Clay Studio Tech
CLAY STUDIO TECH (Part-Time)
Reports to: Interim Director of Facilities and Studios
Summary/Objective
The Ceramics Studio Tech works under the direction of the Interim Director of Facilities and Studios to ensure VisArts’ clay studios are maintained and well-cared for to be professional, safe, and accessible for all students, teachers, monitors and resident artists. This position will concentrate on the ceramic studio and its programs, while also supporting other studio-based programs and the studio and facilities team. This position will be scheduled to work at least part of their weekly hours on weekends and/or evenings.
Essential Functions
- Completes routine maintenance and cleaning in all clay studios, glaze mixing and glazing rooms, and the kiln room.
- Works with other studio and education staff to maintain an inventory of equipment, tools, and materials for the clay studios.
- Performs general maintenance and repairs on studio equipment.
- Performs some designated cleaning tasks within studios.
- Loads, unloads and fires kilns in the ceramics area with assistance from interns, volunteers and other staff.
- Assists with mixing glazes and reclaiming clay.
- Helps orient and work with clay studio interns to support day-to-day operations of the clay studio.
- Assists with orienting new studio monitors or studio access members to the studio access program.
- Collaborates with other facilities and studios team members on organization projects and planned studio improvements.
- Assist with regular research on best studio best practices and safety procedures; works with other staff to ensure studio policies and signage are up to date.
- Makes recommendations to the Interim Director of Facilities and Studios on how to spend available budget on studio improvements; supports small improvements and coordinates with the studio support team to complete larger improvements.
- Assists with other building tasks including staff studio workdays, and special events like Craft + Design, Collectors’ Night, etc.
- Special projects, as needed.
Competencies
- Demonstrated experience with ceramics processes and equipment
- Knowledge of kilns-firing and repairs
- Understanding of basic glaze mixing
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Consistent and reliable
- Can prioritize competing requests and tasks
- Creative problem solver
- Demonstrates initiative
Supervisory Responsibility
Occasionally studio monitors, interns or volunteers
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional studio environment. This role routinely requires the use of power tools, blades, solvents and other hazardous materials. It also requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones and photocopiers.
Physical Demands
This is a physical role that requires the ability to stand for long periods of time; climb ladders; walk; drive; and lift boxes, furniture and other large pieces of equipment.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work
This is a part-time position. Days and hours of work will be regular and scheduled to occur within VisArts hours of operations between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. daily. One shift each week will ideally be scheduled for either Saturday or Sunday to support weekend staff and operations as well as
Average Hours of Work per week
It is expected that the position will work 20 hours per week.
Travel
None anticipated.
Required Education and Experience
- Background in ceramics
- At least 1-2 years of studio arts experience
- Familiarity and comfort working with power tools
Preferred Education and Experience
- Specific expertise in one or more studio practices represented in VisArts studios
- Previous experience in a community studio environment
- Comfortable in gallery settings including installing and de-installing exhibitions
- Knowledge and experience with basic construction practices
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
EEO / AA Statement
Visual Arts of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Visual Arts of Richmond complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.