CERAMICS INSTRUCTOR
Location: SEED
Salary: $22–28+ per hour (DOE) following probationary period; starting pay negotiable
Hours: 18–25 hours per week
Schedule: August–May: Monday–Thursday evenings, and occasional weekends as needed. June–July: Scheduling flexibility, opportunities for time off, and speciality workshops
About You The ideal candidate has experience in ceramics techniques, studio operations, and working with students of varying skill levels. This role is responsible for delivering engaging instruction, maintaining equipment and facilities, kiln operations, and assisting with the overall operation of the studio. All intro classes are taught using a pre-developed curriculum.
Representative Duties
Instruction
- Instruct students in a variety of ceramics techniques, including hand-building, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing.
- Provide verbal instructions to students using SEED's pre-set curriculum.
- Foster a supportive, inclusive, and creative learning environment.
- Assist students in the proper and safe use of studio equipment, tools, and materials
- Coordinate and maintain studio tracking systems to ensure student work is properly identified, stored, and returned.
Studio Operations & Technical Support
- Assist in the operation and maintenance of the ceramics studio and perform technical duties to ensure efficient studio operations.
- Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming studio environment.
- Assist in formulating and mixing glazes.
- Load, unload, and fire kilns (prior experince preferred but not required)
- Operate, maintain, calibrate, and perform minor repairs on studio equipment, including pottery wheels, mixers, hand tools, power tools, and related equipment.
- Monitor and maintain inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies are available for classes and studio use.
- Ensure compliance with all studio safety procedures and regulations.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge Of
- Principles, practices, procedures, and equipment used in ceramics and sculpture processes.
- Clay and glaze chemistry preferred (preferred, but can provide training).
- Kiln operation and firing procedures (preferred, but can provide training).
- Safety regulations involving ceramics materials, chemicals, and equipment.
- Studio organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
- Basic record-keeping techniques.
- Proper methods of storing equipment, materials, and supplies.
- Basic computer operation and software applications.
- Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
- Oral and written communication techniques.
- Effective customer service and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability To
- Teach and mentor students of varying ages, abilities, and experience levels.
- Create a positive, engaging, and supportive learning environment.
- Teach using verbal instruction with or without demonstration.
- Safely operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and demonstrate studio equipment.
- Provide information and assistance regarding studio operations and logistics.
- Operate a computer and related software applications.
- Work independently with minimal supervision.
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Clearly communicate operation updates or issues to the studio team lead.
- Establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, members, vendors, and staff.
- Manage multiple priorities and meet schedules and timelines.
Required Qualifications
- One year of practical experience working with ceramics, pottery, sculpture, studio operations, or a related field
- One year of experience in teaching
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience teaching ceramics, pottery, sculpture, or visual arts classes.
- Experience teaching large groups
- Experience teaching wheel throwing techniques through verbal instruction without providing a demonstration
- Experience working as a ceramics studio technician, studio assistant, or similar role.
- Portfolio of personal ceramic artwork (preferred but not required)
Compensation is based on experience. Qualified entry-level instructors and studio technicians with strong ceramics skills and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply
Work Environment
- Ceramics studio
- Storage areas
- Indoor kiln areas
Position involves exposure to dust, fumes, heat, and potentially hazardous chemicals commonly found in ceramics studios.
Physical Requirements
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and squatting.
- Loading and unloading kilns.
- Climbing ladders.
- Pushing and pulling carts.
- Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and positioning materials and equipment up to 50 pounds.
Application Process
To be considered, applicants must submit:
- Current resume
- Professional references
- Current availability
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Please describe your experince with ceramics:
- Please describe your teaching experience:
- Have you previously had key holder or supervisor responsibilities? (please describe)
Work Location: In person
