Studio Technician – Part Time Permanent

Employer: Trace Ceramics Studio

Location: Hackney Wick, E3, London

Hours of work: 11:30 - 18:30 with a 1-hour unpaid lunch break per day. Some flexibility based on the applicant's commute and other commitments, as long

as the studio is manned for 7 hours per day. Additional hours may be offered at key points in the year to support the programme.

Days of work: 2 days per week to be agreed in advance. Including occasional

weekend/evening work depending on classes.

Salary: £12.21/h

Role

An exciting opportunity to get involved in a new Pottery Studio in Hackney Wick, London.

The main function of this role is to manage the day-to-day activity, maintenance and health

and safety of the Ceramics Studio. The Ceramics Technician will work closely with the

Director and Teachers to ensure ceramic activity is delivered efficiently, in a timely manner

and to a high quality across the programme.


Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Studio Management

  • Support the daily operation of the Ceramics Studio

  • Maintain all materials and tools in the studio, report to the manager in time if any out of stock.

  • Mix glazes

  • Manage the kiln firings of the electric kiln (Training will be given), loading and unloading kilns

  • Glaze work created on taster courses

  • Maintain cleanliness in the studio

  • Set collection dates, manage shelf storage and dispose of old work

  • Liaise with ceramic artists and teachers on studio management issues and materials needed

  • Attend meetings when necessary

  • Pack students’ work when necessary

  • Make sure work is labelled correctly with name, date and is organised for collection under the studio system

  • To undertake any other reasonable duties as required

Health and Safety

  • Induct all new studio members, assistants and teachers in the studio

  • Assist in maintaining Health and Safety standards in the studio

  • Support in updating risk assessments when needed

  • Keep safety information organised and up to date (training will be provided)

  • Adhere to relevant risk assessments and use of personal protective equipment as required

  • Prepare the health and safety handout for students

  • Take training when necessary to keep up to date with H&S

Maintenance

  • Make sure all the pieces made in the class are organised in the right place.

  • Maintain the studio equipment and kilns. Inform the Directors when maintenance or technical help is needed

  • Report any maintenance issues to the Directors

  • Reclaim the clay and make the plaster boards when needed

  • Empty clay waste traps when needed

  • Conduct regular checks of equipment


Person Specification

  • Experience of working in a similar role will be given priority

  • A background or degree in Ceramics is desirable

  • Technical knowledge of clay processes and materials

  • Ability to carry out the physical demands of the job such as unloading clay deliveries

  • Must be able to lift 12.5kg bags of clay

  • A good understanding of the current HSE guidance and health and safety legislation

  • and regulations to ensure a safe and compliant work space and support students to work within a safe and engaging environment

  • Good knowledge of glaze and making, reclaiming clay

  • Experience of packing, loading, unloading and firing kilns. Batt-washing shelves and removing glaze

  • Highly organised and able to work as part of a team

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

  • Availability for flexible work hours as required and to support or cover teachers.

  • Good communication skills are required to arrange with the teachers necessary

  • preparation for lessons and ensure work is finished on time, ready for glazing sessions
    Good verbal and written communication skills

  • A commitment to diversity and equal opportunity in relation to the arts

  • Strong desire to continue to develop and train

Benefits

There will be access to the workshops and facilities for your own art projects with prior arrangement.

There may also be opportunities to teach in a freelance capacity as part of the course programme.

Application Method

Please email info@traceceramics.co.uk to send the CV and portfolio.