AI Innovations Specialist

WHERE CURIOSITY MEETS IMPACT: DISCOVERING AI OPPORTUNITIES

THE OPPORTUNITY

At Lakeshirts, we don't 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.

We're 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, you'll 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: $50,000 to $65,000

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 35,000+ garments daily. It's 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. LIFE'S 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.