STUDIO TECHNICIAN

The Studio Technician is part of The Clay Studio (TCS) education and community engagement team, which includes the Education Manager, Digital Fabrication Manager, Program Assistants, two other Studio Technicians, the Community Engagement (CE) Manager, CE Assistant, and CE Teaching Artists. The Studio Technician supports all aspects of TCS, ensuring the proper functioning and excellence of the studios and creating a culture in which the artists, students, and visitors feel inspired and encouraged.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Below are the duties and responsibilities of the Studio Technician, reflecting the tasks associated with their key competencies:

CUSTOMER FOCUS & EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

  • Ensures attention to detail, uses tact, and prioritizes building relationships
  • Maintains a friendly, positive demeanor when interacting with colleagues, artists, students, and public
  • Provide exceptional customer service both in-person and by phone
  • Communicate daily about the needs of the studios with the team
  • Communicates inventory needs

PLANNING & ORGANIZING

  • Monitors master firing schedule to ensure that deadlines are met 
  • Tracks inventory of all supplies and materials (clay, chemicals, cones, tools, general, etc.), including Special Event needs
  • Supports TCS programs, workshops, and all special events
  • Assist with the setup of workshop rooms
  • Trains and monitors the completion of jobs by the interns daily
  • Collects and organizes monthly bills for all Programs
  • Stocks of spare parts for equipment repair         

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Load and unload gas and electric kilns of varying sizes
  • Cleans, services, and repairs all Studios and Equipment
  • Cleans and oversees the cleaning of the school studios
  • Replenishes and mixes glazes, oxides, slips, and clay  
  • Stocks and cleans the Chemical Room
  • Assists with clay and chemical deliveries and other deliveries when needed
  • Help maintain equipment throughout the building
  • Handles ordering of clay and materials
  • Supports the education of students and artists in the building regarding ceramic processes and materials
  • Meets deadlines for processing student and workshop work each term
  • Handles ordering of clay and materials
  • Help maintain equipment throughout the building
  • Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

  • Experience firing gas kilns, glaze chemistry, kiln maintenance, and, ideally, soda firings
  • A focus on customer service and community building
  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs., load multiple kilns daily, and move hundreds of pounds of clay/chemicals/etc.
  • A high level of attention to detail and the ability to balance multiple tasks and work with tight deadlines
  • Self-motivation and dedication to excellence
  • Ability to collaborate effectively and enjoy working as a team, as well as independently on specific tasks
  • 1-year studio technician experience in a ceramic studio is preferred
  • Experience firing gas kilns, glaze chemistry, and kiln maintenance preferred
  • Ability to climb ladders
  • Bending at the waist, sitting, kneeling, climbing, walking, crouching, as the job may require
  • Ability to hold a valid driver’s license is preferred
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and fostering a nurturing environment

COMPENSATION:

  • Salary range of $40,000-$44,000, depending upon qualifications, experience, and performance
  • A complete benefits package is included

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
This position reports to the Education Manager on all matters related to the job description. This position is part of the education team, which includes two other studio technicians, a studio assistant, education assistants, and interns.

WORK SCHEDULE:
On average, the studio technician works 40 hours per week. The position's regular hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday. Each Studio Tech is expected to lead gas and soda firings on a rotating schedule and participate in special events that may occur outside of regular business hours; in these instances, hours are adjusted accordingly. The Studio Technician also works special events throughout the year that require weekend and evening hours.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
This person must know the health hazards of working with clay and glaze chemicals and take necessary safety measures. 

HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@theclaystudio.org. Do not call. The Clay Studio will review applications immediately.

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ABOUT THE CLAY STUDIO

The Clay Studio inspires curiosity and discovery around the art and craft of clay, drawing together students, artists, and an engaged public into a welcoming community. Every day, in our classrooms, studios, galleries, and neighborhoods, we deepen the connection between people and clay with the highest-quality programs and exhibitions. Founded in 1974, The Clay Studio continues to believe that shared creativity, so fundamental to humanity, is a critical force for good.