Ceramic Studio Technician and Fabricator

Position: Ceramic Studio Technician and Fabricator

Location: Gowanus, Brooklyn, NY

Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Powerhouse is seeking a Ceramic Studio Technician and Fabricator who will report to the Ceramic Studio Director and will participate in all aspects of shop management and fabrication. The ceramic studio technician will play a key role in maintaining daily operations of the studio as well as developing the shop’s systems, team, culture, and client base. 

Areas of responsibility will include: 

Shop Organization

• Provide members with assistance and service including, distributing materials, assistance with the firing process, and all issues as it relates to membership
• Assist in creating accessible, accurate, user-friendly signage, and instructions for various processes and equipment
• Assist in facilitating specialty workshops 
• Monitor and educate members in health and safety best practices and proper use of equipment
• Load and monitor kilns
• Mix glaze and clay
• Materials processing–pugging clay, recycling slip, and glaze 
• Collaboratively clean the studio daily
• Assist in maintaining equipment and furniture 
• Follow material tracking protocol

Fabrication

• Partake in the executing fabrication projects on schedule and within budget 
• Research and develop innovative fabrication techniques and methods 
• Collaborate with other staff, shops, and departments on projects as needed

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in ceramic studio technical operations
• Knowledge of best practices in health and safety
• Basic knowledge of kiln repair 
• Glaze formulation and mixing 
• Materials recycling––clay, slip, glaze, etc 
• Experience in ceramic arts fabrication with knowledge in various fabrication methods, processes, and equipment 
• Basic handy skills for studio maintenance and upgrades 
• Proficient in mold making, slip casting, wheel throwing, and hand building 
• Experience in building sculpture using various techniques 
• Ability to create refined sculptures/ objects 
• Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, ability to problem solve
• Experience working with artists, galleries, fabricators, and institutions 
• Fluency in G Suite and Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Skills:

• 3D printing in clay and/or other mediums 
• Digital fabrication, CNC machining 
• Ability to work in CAD programs
• Wood working, furniture making

To Apply: Please apply with a thoughtful cover letter and resume, and please share relative materials, including work samples via personal site, social media, or your preferred platform.

Hours + Compensation: The schedule for this position is anticipated 3-4 days/week. Evening and weekend work is anticipated on a rotating basis. The pay range is $25-$29 an hour and commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan, generous paid vacation and PTO, a CitiBike membership, and TransitChek.