Ceramics Studio Technician at The Potters’ Studio, Berkeley, CA
Posted on February 28, 2022 – open until filled
Position Description:
The Studio Tech sees to the routine maintenance and functioning of the studio and reports to the Operations Manager.
There are 2 positions available, one part-time and one full-time. Must be available to work weekends.
Immediate opening; Part-time: $18 to $20 per hour. Full-time $37,440 to $41,600. There is an initial 90-day evaluation period with review.
Summary of Responsibilities (not limited to):
· KEEP THE STUDIO CLEAN AND ORGANIZED
o We emphasize a clean studio. Every staff member is responsible for keeping the studio clean and organized (tables, workspaces, bats, floors, shelving, pots, etc.).
o Keep the main studio clean and ready for use by members and students.
o Clean and maintain the restrooms.
o Keep the kitchen tidy and clean.
o Deal with the trash, recycling and putting out the Waste Management containers for pick up.
· ANSWER STUDENT AND MEMBER QUESTIONS
o Wear a RED APRON when on duty to indicate that you are the “go to person” to answer questions.
o Students and members can ask a lot of questions about clay, glazes, firing, studio protocols, etc. You will be expected to answer these questions in a friendly and knowledgeable manner.
o Guide members and users of the studio regarding studio protocols.
· CLAY RECYCLING
o Prepare the clay Clean-Up Barrels for the day’s use.
o Set wet clay onto plaster bats for recycling.
· GLAZE AREA MAINTENANCE
o Keep the glazes mixed.
o Keep the glaze area clean.
o Maintain and fire glaze waste.
· KILN WORK
o Vacuum kilns.
o Load and unload electric kilns.
o Maintain kiln shelves.
o Help with gas kiln unloading.
**The Studio Tech is not responsible for repairing kilns and other equipment.
· TRACK FIRED WORK
o Keep track of fired goods throughout the studio, rotating them onto the Rack of Doom and discarding uncollected wares after 60 days.
· CONTRACT FIRING (we fire work for outside people who are studio members or students)
o Help contract firers measure their work and fill out Firing Submission Forms.
o Answer questions and give advice about firing.
· USE THE REGISTER (POS)
o Ring up customer sales (clay sales, firing fees, day-passes, etc.) on the register (POS). Training will be provided.
· KEEP TRACK OF PAPER FORMS
o The studio uses lots of paper forms to track things like clay inventory, firing, orientations etc. The supply of forms should be checked daily and more forms should be printed if necessary.
· KEEP INVENTORY OF AND ORDER SUPPLIES
o Online or phone ordering of clay, supplies and equipment when needed.
Required Skills:
· Have a well-rounded background in ceramics, able to offer solid advice on all sorts of ceramics-related topics (glazing, clays, firing, building techniques, etc.)
· Have a thorough understanding of electric kiln loading and firing, as well as kiln shelf maintenance.
· Be physically fit and strong enough to comfortably pick up and carry 75-pound buckets.
· Be organized in terms of maintaining the physical space of the studio and in your approach to tasks.
· Attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills.
· Good interpersonal skills; relate well on the phone and in person; demonstrate patience and kindness in all interactions with members, students and staff.
· Be comfortable as a multi-tasker and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
· Show initiative and have a positive attitude to doing assigned tasks.
· Ability to work autonomously as well as part of a team, and to stay focused under pressure.
· Ability to work outside typical hours on occasion.
· Commitment to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that members, students and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included.
· Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community.
· Friendly, reliable, easy-going.
· Basic computer skills – MS Office, Google Docs, ability to use POS systems.
Physical Requirements of the Position
· Ability to move items weighing up to 75lbs and transport items in and out of vehicles.
· Ability to work on feet/run errands as needed.
Hours:
Part-time: 16 hours to 32 hours per week
Full-time: 40 hours per week
Must be able to work weekends
Benefits:
Part-time: Studio Membership, employee assistance program
Full-time: Studio Membership, 401(k) (after one year of employment), health insurance, dental and vision insurance, employee assistance program, life insurance, paid time off.
HOW TO APPLY
Email cover letter and resumé. The cover letter should include why you would be a good fit, what you’d bring to the organization and what appeals to you about this position. No phone calls please.
The Potters’ Studio is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, and gender expression, religious creed, disability (mental and physical) including HIV and AIDS, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics ), genetic information, age, marital status, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, denial of family and medical care leave , or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $18.00 – $20.00 per hour
The Potters’ Studio is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization located in Berkeley, CA and has been in operation for 50 years. We are a ceramics studio that has 24/7 access for members. We hold classes and workshops in-person and have firing services for members and non-members.
Our mission is to educate, nurture and inspire a diverse community of ceramic artists. We provide the space, support and tools for creativity, growth, community, connection and joy for those who make and appreciate ceramics. We believe that diversity and inclusiveness make for a better experience for everyone.
We are a community-based organization and welcome and care about everyone who interacts with the studio. We foster connections and sharing of experiences in our community. Our goal is to make ceramics available to all, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or ability.
We encourage all who are interested to apply regardless of whether they meet all the skill requirements listed here. We are committed to opening access to all people who wish to learn and grow in a creative environment.
