Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

STUDIO TECHNICIAN

The Studio Technician is part of The Clay Studio (TCS) education and community engagement team, which includes the Education Manager, Digital Fabrication Manager, Program Assistants, two other Studio Technicians, the Community Engagement (CE) Manager, CE Assistant, and CE Teaching Artists. The Studio Technician supports all aspects of TCS, ensuring the proper functioning and excellence of the studios and creating a culture in which the artists, students, and visitors feel inspired and encouraged.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties and responsibilities of the Studio Technician, reflecting the tasks associated with their key competencies:

CUSTOMER FOCUS & EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Communicate daily about the needs of the studios with the team
Communicates inventory needs
Help maintain equipment throughout the building
Handles ordering
Supports the education of students and artists in the building regarding ceramic processes and materials
Meets deadlines for processing student and workshop work each term
Offers technical assistance to the TCS community of artists, co-workers, interns, and students
Help maintain an excellent and safe environment
Provide technical assistance and training in the use of equipment

PLANNING & ORGANIZING

Monitors master firing schedule to ensure that deadlines are met
Tracks inventory of all supplies and materials (clay, chemicals, cones, tools, general, etc.) including Special Event needs
Supports TCS programs, workshops, and all special events
Assist with the set up of workshop rooms
Trains and monitors the completion of jobs by the interns daily
Collects and organizes monthly bills for all Programs
Stocks of spare parts for equipment repair

Stocks spare parts for equipment repair

OCCUPATIONAL

Load and unload gas and electric kilns of varying sizes
Cleans, maintains, and repairs all Studios and Equipment
Cleans and oversees the cleaning of the school studios
Replenishes and mixes glazes, oxides, slips, and clay
Stocks and cleans Chemical Room
Assists with clay and chemical deliveries and other deliveries when needed
Ability to climb ladders
Bending at the waist, sitting, kneeling, climbing, walking, crouching as the job may require
Other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

Experience firing gas kilns, glaze chemistry, kiln maintenance, and, ideally, soda firings
A focus on customer service and community building
Must be able to lift 50 lbs., load multiple kilns daily, and move hundreds of pounds of clay/chemicals/etc.
A high level of attention to detail and the ability to balance multiple tasks and work with tight deadlines
Self-motivation and dedication to excellence
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and fostering a nurturing environment
Ability to collaborate effectively and enjoy working as a team as well as independently on certain tasks

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPENSATION:

1-year studio technician experience in a ceramic studio is preferred
Experience firing gas kilns, glaze chemistry, and kiln maintenance preferred
Salary range of $40,000-$44,000, depending upon qualifications, experience, and performance
A complete benefits package is included

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

This position works in partnership with the other Studio Technicians and Education department staff. This position reports to the Education Manager on all matters related to the job description.

WORK SCHEDULE:

On average, the studio technician works 40 hours per week. The position's regular hours are 9 AM to 5 PM, Sunday - Thursday. Each Studio Tech is expected to lead gas and soda firings on a rotating schedule and participate in special events that may occur outside of regular business hours; in these instances, hours are adjusted accordingly. The Studio Technician also works special events throughout the year that require weekend and evening hours.