Job Description
Job Title: Welt Butt
Department Name: Goodyear
Effective Date: 08-13-2026
Reports to (title): Supervisor, Manufacturing
# of Direct Reports: N/A
# Indirect Reports: N/A
Individual Contributor: Yes No
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
# Hours Per Week: 40-55 Hrs.
Average Work Schedule:
6 AM - 2:30 PM from Monday to Friday with possible overtime after the shift and/or on Saturdays depending on work needs.
Location:
40 Walter Jones Blvd.
El Paso, TX 79906
Job Summary
At Lucchese Bootmaker, craftsmanship and quality define who we are. The Welt Butt in Lucchese Bootmaker’s Goodyear Department is a key step in the cowboy boot finishing process. The Welt Butt operator works on the welt (the leather strap that secures the upper of a boot to the sole) and the butt (in the heel area) of handcrafted boots. Position will need strong attention to detail and ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to follow safety and quality standards. Openness to learning and performing cross-training in other areas. The Welt Butt is responsible for operating equipment and performing production tasks related to the welt construction and assembly of boots. This position ensures that welt components are properly positioned, attached, and finished according to company quality standards and production specifications.
Scope of Job
The Welt butt job is a hands-on, precision-focused role in the finishing stage of boot making, directly impacting the boot’s final quality and appearance. It requires steady hands, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a production environment. This position requires flexibility, technical proficiency across multiple stations, attention to detail, and adherence to production and quality expectations.
Duties & Responsibilities:
The Inseam Operator will perform the following operations on an as-needed basis. Responsibilities may be modified to meet business needs:
- Receive a rack full of boots.
- Remove one boot at a time from the rack and trim the excess welt and excess leather on the shank area.
- Hammer the welt and the insole area.
- Shape the steel shank by hammering in onto the insole and then secure the shank with 2 tacks or cement.
- Brush rubber cement over the whole insole.
- Obtain leather shank covers from bin.
- When the cement is dry enough, place a small leather strap across the top of the shank and staple the leather using the air staple gun.
- Apply rubber cement to shank covers and place on top of the shank and shave edges.
- After completing boots on rack push the rack to the next staging area.
- Responsible for proper use of machines and changing the sand belt pads.
- Must meet the required goal for the day.
- Give minimal maintenance to machines.
- Notify supervisor when the machine needs additional maintenance.
- Always keep the work area clean.
- Assist other working areas, as necessary.
- Maintain consistent production rates while meeting quality standards.
- Follow work instructions, safety procedures, and company policies.
- Work effectively as part of a production team and assist with other duties as assigned.
- Maintain clean and organized workstation.
- Meet departmental production targets and quality standards.
- Support teamwork and assist other departments as needed.
- Perform additional duties assigned by Supervisor.
- Support and comply with all company policies and safety procedures.
Required Skills & Abilities:
- Excellent visual acuity to inspect finished components for quality compliance.
- Ability to read and interpret work orders and production instructions.
- Good organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to multitask and transition between operations efficiently.
- Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience in boot or footwear manufacturing is preferred.
- Ability to operate production machinery and hand tools.
- Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
- Ability to follow instructions and meet production and quality requirements.
- Commitment to workplace safety and teamwork.
Education, Experience, and/or Certifications:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.
- Minimum of two (2) years of related experience in boot manufacturing, leather goods production, or similar industrial manufacturing environment required.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work standing for extended periods of 8-hour shifts.
- Frequent use of hands and wrists for repetitive motions.
- Must be able to lift and push 50 pounds as needed.
- Ability to reach, bend, and perform repetitive production tasks.
- Ability to sit continuously for a minimum of eight – hour shifts.
- Frequent repetitive hand and finger movement.
- Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and reach above shoulder level.
- Ability to frequently use hands and fingers to handle, grasp, operate tools, equipment, keyboards, and other production-related devices.
- Ability to visually inspect products, equipment, production processes, and workplace conditions, including close and distance.
- Ability to hear and respond to verbal instructions, alarms, and other workplace communications.
- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull materials or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and, with or without assistance or mechanical lifting devices, move heavier items as required.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, moving equipment, varying temperatures, noise, dust, and other conditions typical of an industrial setting while wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance and work the scheduled hours necessary to meet business and operational requirements.
Safety and Compliance:
- Comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local occupational safety regulations.
- Lead by example in promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and hazard awareness throughout the production team.
- Ensure team members consistently use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow safe work practices.
- Conduct routine safety observations, workplace inspections, and housekeeping activities to identify and address potential hazards.
- immediately report, investigate, and document workplace injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions, and safety incidents, implementing corrective and preventive actions as appropriate.
- Ensure employees receive required safety training and reinforce compliance with established safety procedures and safe operating practices.
- Support emergency preparedness activities, including evacuation procedures, emergency response protocols, and participation in safety drills.
- Stop or suspend work when an unsafe condition presents an immediate risk to employees, equipment, product quality, or the environment, and promptly notify management.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area in accordance with 5S and housekeeping standards.
Quality & Production Expectations:
- Maintain consistent output aligned with departmental productivity standards.
- Minimize rework by adhering to process specifications and visual inspection standards.
- Demonstrate flexibility to rotate stations without compromising efficiency or quality.
- Ensure all products meet Lucchese quality standards and customer expectations.
- Reinforce adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Prevent unauthorized process changes and escalate improvement opportunities through the appropriate approval process.
- Partner with Quality and Manufacturing leadership to investigate root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve processes, workflow, and quality
Skills Required
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum two years of related experience in boot manufacturing, leather goods production, or a similar industrial manufacturing environment
- Ability to operate production machinery and hand tools
- Ability to read and interpret work orders and production instructions
- Good hand-eye coordination and attention to detail
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks
- Ability to lift and push up to 50 pounds as needed
- Ability to follow safety and quality requirements and meet production targets
- Previous experience in boot or footwear manufacturing
What We Do
Lucchese Bootmaker is a legendary bootmaker of the American West. Handcrafting boots since 1883.
