The Center for Maine Craft is a program of Shop Maine Craft (SMC), the retail subsidiary of the Maine Crafts Association. Dedicated to strengthening Maine’s creative economy, SMC provides craft artists with income opportunities through gallery sales, craft shows, marketing, and events. Learn more
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Gallery Associate (Part-Time)
Center for Maine Craft
West Gardiner, Maine
Starting Wage: $18.00 per hour plus a competitive benefits package for eligible part-time employees.
Schedule: Part-time (approximately 16–24 hours per week)
The Center for Maine Craft represents the work of more than 300 professional craft artists and creative small businesses from across Maine. Located in the West Gardiner Service Plaza, the Center welcomes thousands of visitors each year, connecting them with exceptional handmade work while supporting Maine’s vibrant craft community and the Maine Crafts Association’s mission to strengthen and promote craft in Maine.
The Center for Maine Craft accepts applications on a rolling basis and typically hires Gallery Associates in advance of Maine’s busy summer tourism season. If you thrive in a welcoming, customer-focused environment and would like to be considered for future opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
Schedule
This position averages 16–24 hours per week.
Regular weekend availability is required. Saturdays and Sundays are our busiest days and represent the majority of scheduled shifts. Additional weekday, holiday, and seasonal hours may be available based on business needs.
Benefits
- Free Professional Membership with the Maine Crafts Association
- Employee discounts on gallery purchases and Maine Crafts Association programs
- Paid time off
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Optional vision and dental insurance, with 75% of premiums paid by Shop Maine Craft
- Paid training and opportunities to learn about Maine craft and connect with artists from across the state
Responsibilities
- Welcome visitors and provide exceptional customer service.
- Share information about Maine craft artists, materials, and the stories behind their work.
- Assist customers in selecting handmade gifts, adornments, and home goods.
- Process sales accurately using Shopify Point of Sale.
- Gift wrap purchases and prepare simple online orders for shipment.
- Restock displays and maintain an attractive, organized craft gallery.
- Assist with receiving new work under the direction of the Gallery Manager.
- Complete opening and closing procedures.
- Maintain a clean, welcoming, and professional gallery environment.
- Answer phones and assist with general visitor inquiries.
- Support special events and seasonal activities as needed.
Qualifications
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Friendly, professional, and dependable.
- Passionate about providing outstanding customer service.
- Interested in art, craft, design, or Maine-made products.
- Comfortable learning new technology and point-of-sale systems.
- Able to work independently and as part of a small team.
- Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 pounds.
Retail, hospitality, tourism, museum, gallery, or customer service experience is helpful but not required. We are happy to train the right candidate.
Why Work With Us?
Working at the Center for Maine Craft is more than a retail job. Every sale directly supports Maine artists and strengthens the state’s creative economy. You’ll become part of a small, dedicated team that celebrates craftsmanship, connects visitors with the people behind the work, and helps showcase the very best of Maine.
To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position at the link below.
ALL ARE WELCOME
We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to fulfilling our vision of building and supporting a community of craft artists. We want to inspire and nurture the human spirit, and we value the perspectives and contributions of all people. The Shop Maine Craft experience should include varied ideas, world views, and personal characteristics. We are committed to being a community that welcomes and respects everyone regardless of age, ability, ethnicity, race, religion, philosophical or political beliefs, size, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, geographic origin, and socioeconomic status. We are committed to providing an environment free of discrimination.
Shop Maine Craft does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, public assistance, ethnic background, religion, marital status, economic class, age, disability or handicap (mental or physical), sex, creed, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and any other legally protected characteristics in admission or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. Shop Maine Craft complies with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity and will take “affirmative action” measures to ensure the enforcement of its policies.
