 9 to 9
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Part-time
Open Date 9/2/2026 Close Date 9/16/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Annapolis, MDNaval Academy, MD


Cobbler (Shoe Repairer)

Department of the Navy
Commander, Navy Installations Command
US Naval Academy NAF HR

Summary

Are you interested in a "behind the scenes" look at life at the Naval Academy? Do you want to work in a unique setting and specialized trade? As a cobbler, you will provide shoe repair services (and more) to the Brigade of Midshipmen, utilizing your skills in this exclusive trade. This is a rare opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment with other skilled tradesmen at the United States Naval Academy.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

  • Repairs shoes, replaces soles, heels, welts, re-stitches uppers, replaces eyelets, counters and linings. Operates the machines used to accomplish above work: straight and curved needle stitches, cutters, skiving machines, edgers, grinders and finishers, shoe pressers, stretchers, sewing machines, auto-soler, heel wheeler and heel remover.
  • Repairs and alters articles such as suitcases, bags, gloves, belts, and other articles made of fabric, leather and leather-like materials.
  • Makes repairs to, cleans and adjusts all machines used.
  • Alters shoes to provide relief from corns, to compensate for a short leg, to correct posture deficiencies, to correct flat feet and to correct arch abnormalities, occasionally alters shoes to correct or to compensate for various abnormalities.
  • Responsible for keeping the working area of the Cobbler Shop clean
  • The work is required to be done at a rapid pace to meet workload demands. The representative workload is approximately 7,000+ pairs of shoes per year. To accomplish this, standing, sitting and continual body movement is required. Moderately heavy handwork is required when feeding and holding work through and against machines.
  • The individual works indoors amidst noisy and vibrating machinery.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Must obtain and maintain a security clearance – requires 18 years of age
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required - We are an E-Verify participant
  • Probationary period: Flexible employees are employed based on the needs of the business
  • Must be able to understand and communicate in English
  • Must complete an Occupational Health screening for this position
  • Participation in Direct Deposit
  • Must maintain the privacy of official work information and data, and demonstrate the highest level of ethical conduct

Qualifications

In order to meet the basic requirement of the Shoe Repairer position, NA-3101-09, you must meet following:
Experience that has equipped you with the ability to perform the duties of a cobbler/shoe repairer, which may include, but are not limited to repairing shoes; operating shoe repair machines and sewing machines; repairing and altering suitcases, backpacks, handbags, belts; etc.

YOU WILL BE RATED ON THE FOLLOWING KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs) FOR THIS POSITION:

  1. Experience working with a variety of leathers, leather-like, rubber, plastic, cotton, fiberglass, and other similar materials. Experience performing shoe repair/cobbler duties in a retail establishment preferred.
  2. Ability to clean, adjust and operate a variety of specialized machines for repair of shoes and other items. Experience using shoe repair machines and equipment preferred.
  3. Ability to plan work by taking measurements, selecting proper materials to fit customer's needs, and adapting work to various designs and conformations of different manufactures.
  4. Customer service experience, with skill in verbal and written communication. Experience corresponding with customers via email is preferred.
  5. Experience working a cash register or a point-of-sale (POS) system.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Note: Failure to provide the required information may result in loss of consideration for the position and elimination from the selection process. Applicants may be required to provide proof of education, complete a pre-hire health screening, etc. DON is an EEO employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or other non-merit factor. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the office that is collecting the applications. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be on a case-by-case basis.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

This flexible position is not eligible for Benefits, but NABSD employee perks include:

  • Use of the Brigade Sports Complex
  • Shop at the Midshipmen Store
  • Shop at the Navy Exchange
  • Potential membership eligibility at the Naval Academy Club
  • Use of MWR facilities
  • Eligible to join Navy Federal Credit Union
  • Eligible for childcare with CDC & NAPS
  • Use of Employee Assistance Program

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

All applications and supporting documents will be reviewed to determine if they meet the hiring eligibility and KSA requirements listed in the announcement, and will be rated based on the information provided. Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring manager.

Required Documents

The below items are accepted and may be needed to support a claimed preference.

  • Resume (Not to exceed 2 pages)
  • Cover Letter
  • Transcript and/or Diploma ~ If using education screen-in for KSA #1
  • If Claiming NAF RPL (Non-Appropriated Fund Reemployment Priority): Most recent separation BBA SF50 (or equivalent)
  • If Claiming Spousal Preference ~ Proof of Marriage and PCS Orders
  • If Claiming Veterans Priority Consideration ~ DD-214 page 4
  • Current or Former Federal Employee ~ SF50 or equivalent

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted no later than NOON on the closing date via the Naval Academy Business Services website.

Resumes must not exceed 2 pages.

Agency contact information

US Naval Academy NAF HRO
Email
nabsdjobs@usna.edu
Address
US Naval Academy NAF HRO
181 Wainwright Road
Annapolis, MD 21402
US

Next steps

All applicants must submit an application via the website, and will receive an email confirming submission.

Commander, Navy Installations Command

Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD) is an integral part of every midshipman's life, providing a myriad of retail products and services that are an essential part of Academy life. We are a Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI) Program consisting of twelve departments operating twenty business units across the U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Support Activity Annapolis (NSAA) grounds.

We are extremely proud of the Brigade of Midshipmen and take great pride in their accomplishments as they develop into the next generation of our nation's Navy and Marine Corps leaders.

Agency contact information

US Naval Academy NAF HRO
Email
nabsdjobs@usna.edu
Address
US Naval Academy NAF HRO
181 Wainwright Road
Annapolis, MD 21402
US

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https://www.usnabsd.com/about/careers/