Under the Chair of the Art & Archaeology Department and direct supervision of the Studio Arts Coordinator and Director of the Ceramic Arts Program, the Ceramic Arts Technical Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the technical needs of the Graduate Ceramic Arts programs including the M.F.A, the M.A., the Graduate Certificate in Ceramic Arts, the undergraduate studio arts concentration focus in ceramic arts, and the ceramic arts courses for the minor in studio art. The Technical Coordinator is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the ceramic arts equipment, and assists and instructs undergraduate and graduate students, adjunct and full time faculty in firing kilns, and with technical aspects of the ceramic arts program including departmental operations, safety, and environmental issues in all instructional areas, including the Kiln Pavilion, Hodson Ceramic Arts Center, and the Tatem Arts Center ceramic arts studios.
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Teaching (50%)
- Provide graduate students with technical advice in order to expand the horizons of their research and personal goals;
- Bring worldwide ceramic research and ceramic engineering experience within reach of our students;
- Provide instruction regarding the science involved in the production of ceramic art to the forefront of student awareness;
- Mentor and advise seniors in the technical aspects of ceramic arts;
- Facilitate graduate and undergraduate interaction and cooperation in creative techniques, firings and technical research;
- Work individually and with small groups of students to assist students at all levels of proficiency in the proper use of studio equipment;
- Maintain an atmosphere of encouragement and support for students and faculty;
- Facilitate trouble shooting and be prepared to deal with student needs and concerns;
- Work collaboratively with faculty and staff to identify students in need of additional instruction or supervision with materials and equipment;
- Assist students in firing of kilns.
Health and Safety (30%)
- Work with Studio Arts Coordinator and faculty to develop and monitor studio usage rules and procedures;
- Technical advisor on all matters relating to MSDS information/documentation and hazardous materials handling;
- Generate work orders as needed;
- Oversee the safety and maintenance of the ceramic arts equipment consisting of 3 gas kilns, 5 gas burners, 7 electric kilns, potters wheels, 2 pug mills, and 1 ball mill;
- Manage technical aspects of the following studios; Tatem ceramic – wheel studio and classroom T1, sculpture studio T2, glaze application lab T3, kiln room T2B, clay storage and mixing room T2C; Hodson ceramic – graduate student studio space HO135, glaze technology lab HO139, outdoor kiln yard, materials storage areas HO130;
- Conduct instructional sessions for faculty and student workers on safety issues applicable to the various studio environments.
Administrative (20%)
- Assist with implementation of long-term program goals;
- Research and generate projections of equipment requirements and budgetary implications;
- Work with program director to project and develop future requirements of studio facilities and classes.
Qualifications
To successfully perform this job, an individual must be able to complete each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Proven ability to work with and mentor students at all levels.
- The position demands overall flexibility, on-demand critical thinking, the ability to multi-task, and excellent communication as well as organizational skills.
- The candidate must be able to work outside of normal working hours.
Education and/or Experience
Advanced degree in ceramic engineering or MFA in Ceramic Arts and four years experience working in college art studios or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Thorough understanding of MSDS standards and safety requirements is a necessary.