Textile Dyeing Technician

TEXTILE DYEING TECHNICIAN (Small-Batch Alpaca Products)

Compensation: $22.00 – $26.00 per hour (Based on degree & hands-on aptitude)

Employment Type: Full-time (Mon–Fri, Day Shift)

Location: Fall River, MA (In-person)

About New England Alpaca Fiber Pool (NEAFP)

For over 25 years, NEAFP has been the nation’s premier processor of alpaca fiber, leading the sustainable "slow fashion" movement. We are a small, family-owned business where craft, care, and quality drive everything we do.

Alpaca is a premium natural fiber with dyeing characteristics very similar to wool. While natural batch-to-batch shade variations are part of working with real natural fibers, we still require a practical, detail-oriented Dyeing Technician who can carefully follow recipes and manage our small-batch dye house operations.

The Role: Small-Batch Fiber Dyeing

This is an active, technical position focused on transforming natural fiber into our custom finished product colors. You will manage the dyeing process from start to finish—weighing materials, blending dyes according to set recipes, and operating the dye bath.

While exact shade matching isn't required, high attention to detail is critical. Following recipes, liquid ratios, temperatures, and cycle times accurately prevents costly mistakes like uneven coverage, fiber damage, or ruined batches.

Key Responsibilities:

• Batch Prep & Weighing: Prepare raw materials, yarn, and products for the dye bath with accurate weighing and material handling.
• Color Blending & Recipe Following: Measure and mix dye formulations carefully to maintain consistent general color targets.
• Active Dyeing: Manage the small-batch dyeing process from start to finish, controlling water temperatures, cycle timing, and rinse cycles.
• Process Records: Maintain clean, detailed batch logs and notes so recipes and techniques can be consistently repeated.
• Workspace Care: Keep the dye area, tools, and tanks immaculately clean, safe, and organized.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education or Experience: Bachelor’s degree (Textiles, Arts, Design, or a related field) OR equivalent practical hands-on experience working with textiles, natural fibers, or color mixing.
• Interest in Natural Fibers: A genuine interest in protein fibers (alpaca, wool, mohair) and textile craft.
• Attention to Detail: Accuracy with numbers, liquid measurements, and process timing to protect the raw material.
• Proven Stability: A track record of reliability, demonstrating staying power in previous roles for at least 2+ years.
• Hands-on & Physical: Comfortable working on your feet and able to lift 50 lbs,
• handling wet materials, and doing physical dye-room work.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay: $22.00 – $26.00/hour (Starting rate tailored to your background and hands-on skill).
• Predictable Schedule: Full-time day shift schedule (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM). No nights or weekends.
• Benefits Package: Health Insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO, Vacation, Sick, and Holidays), and employee discounts.
• Close-Knit Environment: Work directly with business owners who value craft, quality, and long-term team members.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume along with a short note sharing your background, your interest in working with natural fibers like alpaca, and why a hands-on technical role appeals to you.

NEAFP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person