STUDIO TECHNICIAN

The Studio Technician is part of The Clay Studio (TCS) education and community engagement team, which includes the Education Manager, Digital Fabrication Manager, Program Assistants, two other Studio Technicians, the Community Engagement (CE) Manager, CE Assistant, and CE Teaching Artists. The Studio Technician supports all aspects of TCS, ensuring the proper functioning and excellence of the studios and creating a culture in which the artists, students, and visitors feel inspired and encouraged.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties and responsibilities of the Studio Technician, reflecting the tasks associated with their key competencies:

CUSTOMER FOCUS & EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

  • Communicate daily about the needs of the studios with the team
  • Communicates inventory needs
  • Help maintain equipment throughout the building
  • Handles ordering
  • Supports the education of students and artists in the building regarding ceramic processes and materials
  • Meets deadlines for processing student and workshop work each term
  • Offers technical assistance to the TCS community of artists, co-workers, interns, and students
  • Help maintain an excellent and safe environment
  • Provide technical assistance and training in the use of equipment

PLANNING & ORGANIZING

  • Monitors master firing schedule to ensure that deadlines are met 
  • Tracks inventory of all supplies and materials (clay, chemicals, cones, tools, general, etc.) including Special Event needs
  • Supports TCS programs, workshops, and all special events
  • Assist with the set up of workshop rooms
  • Trains and monitors the completion of jobs by the interns daily
  • Collects and organizes monthly bills for all Programs
  • Stocks of spare parts for equipment repair 

               

OCCUPATIONAL

  • Load and unload gas and electric kilns of varying sizes
  • Cleans, maintains, and repairs all Studios and Equipment
  • Cleans and oversees the cleaning of the school studios
  • Replenishes and mixes glazes, oxides, slips, and clay  
  • Stocks and cleans Chemical Room
  • Assists with clay and chemical deliveries and other deliveries when needed
  • Ability to climb ladders
  • Bending at the waist, sitting, kneeling, climbing, walking, crouching as the job may require
  • Other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

  • Experience firing gas kilns, glaze chemistry, kiln maintenance, and, ideally, soda firings
  • A focus on customer service and community building
  • Must be able to lift 50 lbs., load multiple kilns daily, and move hundreds of pounds of clay/chemicals/etc.
  • A high level of attention to detail and the ability to balance multiple tasks and work with tight deadlines
  • Self-motivation and dedication to excellence
  • Ability to collaborate effectively and enjoy working as a team as well as independently on certain tasks

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPENSATION:

  • 1-year studio technician experience in a ceramic studio is preferred
  • Experience firing gas kilns, glaze chemistry, and kiln maintenance preferred
  • Salary range of $38,000-$42,000, depending upon qualifications, experience, and performance
  • A complete benefits package is included

 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
This position works in partnership with the other Studio Technicians and Education department staff. This position reports to the Education Manager on all matters related to the job description.

WORK SCHEDULE:
On average, the studio technician works 40 hours per week. The position's regular hours are 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday - Friday. Each Studio Tech is expected to lead gas and soda firings on a rotating schedule and participate in special events that may occur outside of regular business hours; in these instances, hours are adjusted accordingly. The Studio Technician also works special events throughout the year that require weekend and evening hours.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 
This person must be aware of the health hazards of working with clay and glaze chemicals and take appropriate safety measures. 

HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@theclaystudio.org. Do not call. The Clay Studio will review applications immediately.

The Clay Studio is an equal-opportunity employer. The Clay Studio values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of ethnic minorities to apply.

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ABOUT THE CLAY STUDIO

The Clay Studio is Philadelphia's only nonprofit solely dedicated to the education and promotion of the ceramic arts and is one of the world's leading institutions in the field. Founded in 1974, The Clay Studio supports the ceramic arts through its artist residencies, gallery, studio space, and school, educational & outreach programs. The Clay Studio programs reflect the organization's dual character: as a community-centered institution involved with the life of the city and region and as a national and international focal point for ceramic arts. The Clay Studio believes in promoting broad access to the ceramic arts; therefore, programs are geared to all levels of interest and proficiency.