Job Description
Job Description
Job Overview:
Firearms Associate / Gunsmith Specialist
We are seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Firearms Associate to join our Firearms Department. This role combines gun counter sales, compliance responsibilities, and technical firearms expertise, ensuring customers receive excellent service while all transactions remain fully compliant with federal, state, and ATF regulations.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in firearms handling, sales, and customer service, with the ability to assist customers in selecting the right firearms, accessories, and related products. A certified gunsmith (preferred but not required), you will be comfortable performing inspections, minor repairs, cleaning, and offering technical guidance on a wide range of firearms, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and modern sporting rifles (AR platforms).
In this role, you will also ensure accurate inventory management, proper firearm storage, and 100% compliance with ATF requirements, including 4473 form processing, NICS checks, and transaction records. Candidates with familiarity in Class 3 licensing, fingerprinting processes, and federal/state firearm laws are highly valued.
This is a customer-facing position that requires professionalism, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. You will educate customers on safety, match them with suitable products, and ensure a positive and compliant sales experience. Leadership opportunities may also be available for experienced candidates to supervise counter staff, train new team members, and maintain vendor relationships.
If you are passionate about firearms, knowledgeable in both technical and compliance aspects, and committed to providing exceptional service in a regulated environment, we encourage you to apply.
Duties
Listing Licensing & Certifications-
- Certified Gunsmith from a recognized institution (optional, but preferred)
- Must be legally eligible to handle and sell firearms under ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) regulations.
- Must pass a background check as required by federal and state law.
- Concealed Carry Permit (optional, but preferred).
- Knowledge of NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) processes.
•Experience with 4473 Form processing and firearms transaction records.
•Familiar with #4 Forms & Fingerprinting.
- Familiarity with state and federal firearm laws (including age restrictions, waiting periods, etc.).
1 Technical Firearms Knowledge-
- Extensive knowledge of handguns, rifles, shotguns, and modern sporting rifles (AR platforms, etc.).
- Ability to explain the differences in calibers, actions, mechanisms, and intended use cases (hunting, self-defense, sport, etc.).
- Experience with gun cleaning, inspection, minor repairs, and modification advice.
- Understanding of firearms safety practices and secure handling.
Sales & Customer Service-
- Prior retail or sales experience in a gun store, sporting goods store, or similar.
- Strong customer interaction skills - able to educate customers while ensuring safety. • Ability to match customers with appropriate firearms and accessories.
- Familiarity with upselling accessories: scopes, holsters, cleaning kits, ammo, safes, etc.
- Able to Reconcile Daily Business.
Administrative & Compliance Skills-
- Maintain accurate inventory and ensure proper firearm storage.
- Ensure 100% compliance with ATF audit requirements and recordkeeping.
- Comfortable with POS systems, firearms sales software, and record tracking.
- Ensure all paperwork is completed correctly and legally before any transfer.
Leadership & Department Management (if this is a lead role)-
- Supervise other gun counter staff, if applicable.
- Train new employees on firearm safety and compliance.
- Keep up with product trends, new firearms, ammo shortages, and regulations.
- Build relationships with distributors or vendors.
Soft Skills & Personal Traits-
- High attention to detail (especially for legal paperwork).
- Integrity and responsibility in handling sensitive products.
- Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
- Comfortable enforcing safety protocols even in difficult customer situations.
Bonus / Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)-
- Experience with FFL compliance/audits.
- Knowledge of tactical gear or outdoor/hunting gear.
- Military, law enforcement, or competitive shooting background. • Social media or online sales experience (if you plan to market guns online).
- Spanish or other second language (depending on your local demographic).
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off