Pottery Northwest seeks Studio Technician

Pottery Northwest Studio Technician

Job Description

Pottery Northwest is the Pacific Northwest’s premier ceramic facility. Founded in 1966 as a nonprofit arts organization, Pottery Northwest is a longtime and vibrant source of programming in the Seattle arts community. Artists from around the world come to Pottery Northwest in the spirit of artistic dialogue and as a formative step in their professional careers. World-class professional artist residencies, exhibitions featuring traditional and contemporary work, community classes and an engaging lecture series spanning many years are all features of this fixture at Seattle Center.

Pottery Northwest is a professional clay facility comprised of 7200 square feet in an early 1900s brick building with an adjoining outdoor kiln yard in the heart of Seattle at Seattle Center. Our equipment includes 21 pottery wheels, slab roller, extruder, spray booth, clay mixer, pugmill and various workshop tools (saws, grinders, etc.). A dedicated glaze area stocks a full complement of materials. We have both electric and gas fired kilns, including soda and raku kilns, a 40 cubic foot shuttle kiln, and a wood-fired pizza kiln.

Pottery Northwest (PNW) has an opening for a part time Studio Technician. The Studio Tech reports directly to the Programs Director and is the staff member primarily responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the studio used by students, resident artists, and guests. The Studio Tech is often the first line of customer service and ensures the best possible experience for our community. This position is a 20 hour a week, part-time, non-exempt position, with weekend and evening hours required.

Responsibilities:
● Trains & supervises 8-10 Work Study students in conjunction with Programs Director
● Ensures student work moves through the firing cycles in a timely fashion
● Prepares and supervises preparation of all in house clay, glazes and slips
● Prepares or supervises the preparation of the studio for classes and workshops
● Oversees the organization, operation, maintenance and repair of studio equipment including kilns, sinks and other tools
● Maintains dry material inventories, and purchases supplies for all classes and workshops
● Oversees quarterly studio deep cleaning
● Assists in Gallery as needed with packing/shipping work and installing/deinstalling shows
● Other duties as requested by the Programs Director

Desired Qualifications:
3 – 5 years of experience working in a full-scale ceramic studio
Customer service skills; experience working with diverse populations a plus
Ability to troubleshoot facility issues and work with service providers/vendors when necessary
Broad knowledge of glaze chemistry and mixing
Ample experience firing gas, electric, soda and raku kilns
A collaborative attitude and the ability to multitask
Eagerness to contribute to the unique and supportive community of Pottery Northwest
Ability to work weekend and evening hours

This position requires the ability to bend, reach, and lift at least 50 pounds

There is room for ample growth within this position in multiple areas

Employment is not based upon artistic ability, although an appreciation for the ceramic arts is a plus

Salary & Benefits: $17/hour
Paid Holidays
Use of studio space
Clay, materials & firing allowance
Free entry into a ceramics class or workshop each quarter

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and 2 professional references to gallery@potterynorthwest.org with the subject “Studio Tech Opening.”

PNW is committed to equal opportunities of employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, age, ethnicity, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable laws or guidelines related to employment. PNW strongly encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply, especially candidates from backgrounds typically underrepresented in the ceramic field.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will be open until filled.