Position Details

• Location: Ellenboro (Forest City), North Carolina

• Duration: 4-6 months (negotiable)

• Travel: Extended travel may be required for project work outside North Carolina. Traveling expenses (including flights, hotels, and food) are covered. 

• Minimum Pay: $15/hour
   

Core Qualities 

We’re looking for individuals who are:

• Detail-oriented and precise - able to follow instructions carefully

• Self-motivated, reliable, and organized

• Creative thinkers who balance artistry with practicality

• Comfortable working independently or as part of a small team

• Open to learning new tools, materials, and methods

• Clear communicators who take feedback well
   

Preferred Background

• Students or hobbyists in art, industrial design, architecture, engineering, or model making

• Experience in maker spaces, creative labs, or technical workshops

• A portfolio or photos of past creative work (if available)

• Experience with photography, videography, or social media management
   

Creative Interests (Nice to Have)

• Interest in trains, dioramas, miniatures, or modeling

• Enjoyment of hands-on creative work - painting, weathering, detailing, or design

• Familiarity with CAD, 3D printing, laser cutting, or small-scale fabrication

• Appreciation for architecture, landscape design, or set building
   

Requirements

• Must be 18+

• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

• Comfortable working around sawdust, shop noise, and a busy team

• Comfortable in an openly LGBTQIA+ workplace

• Must respect our neurodiverse crew and leave politics/religion at the door

• At least ONE (preferably more) applicable skill area: ​

  • 3D Printing & Design - Ability to convert real-world measurements into accurate, 3D-printable models.

  • Set Building - Background in set construction for TV, theater, or exhibitions is a strong plus.

  • Historical Research - Able to dig into archives (on or offline) and reference materials to uncover specific historical details (must be paired with another technical or creative skill).

  • Woodworking & Finishing - Accomplished working familiarity with basic woodworking tools and safe shop practices. This includes accurate measuring, cutting, and assembly using tools such as tape measures, miter saws, table saws, and drills. A foundational understanding of woodworking techniques - such as sanding, fitting, and basic finishing. Comfortable working under supervision while still able to complete simple projects independently. Attention to safety, precision, and craftsmanship.

  • IT & Low-Voltage Wiring - Organized and methodical approach to wiring, labeling, and documentation, with some understanding of programming or electronics preferred.

  • Content Creation & Social Media - Ability to record, photograph, and edit short videos showing layout progress or creative processes. Experience with Canva, CapCut, Adobe Premiere, or similar program

Example Tasks

• Assist in model railroad layout construction and scenery

• Precisely follow a trackplan to glue cork and track down.

• Assemble and organize materials, supplies, and project documentation

• Photograph and document progress for marketing and archival purposes

• Learn and operate digital fabrication tools (3D printers, laser cutters, etc.)

• Capture and edit short videos or photos for social media

• An occasional side project / carpentry skill, such as building a chicken coop 

Pay & Future Opportunities

• Internships at MRB are paid! Internships start at a minimum of $10/hour. 

• Pay is based on skill level and experience. 

• Have the opportunity to travel to project sites outside of North Carolina as part of delivery or installation trips. When traveling, food, flights, and hotel accommodations are provided, and overtime pay is available during installations.

• Successful completion of this internship could result in a salaried, full-time, part-time or casual part-time permanent position with the company. 

• Entry level positions at MRB start at a minimum of $15/hour with paid time off and advancement opportunities as the company grows. 

• Permanent ongoing positions will only be offered based on company need and exceptional performance. 

Feedback & Growth

Interns will receive scheduled or on-request feedback sessions to support professional development and discuss future opportunities within the company.
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Inclusive Business Practices

We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome - we’re proudly LGBTQIA+ and women-friendly.

We’re a tight-knit, creative crew that loves problem-solving, working with our hands, and geeking out over cool builds. We take pride in what we do and try to keep things flexible, supportive, and welcoming. If you’re someone who likes working with wood, solving puzzles, and being part of something unique, we’d love to hear from you. We can teach you how we build but we can’t teach you to care. Bring your work ethic, curiosity, and a good attitude. We’re looking for someone passionate about the craft and excited to become part of the MRBenchwork family and not just another warm body on the shop floor.

Smoking is not permitted on property.

Ready to Apply?

Please make sure your application includes relevant experience whether your background is in carpentry, set building, model making, or something else entirely, we want to hear what you bring to the table.