Assistant, Community Kiln Studio

Summary: The Community Kiln is a non-profit ceramic studio under SMOC, South Middlesex Opportunity Council. The Studio Assistant works closely with the Manager in the upkeep and operations of the studio including cleanliness, class preparation and customer service. The Studio Assistant works with studio members, students, instructors and other customers. Studio Assistant may also be called upon to assist with Art Studio Classes. This role reports to the Studio Manager. The ideal candidate is reliable, punctual, artistic, patient and has a positive attitude. The Studio Assistant will often be the sole representative of the kiln.Why Work for SMOC?Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.Primary Responsibilities:Maintain studio cleanliness.Upkeep of class glazes and materials. Occasionally mixing slips or oxides.Recycling of clay via hand wedging or the use of a pug mill.Preparing clay and materials for class/workshop use.Checking in students for classes.Assisting customers with project pick-ups.General customer service; Welcoming customers, answering questions, helping them locate items and providing advice and recommendations.Bagging or wrapping workshop items to ensure safe transport.Assisting in finishing (trimming and glazing) and firing of clay projects and clay works for classes and events.Loading/unloading a top loading kiln, as instructed. Maintaining kiln equipment and scraping shelves after use.Assist team at special functions and events as requested. Assist maintenance with clay deliveries, frequently totaling over 1000lbs of clay.Ensure that work is done timely and efficiently.Opening and closing of the studio and monitoring open studio times, as needed.Record social media content.Be comfortable working alone and/or with others.Other duties as assigned.Knowledge and Skill Requirements:A minimum of 2 years’ experience in ceramicsBasic knowledge of ceramic equipment and processes.Use of power tools/machinery such as a drill and slab roller.Ability to create art in both hand-built and wheel-thrown forms.Knowledge of firing electric kilns and independent loading/unloading kilns. Prior customer service experience.Basic computer proficiency.Strong communication skills.Organized detail and process oriented.Interest in art. Reliable transportation to and from the studio.Organizational Relationship: Directly reports to the Manager, Community Kiln.Physical Requirement: Ability to maintain a clean studio-must be willing to clean on a regular basis.Standing/walking for long periods of time.Ability to carry and move heavy objects (50lbs)Wearing a particulate respirator on the face and safety glasses as required for the glaze and clay recycling.CPR and First Aid certification (will be provided if needed)Working Conditions: As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Assistant, Community Kiln Studio, will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.Up to 20 hours a week on a flexible basis. Weekend availability is required, and flexibility in scheduling in essential. Up to 20 Hours per week

Salary : $22 - $25