Assistant Ceramics Technician
Kirkland, WA • Starting immediately
Time Commitment: Part-time; 20 hours a week
Type: Permanent
Level: Professional
Location: On-site
Pay: Hourly
Reports to: Senior Ceramics Technician
Supervises: Work Study Volunteers
About Kirkland Arts Center
Kirkland Arts Center (KAC) is a regionally recognized non-profit using the arts to ignite individual growth and self-expression, build community spirit, and cultivate cultural vibrancy.
Position Summary
Kirkland Arts Center seeks a Ceramics Technician to join our tight-knit nonprofit community and contribute to a vibrant, arts-minded culture on the Eastside. For nearly 60 years, KAC has served Kirkland and the Eastside and now offers a wide array of visual arts classes and contemporary art exhibitions, all within the historic landmark Peter Kirk Building.
Working alongside the Senior Ceramics Technician, the Assistant Ceramics Technician will be responsible for maintaining the kiln firing schedule, providing supervision and support for students and work study volunteers, and maintaining the overall operations and upkeep of the ceramic studio . Duties will include kiln loading, firing and unloading; glaze mixing; supply inventory; and equipment maintenance.
Above all, the Assistant Ceramics Technician should be committed to ensuring our mission is carried out in an inclusive, responsible, and ethical way. Candidates should be committed to fostering a culture of transparency, inclusivity, curiosity, and collaboration.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Education Support – 30%
Supervises work study volunteers and students in the operation and maintenance of ceramics facilities.
Provides instruction and guidance to students during Open Studio hours regarding the use of equipment, tools, chemicals and materials within the ceramics studios.
Provides support for instructors in relation to class needs such as supply orders, shelf space and kiln schedules.
Communicates studio policies and procedures to students, instructors and staff concerning health, safety and cleanliness guidelines within the studios.
Works with work study students and instructors to inspect glaze test results and update, change or add glazes.
Equipment and Facilities Management – 70%
Assists the Senior Ceramics Technician with the maintenance, inventory and replacement of all equipment and supplies within the department, including clay and glaze materials, electric and gas kilns, potter’s wheels, extruders, studio furniture and tools.
Helps maintain the daily firing schedules, glaze mixing, equipment assistance, and cleaning schedules.
Provides feedback in regards to the department’s annual long term planning process.
Discusses requests for facility improvements with appropriate instructors and staff.
Tracks shipments and deliveries.
Unpacks and puts away deliveries.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are seeking a person with a passion for the arts and a commitment to growing within the role.
Kirkland Arts needs people who value a growth mentality—people who are willing to do things differently, test things out, fail and get back up again. We hope to find someone who is curious and can lead people with their heart, being vulnerable and authentic. We expect you to share our values of trusting each other, being transparent, celebrating small successes, integrity, and cross-cultural respect and sensitivity.
Specifically, we are looking for:
Combined 5 years of professional, academic, or lived experience in ceramics studio work and maintenance.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and an ability to develop trust and maintain deep relationships with a variety of diverse students, partners, and community members.
Strong project management skills, including the ability to plan out maintenance and ordering schedules.
Positive and enthusiastic style capable of motivating others, and experience in team management
A collaborative approach to problem-solving, including the ability to pivot to meet immediate needs, or address unforeseen student needs, as they arise
A persistent commitment to communication in the face of challenge
Candidate must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
Experience required: Kiln loading and firing in reduction, oxidation and atmospheric soda using gas. Electric kiln firing (Skutt, L&L, Orton).
The strongest candidates will have:
5 or more years of direct experience within the arts community in the Seattle area, which can be in a combination of volunteer, academic, or professional capacity, with enthusiasm about advocating the importance of the arts to our communities.
Proficiency with Google Sheets, Documents, Forms, Calendar, and Gmail and a willingness to learn new programs and systems is a plus.
Teaching experience is a plus.
Hours, Location & Conditions
Kirkland Arts Center is based in Kirkland, Washington. Our team works in the historical Peter Kirk Building, as well as remote. This role is primarily based on site with the potential for remote meetings.
Weekly hours:
We are looking for someone who can work evening hours in the 4:00PM – 9:00PM range. There is some flexibility as to how those hours are distributed, though we will require a Saturday evening shift.
Compensation: $19.00 – $20.00/hr depending on experience
Benefits
Kirkland Arts Center offers medical and dental, as well as one free art course per quarter, in addition to generous PTO, and professional training.
Application Instructions:
KAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences within our staff, students, and governing institutions. Candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to education@kirklandartscenter.org
Position will be open until filled.
