Job: Clay Studio Technician at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Posted on January 29, 2022
Part-time job – open until filled
University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Employers By State in 2021.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for all positions at the University of Pennsylvania. New hires are expected to be fully vaccinated before beginning work at the University. For more information about Penn’s vaccine requirements and the use of Penn Open Pass, visit the Penn COVID-19 Response website for the latest information.
Posted Job Title
Clay Studio Technician, Undergraduate Program in Fine Arts and Design – Part Time
Job Description Summary
Under the supervision of the sculpture technician, the clay studio technician will be tasked with developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive workflow, best practices, and policies/procedures for the clay courses, clay studios, and kiln room that relate to general usage, access, storage, and materials necessary for the clay program. This part-time position will work 15 hours a week. The technician will maintain all clay equipment and tools and perform minor repairs. The technician will coordinate with the sculpture technician and clay faculty to support course needs over the semester. The technician will utilize their technical and material knowledge in ceramics and sculpture to support individual student projects as needed through office hours.
Job Description
The Clay Studio technician will support the Sculpture Technician in supporting and facilitating the clay courses and facilities in the Undergraduate Program of Fine Arts and Design. This part-time position will work 15 hours a week. Responsibilities will include managing the clay budget, including facility needs, material purchases, and course-related expenses with clay faculty. The Clay Technician will organize and maintain the clay and glaze inventory, including mixing and recycling clay when necessary. The technician will maintain all clay equipment and tools as well as perform small repairs. Equipment oversight includes firing, scheduling, and performing maintenance and upkeep of electric and gas kilns. The technician will coordinate with the sculpture technician and clay faculty to support course needs over the semester. The technician will utilize their technical and material knowledge in ceramics and sculpture to support individual student projects as needed through office hours.
The ideal candidate will have experience managing all technical needs of an active clay studio and will be required to perform duties including but not limited to:
- Managing a material budget.
- Maintaining clay and glaze inventory.
- Mixing and recycling clay.
- Coordinating and overseeing electric and gas kiln firing.
- Performing general kiln maintenance and upkeep.
- Performing general tool maintenance and upkeep, including but not limited to pottery wheels, slab roller (?), clay extruder, and pug mill.
- Supporting slip casting and mold making.
- Facilitating coursework with clay faculty.
- Assisting students with fabrication and approaches during office hours.
The Clay Studio Technician must be comfortable working both independently and in coordination with the sculpture technician and clay faculty. They should have a varied background in diverse clay practices and should bring energy and expertise to the burgeoning clay program in fine arts.
Required Skills
• Experience in a functioning clay studio including experience handling equipment such as wheels, kilns, and pug mill.
• Education and experience with ceramic sculpture and material knowledge regarding low- and mid-fire clay bodies, glaze chemistry, electric and gas kiln firing, and some expertise in ceramic sculpture technique.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills required. Good organizational skills.
• Must be comfortable and confident in a collaborative studio environment, be resourceful and a team player.
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize duties within a limited timeframe.
• Familiarity with OSHA protocols and ceramic studio safety measures.
Qualifications
H.S. Diploma or GED Required, with 3-5 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Ceramics, Sculpture, or related field preferred.
Please provide a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for this role. Please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of the application prior to submitting.
About
The University of Pennsylvania’s special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn’s robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University’s mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.
