Seasonal Studio Technician (hourly, Seasonal) Seattle, WA
About Pottery Northwest
Pottery Northwest is a regionally renowned ceramics facility, providing 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 careers. 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.
Position Summary
The Studio Technician will join the studio team at Pottery Northwest’s full-scale, community ceramics studio in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle. The studio team at Pottery Northwest is responsible for the upkeep of the overall studio space, equipment, and materials; leading the Apprentice program; and supporting our classes and events. The Studio Tech will work under the supervision of the Studio Managers to keep up operations and maintenance of the studio.
This is a seasonal/temporary Studio Technician position ending on December 31st, 2023.
HOURS, LOCATION, & CONDITIONS
Reports to: Studio Managers
Type: Seasonal/temporary, hourly; non-exempt Remote/Onsite: 100% onsite
Pay: $20 per hour
Hours: 10 hours per week
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
As a team, we are focused on cultivating a culture of communication, kindness, and inclusion; playful and professional; committed to learning and growing together as we take on difficult conversations and unique challenges in our organization and community. Pottery Northwest prioritizes a collaborative, team-oriented culture where everyone has a high level of ownership and performance in their roles, and where we care for ourselves, each other, and our community. We are a flexible workplace and place high priority on the health and well being of our staff.
Studio Operations (100%)
Facilities
Assist with day-to-day maintenance, upkeep, and effective functioning of the studio. Monitor, repair, and maintain studio equipment such as: kilns, wheels, and shop tools etc.Maintain studio glazes, slips, chemicals, clay and dry materials, including mixing and making glazes and recycling/reclaiming clay. Organize and clean studio tools, equipment and materials, and spaces throughout the studio. Perform facilities maintenance as needed (sinks and plumbing, physical plant, etc.). Independently load, fire and unload electric kilns.
Classes/Workshops, & Events
Help move student work through the firing cycles in a timely fashion. Studio Apprentice & Monitor Support. Under the direction of the studio managers, support and guide the Apprentices and Studio Monitors as needed.
Student & Studio Support
Monitor the studio. Answer student questions, grab clay for students, and assist students in the studio as needed
This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. All Pottery NW employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed, to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION:
- Ability to lift, carry & move heavy objects ~60lbs
- Frequent bending and reaching above shoulders
- Standing and walking for long periods of time
- Working with and around power tools and other machinery with moving parts
- Exposure to chemicals: gas and other hazardous materials that are used in the ceramics process
- Working closely with others
Qualifications
- Minimum 1 year of experience working in a ceramics studio/environment
- Broad knowledge of glaze chemistry and mixing
- Experience firing and loading/unloading electric kilns
- Demonstrated interest and working knowledge of the ceramics field
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and an ability to develop trust and maintain deep relationships with a variety of diverse students, partners, and community members.
- A collaborative approach to problem-solving, including the ability to pivot to meet immediate needs, or address unforeseen circumstances.
- A persistent commitment to communication in the face of challenge and conflict.
Interested applicants, please email your resume to studio@potterynorthwest.org
