What are the responsibilities and job description for the Federal Work Study - Ceramics Lab Assistant position at Middle Georgia State University?
About Us
Middle Georgia State University (MGA), a multi-campus, baccalaureate and graduate degree granting public institution, is the most affordable public state university in Georgia. MGA has five campuses-Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, all located in central Georgia-and global outreach through its fully-online campus. Its enrollment of 8,400 students is largely comprised of students from most of Georgia's 159 counties. The University has six academic schools, including Georgia's flagship aviation program, that support its mission to educate and graduate inspired, lifelong learners whose scholarship and careers enhance the state.
Job Summary
The Student Ceramics Lab Assistant position is a Federal Work-Study¿eligible role designed to provide meaningful, educational employment related to the student¿s academic and career interests. The position supports the instructional mission of the ceramics program while offering hands-on training in studio management, safety procedures, and professional art practices. Duties are structured to supplement¿not replace¿regular staff functions, in compliance with Federal Work-Study regulations.
Responsibilities
Studio Support & Educational Assistance
Assist with routine studio operations such as opening/closing procedures and preparation of instructional spaces
Maintain cleanliness and organization of shared ceramic workspaces, tools, and storage areas
Reclaim clay and assist with preparation of materials for instructional use
Support glazing organization and assist with glaze mixing under supervision
Equipment & Facilities Support
Assist with loading and unloading kilns under direct faculty or staff supervision
Perform basic checks and routine upkeep on studio equipment (wheels, slab rollers, tables)
Report equipment issues or safety concerns to supervising faculty or staff
Safety & Compliance
Help reinforce studio safety policies and proper material handling procedures
Follow established OSHA, institutional, and departmental safety protocols
Assist in maintaining a safe and inclusive studio environment for all users
Student Engagement & Professional Development
Provide general guidance to students regarding studio procedures and schedules
Refer instructional or technical questions to faculty or staff
Develop time-management, communication, teamwork, and workplace responsibility skills
Required Qualifications
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
- Currently enrolled at Middle Georgia State University for at least 6 credit hours
- Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Enrolled as a student at MGA
- Must be Federal Work-Study¿eligible as determined by MGA¿s Financial Aid Office
- Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and assist peers
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
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Comfort working in environments involving clay dust, heat, and chemical materials, following safety guidelines
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Institutional Values
Middle Georgia State University is committed to four core values in what we do and represent: CORE VALUES: Stewardship - Engagement - Adaptability - Learning
Equal Employment Opportunity
Middle Georgia State University is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity. It is the policy of the Middle Georgia State University to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, ADEA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50).
For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy, please contact the Middle Georgia State University Office of Human Resources at 877.251.2644. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources.
Other Information
Through this position, students will gain practical experience in:
Professional studio operations
Workplace safety and compliance
Collaborative work in an academic arts setting
Responsible employment aligned with educational goals
Background Check
Employment offer is contingent upon completing a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your employment eligibility with MGA, as determined by MGA in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application material and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.