job opportunity: Seeking Pottery Northwest Studio Technician

by Carole Epp | Mar 17, 2019 | job posting

Pottery Northwest is the Pacific Northwest’s premier ceramic facility. Founded in 1966 as a nonprofit arts organization, Pottery Northwest is a longtime and vibrant source of programming in the Seattle arts community. Artists from around the world come to Pottery Northwest in the spirit of artistic dialogue and as a formative step in their professional careers. World-class professional artist residencies, exhibitions featuring traditional and contemporary work, community classes and an engaging lecture series spanning many years are all features of this fixture at Seattle Center.

Pottery Northwest is a professional clay facility comprised of 7200 square feet in an early 1900s brick building with an adjoining outdoor kiln yard in the heart of Seattle at Seattle Center. Our equipment includes 21 potter’s wheels, a slab roller, extruder, spray booth with compressor, clay mixer, and various workshop tools (saws, grinders, etc.). A dedicated glaze area stocks a full complement of materials. We have both electric and gas fired kilns, including soda and raku kilns, a 40 cubic foot shuttle kiln, and a wood-fired pizza kiln. We have recently upgraded our studio heating and lighting systems and added air filtration.

Pottery Northwest (PNW) has an opening for a Studio Technician, who will become the 3^rd full time employee on our small 4-person staff. The Studio Tech reports directly to the Executive Director and is the staff member primarily responsible for the studio used by students, resident artists, and guests. As one of the most visible and accessible staff members the Studio Technician is often the first line of customer service and ensures the best possible experience for our community. PNW hosts 4 10-week quarters for approx. 185 students per quarter. This position is a 40 hour a week, full-time, non-exempt position, with frequent weekend and evening hours required.

Key Responsibilities:
Studio facility (30%)
– maintaining equipment (kiln/wheel repair, etc.)
– maintaining materials (ordering dry materials and clay, mixing communal glazes, etc.)
– facilities maintenance (sinks and plumbing, physical plant, etc.)
– leading projects to update facilities (building, new furniture, physical improvements, etc.)
Moving student work through the studio (30%)
– loading, firing, and unloading greenware in bisque kilns
– loading, firing, and unloading glazeware in glaze firings
– reclaiming clay
– maintaining student glaze, slips, & washes
Manage work study students & resident shop jobs (20%)
– train and delegate tasks to 4-5 work study students each quarter to ensure the studio functions during classes.
– delegate tasks to 6-8 artists in residence to ensure studio cleanliness
Gallery (10%)
– assisting with transition between exhibitions (patch & paint, moving pedestals, packing/shipping work)
– assisting with prep for large-scale shows
Admin (10%)
– emails, meetings, etc.
– working with staff to plan classes and studio improvements

Desired Qualifications:
– A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a full-scale ceramic studio
– Ability to troubleshoot facility issues and work with service providers/vendors when necessary
– Excellent knowledge of glaze chemistry and glaze mixing
– Ample experience firing gas and electric kilns
– Customer service experience; experience working with diverse populations a plus
– A collaborative attitude and the ability to troubleshoot problems as they arise
– Eagerness to contribute to the unique and supportive community Pottery Northwest has cultivated over the last 53 years
– This position requires the ability to bend, reach, and lift at least 50 pounds
– There is room for ample growth within this position in multiple areas
– Flexible availability to accommodate weekend and evening hours

Benefits:
– Employer sponsored health & dental insurance
– 2 weeks paid vacation
– Access to a communal clay studio
– Studio closure between Christmas and New Year’s day

Salary:
– Salary is dependent upon qualifications
– $36,000 – $40,000

Points of Clarification:
This position is not a resident artist position or in any way a guarantee of a future residency. Employment at Pottery Northwest is not a guarantee of teaching opportunities, private studio space, or exhibition and sales in the gallery. Employment is not based upon artistic ability, although an appreciation for the ceramic arts is a plus.

To Apply:
Send cover letter, resume, and 2 professional references to [email protected] with the subject “Studio Tech Opening.” Applications due by April 12, but the position will remain open until filled. Projected start date May 15.

PNW is committed to equal opportunities of employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, age, ethnicity, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable laws or guidelines related to employment.
PNW strongly encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply; especially candidates from backgrounds typically underrepresented in ceramics.

Find out more HERE.