AI Innovations Specialist

WHERE CURIOSITY MEETS IMPACT: DISCOVERING AI OPPORTUNITIES

THE OPPORTUNITY

At Lakeshirts we dont wait for the future. We build it. Across our business teams are already using artificial intelligence to streamline workflows improve quality and move faster. This role expands our commitment to Continuous Improvement by helping us stay nimble thoughtful and forward-thinking as technology evolves.

Were looking for an AI Innovations Specialist who is excited to explore experiment and uncover practical opportunities where AI and automation can make a real impact. This role is part investigator part builder and part translator connecting emerging technology with real business needs across manufacturing operations art customer service and support teams.

Reporting to the IT Manager youll ask good questions run pilots document findings and clearly communicate recommendations. Project management and process ownership remain with our PMO and department teams. This role calls for a helper-not-a-hero mentality: someone who shares knowledge supports team ownership and leaves behind clear documentation.

PAY SCHEDULE

Location: Fully onsite at Lakeshirts headquarters in Detroit Lakes Minnesota

Shift: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Pay: $50000 to $65000

Growth: Build expertise in applied AI workflow automation process improvement responsible technology adoption and cross-functional enablement.

BENEFITS

Lakeshirts offers a fun creative team-driven culture where team members are empowered to grow and thrive. The package includes compensation guided by meritocracy with a daily pay option; health and life insurance plus voluntary dental vision short-term and long-term disability critical illness and accident coverage beginning the first of the month following 60 days of full-time employment; up to 22 paid days off during the first year; profit sharing; a 401(k) program; subsidized onsite breakfast lunch and snacks at Detroit Lakes HQ; dogs at work; a relaxed dress code; an employee merchandise discount; and flexible work schedules based on role and business needs.

A TYPICAL DAY Research Pilot Document Communicate Collaborate

• Research and evaluate AI tools and technologies that may improve Lakeshirts workflows quality or speed.
• Work with departments to understand current processes and identify practical AI opportunities.
• Design and run structured AI pilots then document results and present clear recommendations.
• Build and test prompts workflows and automation concepts to validate ideas before rollout.
• Partner with the IT Manager to prioritize initiatives and keep stakeholders informed.
• Create clear pilot notes user guides process documentation and handoff materials.
• Support teams in learning and effectively using approved AI tools.
• Stay current on AI trends and contribute to teamwork and Continuous Improvement.

SKILLS Communication Documentation AI Curiosity Helper Mentality

• One or more years of experience with AI tools automation platforms or emerging technology in a business setting.
• Hands-on experience with generative AI prompt engineering workflow automation or similar tools.
• Excellent written documentation skills and strong attention to detail.
• Strong verbal communication and active-listening skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• A helper-not-a-hero mentality: humble collaborative willing to share knowledge and focused on helping teams succeed.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to simplify solutions.
• Organized dependable and able to manage multiple priorities with consistent follow-through.
• Experience in manufacturing operations apparel or Continuous Improvement is preferred.

WHY LAKESHIRTS IS THE PLACE YOU WANT TO BE

OUR CULTURE is one-of-a-kind and truly sets us apart. We are proud of our humble beginnings and non-corporate style. We offer a unique atmosphere unlike any other manufacturer. We work hard to be the best and we seek only committed individuals that will help move our company forward and embrace our values and culture. Lakeshirts Blue 84 is one of the largest privately owned screenprint manufacturers in the United States responsible for decorating and distribution of a wide variety of garments for the resort college and K-12 markets. At our headquarters in Detroit Lakes MN we employ over 1000 great people proudly producing 35000 garments daily. Its not just a job but a lifestyle. Our job descriptions help support and guide you in the role you play in making our company successful. LIFES BETTER IN A T-SHIRT. IT REALLY IS.

COGNITIVE OR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

Employee must be able to see and hear read and write. Requires adaptability analyzing assessing calculating decision making dependability judgment reading speaking following direction handling multiple priorities and reasoning.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

CONTINUOUSLY: Sit.

FREQUENTLY: Reach below shoulder height.

OCCASIONALLY: Lift stand walk carry push pull balance bend twist reach lift under 10 lbs. lift 10-24 lbs. carry under 10 lbs. and carry 10-24 lbs.

NEVER: Climb crawl lift 25-50 lbs. lift over 50 lbs. carry 25-50 lbs. or carry over 50 lbs.

NOTE / DISCLAIMER

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and should in no way be considered a contract or guarantee of employment. Employee may perform other related duties as needed based on the ongoing needs of the business. Minnesota is an Employment-At-Will state and implies no specific length of employment.

Required Experience:

IC