Ceramic  Technical Assistant (Position Filled)

We are looking for a self-motivated and excellent task manager to join our ceramics team as a technical assistant (CTA). The CTA will assist with all aspects of studio operation to achieve the goals of FYACS’s ceramics studio operation. Responsibilities will vary from week to week and priorities will be set forth and scheduled by the Ceramics Studio Manager. The ideal candidate can manage time, track hours and progress independently, ask questions, and actively engage in the care of our small ceramics operation. Training on FYA procedures and ceramics technical work will be provided.

Responsibilities: The CTA will be assigned priorities each week which may include:

• Recycle clay: independently maintaining a schedule to complete recycling each week. 
• Monitoring, maintaining, and mixing glazes.
• Maintain inventory tracking and restocking studio materials
• Maintain studio and work area cleanliness and organization
• Transport finished pottery work to and from work area in basement
• Glaze student work 
• Assist with kiln loading and unloading according to schedule 
• Program and monitor firings and maintain kiln shelves
• Track and report hours worked and completed assignments
• Other duties as assigned
• Collaborate with the Ceramics Studio Manager on studio oversight: 
  • • Communicate with contracted facilitators to ensure procedures set forth by FYACS ceramics studio are understood and followed regarding studio organization, ware management and tracking, and materials/equipment care
    • Communicate with the ceramics team to innovate new procedures to improve functioning of technical operations
    • Contribute to the Ceramics team’s collective knowledge of procedures and operations, adding to documentation as needed
    • Training and overseeing volunteers and interns as needed
• Collaborating with the Ceramics Program Coordinator
  • • Teaching a minimum of 5 class hours/week to either youth, teens, and/or adults 
    • Communicating about teaching methods and student experience
    • Collaborating on and delivering curriculum 

Qualifications:

• Experience teaching ceramics desired, including experience teaching, guiding, or caring for children
• Experience in ceramics technical support functions preferred 
• Knowledge of ceramics techniques:
  • • General clay knowledge: clay care, reclaiming, wedging 
    • Hand-building: slab rolling, pinching, coil-building, 
    • Wheel-throwing: centering, opening, pulling, shaping, trimming
    • Decorating: carving, underglazing, glazing (dip & brush). 
• BA in Ceramics or equivalent relevant experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and flexibly with a small multi-functional team
• Enthusiasm for working in a mission-driven, community space, non-profit experience a plus

Physical Requirements:

This is a physically demanding job that involves lifting and carrying heavy items on a regular basis. Position requires regular sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting,and stooping in the performance of activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movements and fine coordination. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading reports and work related documents and using a computer. The need to lift, drag, carry and push, pull objects weighing up to 50 lbs is also required. Must be able to carry 25 lbs easily and regularly. The work environment can be dusty. Appropriate safety masks and glasses need to be worn at times.

Other:

We are willing to train the right candidate in some aspects of this position if you meet some of the qualifications. If you believe that you should be considered for this role we encourage you to apply, and we will be glad to receive your materials. Please use your cover letter to tell us more about yourself and about your interest in Ceramics and the Ceramics Technical Assistant role.

Compensation/Scheduling details

• Hours: 10-15 hours/week on average, which includes a minimum of 5 hours of teaching. Additional technical work will be assigned during peak demand. Additional teaching opportunities are possible if desired.
• Hours must be flexible and may include evening/weekend hours. Work schedule may vary based on workload each week. 
• Pay Rate: $20-$22/hour, Staff Position, up to 4 weeks unpaid vacation time.
• Benefits: Staff members receive 25% off FYA program and workshop tuition for themselves or their children. The CTA position also comes with access to the ceramics studio (hand-building table, wheels, tools) during non-class hours. Clay, glazes and kiln firing is by arrangement at cost.

Please see www.fyamelrose.org for more information on FYACS, our story, and our mission.

To apply, please email a cover letter and a resume to ceramics@fyamelrose.org.