Green circle logo with a black and white rendering of a building and the space needle. Black text reads "Pottery Northwest; Clay Lives Here"

Pottery Northwest – Seeks PT Studio Technician

About Pottery Northwest

Pottery Northwest is a nationally renowned ceramics facility, providing longtime and vibrant programs in the Seattle arts community. Artists from around the world come to Pottery Northwest to engage in artistic dialogue and as a formative step in their careers. Exhibitions that feature traditional and contemporary work, community classes, and studio access are all features of this organization, located in Pioneer Square.

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, assisting with the Apprentice program, and supporting our classes and events. The Studio Tech will work under the supervision of the Studio Managers to keep up with the operations and maintenance of the studio.

Hours, Location, & Conditions

Type: Part-time, hourly; permanent
Reports to: Studio Managers
Remote/On-site: 100% onsite
Pay: $22/hour

Benefits:

  • 2 hours PTO accrued for every 40 hours worked

  • 1 hour sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked

  • Monthly commuter stipend

  • Complimentary classes, workshops, studio usage, and dedicated shelving

Shift Times: This role will be 100% onsite, with the 20 hours spread across three days each week. This role will need to work 2pm to 9pm on one weekend day, and 8am-2pm on a weekday, ideally on Wednesdays. The final 7-hour shift can be agreed upon based on the candidate’s schedule and the studio team’s needs.
One weekend shift is required, but for the right candidate, we can be flexible on the weekday shifts.

Duties & Responsibilities

Studio Operations (95%) 

Facilities

  • Assist with day-to-day maintenance, upkeep, and effective functioning of the studio.

  • Monitor, repair, and maintain studio equipment such as kilns, wheels, shop tools, etc.

  • Maintain studio glazes, slips, chemicals, clay, and dry materials, including mixing and making glazes and recycling/reclaiming clay.

  • Organize studio tools, equipment, and materials as needed.

  • Perform facilities maintenance as needed (replacing air filters, minor repairs, etc.)).

  • Independently load, fire, and unload electric kilns.

  • Clean and maintain studio tools, sinks, equipment, materials, and floors.

  • Take out studio trash & recycling.

  • Deep clean the studio once per week before opening hours.

  • Assist with unloading clay and supply deliveries.

  • Assist in the fabrication of special projects such as new test tile walls in classrooms and other classroom and studio improvements.

  • Assist with unloading and loading clay deliveries

Classes/Workshop & Events

  • Help move student work through the firing cycles in a timely fashion.

  • Glaze and package work for one-time classes and parties as needed.

  • Assist with set-up and breakdown for workshops and events.

  • Maintain workshop supplies and materials.

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, answering the door and the studio/office phone as needed.

  • Answer student questions, grab clay for students, and assist students in the studio as needed.

  • Assist with quarterly clay and dry materials inventory.

Shared Leadership (5%)

  • Participate in team check-ins, staff meetings, and planning and support for Pottery Northwest events as needed.

  • Identify and participate in professional development opportunities that advance skills for the role.

  • Produce an annual work plan and review.

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for 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 ~70lbs

  • 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 hazardous materials that are used in the ceramics process

  • Working closely with others

Our Ideal Candidate

Pottery Northwest needs people who value a growth mentality—people who are willing to do things differently, test things out, fail, and get back up again.

Values Alignment

  • Deep and demonstrated commitment to DEIA, racial and gender equity, and understanding the role inequities play in our society.

  • Passionate about maintaining an adaptive, people-centered studio grounded in fostering an inclusive community around clay, with the highest priority placed on creating and ensuring everyone has access to learning and enjoying ceramics.

  • Values sharing power,  trusting each other, being transparent, celebrating small successes, integrity, and cross-cultural respect and sensitivity.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 1 year of experience working in a ceramics studio or ceramic facility in a hands-on role.

  • Knowledge of ceramics tools, techniques, processes, equipment, glaze chemistry, and glaze mixing.

  • Experience firing and loading/unloading electric kilns.

  • Experience mixing clay, glazes, slips, etc.

  • Demonstrated interest and working knowledge of the ceramics field.

  • Outstanding interpersonal skills and an ability to develop trust and maintain deep relationships with 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.

  • Proof of completed COVID-19 Vaccination or valid exemption is required upon hiring and employment at Pottery Northwest.

Application Instructions: 

Pottery Northwest is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We strive to be a place where DEIA builds the foundation for people. Women, non-gender-binary/trans individuals, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and people with disabilities are STRONGLY encouraged to apply.

To apply, submit a completed application. We do not want a cover letter–please just fill the application out in its entirety. Email questions to the Operations Director, Jasmine at Jasmine@potterynorthwest.org. 

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