Cobbler (Shoe Repairer)

The Cobbler (Shoe Repairer) is assigned to the USNA Cobbler department within the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD), part of the U. S. Naval Academy's Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI), Annapolis, Maryland. NAFI is an entity that generates its own funds through its operations, and is not funded by Congress.

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.