Hot Shop Gaffer

ABOUT US

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility—situated two miles from downtown Columbus—features glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.

MISSION

As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.

VISION

Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.

JOB SUMMARY

The Hot Shop Gaffer narrates glassblowing demonstrations and produces top-quality, hand blown objects while providing excellent customer service and engaging with patrons. The Gaffer performs routine cleaning during and after classes and demonstrations, interacts with audience members and class participants, and produces glass objects for resale. The Hot Shop Gaffer also supports departmental and facility goals, mission and values.

Additional Information: This is a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position. Part-Time staff will receive accrued sick time and complimentary Conservatory membership and participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).

Compensation: $20/hour paid biweekly, $25/hour for teaching classes.

Preferred Availability: 8:30am-12:30pm and 5:30pm-9:30pm classes, as well as weekday evenings 5:30pm-9:30pm shifts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Delivers engaging formal and informal education to the public about the art of glassblowing, while producing hand blown objects during live demonstrations.
• Teaches glassblowing classes and assists participants with creating glass works in a safe environment.
• Works with the Hot Shop Supervisor to ensure Hot Shop equipment remains in good operating order, such as the furnace, annealers, and glory hole.
• Monitors glass and supplies required for classes and demonstrations, and proactively communicates order needs to the Hot Shop Supervisor.
• Maintains the appearance and upkeep of the Hot Shop by performing routine cleaning during and after classes and demonstrations.
• Adheres to Conservatory safety requirements and maintains a safe environment for patrons, participants, and clients.
• Creates high quality glass objects for resale in Botanica, the Conservatory’s Gift Shop.
• Supports the Special Events department by providing glass and materials for Unity in Glass ceremonies.
• Perform other duties as assigned and demonstrate focus on serving the visitors and guests of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. required; Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in glassblowing or related field preferred.
• Experience teaching glassblowing classes, giving demonstrations and interacting with large groups in a public setting.
• Experience delivering art education and interpretation to the public.
• Available to work days, evenings, weekends, and some holidays.

SKILLS REQUIRED AND RESULTS TYPICALLY ACHIEVED.

• Ability to create a wide variety of top-quality glass objects that meet Conservatory standards.
• Ability to demonstrate glassblowing working in a solo environment.
• Expert presentation and communication skills; comfortable with public speaking in front of large groups and engaging with patrons.
• Expert organization skills, resulting in completing tasks on time with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and an elevated visitor experience.
• Ability to establish good working relationships with employees, volunteers and patrons.
• Basic computer skills including Gmail and Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry or otherwise move materials weighing up to 55 lb.
• Demonstrates the core values and mission of the Conservatory.

EEO Statement:

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.