Career Opportunities
Interested in Joining our Team?
To apply for any position within The Industrial Commons' Ecosystem, please send an email with an updated resume and cover letter attached to HR@theindustrialcommons.org. Add the position of interest as the Subject Line.
We think about work differently.
We believe the people closest to the problems are also closest to the solutions. Whether it’s creating good jobs, training the next generation, or building businesses rooted in community, our work starts with care—for each other and the places we call home.
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Serving our community isn’t just an initiative—it’s a core value. We exist to bridge gaps in programs and services for working-class families, and that work begins with people who care deeply about making a difference.
For Jess, Studio Manager at TOSS, that mission is deeply personal. She describes TIC as her dream workplace—a place where she’s part of something that “bleeds out into the world,” with community impact at the very heart of her work.
Through TOSS’s powerful blend of art and community organizing, Jess is helping lead both personal and institutional transformation—working side-by-side with the incredible families of our region to build lasting change.
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Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about impact, stewardship, and building a better future for our communities.
Just ask Thea, our Values & Culture Director. With six years at TIC, she’s proud of the difference she’s made—not only inside the organization but across the region.
"TIC prioritizes helping one another—I’ve never had a job that taught me how to be a steward for the next generation."
Through her work, Thea is helping to root wealth locally, strengthen the working class in Western North Carolina, and raise up the next generation of leaders in Burke County and beyond.
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We believe that real impact is built on strong relationships. As a key member of Good Books, a cooperative enterprise of TIC, Marcelina has spent over 3 years building relationships that empower small business owners and nonprofit leaders to take charge of their financial health.
Through her work, Marcelina fosters deep connections within the community—working directly with local businesses in Morganton and national clients to improve their financial landscapes. For her, the heart of the job is about more than just numbers; it’s about empowering others and creating long-lasting partnerships.
“I love that my job is about variety and real connections. I’m not stuck behind a desk all day—I’m out in the community, making an impact.” – Marcelina Miguel
At Good Books, Marcelina works with a team that values relationships, support, and community, creating a culture of collaboration and shared success.
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Herron’s time at Material Return has been defined by continuous growth, new opportunities, and a strong sense of purpose. He began his journey as a bailer on a small team, where cross-training was essential. Learning multiple roles helped him understand not only how things worked, but why they worked that way. “Being cross-trained makes everything smoother,” he explained. “It also helps you see the entire process, which connects you more deeply to the company’s goals.”
That mindset of shared ownership and flexibility helped Herron grow quickly. He soon moved into a manager role, where he now supports and leads others. “Our team communicates well,” he said. “We all understand what needs to be done, and we step up to make it happen together.”
At Material Return, growth is both personal and professional. Herron has earned his DOT certification to drive a box truck, learned to operate a scissor lift, and picked up essential digital skills, including working with spreadsheets. He’s also developed his communication and leadership abilities through supervisor and management training.
Looking back at how far he’s come, Herron says what stands out most is the culture of growth. “People don’t stay in the same spot,” he said. “There’s always room to move up, to learn more, and to take on something new.” Material Return’s commitment to give new life to textile waste is mirrored in the way it invests in people. As Herron put it, “We’re transforming the narrative of the community and empowering people to forge a different path.”