POSITION SUMMARY
This Ceramic Studio Technician at Ox-Bow, School of Art and Artists’ residency oversees the technical and operational aspects of Ox-Bow’s ceramics studio, including day-to-day studio operations, firings, and materials management for ceramics and sculpture classes and studio members. The studio technician will ensure a quality, supportive learning environment for a range of skill levels and cultivate a community of learners. The studio technician is expected to build and maintain effective relationships with students, studio members and faculty to gain their respect and trust; utilizes strong communication skills; be an enthusiastic ambassador of and ensure positive perception of Ox-Bow. This is a residential position and the technician will work directly with the Academic, Campus, and Program Directors to ensure an organized, cohesive working environment.
Learn more about Ox Bow
POSITION TIMELINE
Mid-May through Mid-August (with the possibility of extending the season September 1 to mid- October)
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Physical Studio and Supply Management
- General oversight of ceramics studio
- Open and close studio at the beginning and end of the academic season
- Set up equipment and studio prior to new student orientation (Sunday) for each class
- Test, repair and maintain equipment such as kilns, slab rollers, tables, pugger, and wheels as well as other tools as needed
- Oversight of all kiln operations, including electric, propane, glass, and wood-fired
- Maintain appropriate quantity of clays and glazes for each course
- Mix glazes and clay; reclaim clay
- Observe proper studio protocol
- Create any safety or information signage and install in studio
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized studio
Faculty / Student Assistance
- Prior to each class, communicate with instructors about individual class needs.
- Orient faculty and teaching assistants on use of equipment, studio policies and procedures.
- Be available to instructors for class needs.
- Post ceramic technician hours in studio.
Administrative
- Manage ceramics studio budget.
- Maintain written physical inventory of all supplies and equipment.
- Maintain written documentation of studio processes and procedures including recipes for glazes
- Write end-of-season report assessing functionality of studio, studio budget, procedures, class success, and any recommendations for next season.
EDUCATION/JOB EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATIONS
- BFA in ceramics or the equivalent with at least two years technician experience in a ceramics studio.
- Solid technical background with experience firing and repairing gas, electric, and wood kilns.
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to work with a wide-range of skill levels, personalities, and backgrounds and modify technical and operational strategies to optimize learning experience.
- Must have excellent people skills; possess excellent communication skills – written and verbal.
- Strong organizational skills with regard to studio inventories, Materials Safety Data Sheets and general studio safety.
- Must be a team player able to work independently as well as in a group.
- Must be innovative, resourceful, patient, and a strong sense of integrity.
- Must be able to stand, bend, and routinely lift studio materials and equipment weighing up to 75 lbs.
- Must be able to travel to and from Ox-Bow Saugatuck campus and/or various vender locations in the West Michigan region.
Learn more and apply at http://www.ox-bow.org/opportunities/