PRODUCTION ASSISTANT- STUDIO ARTS

Cary is seeking a Production Assistant- Studio Arts to join our team at The Cary Arts Center! The Production Assistant will be supporting our Studio Arts Program which includes Ceramics, Glass, Woodworking, Metals & Jewelry, and Textiles. This position is responsible for providing essential technical and operational support to instructors and participants for day-to-day studio operations. The Production Assistant- Studio Arts manages kiln room operations, equipment maintenance, inventory and materials management, workflow logistics, and studio cleanliness and organization.

You will work in the Cultural Resources division within the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Studio Arts Education Specialist. Supervision may be exercised over part-time temporary employees.

• Manages workflow logistics for high-volume ceramic production, including tracking and organizing works-in-progress
• Oversees the loading, firing of electric and gas kilns according to precise temperature and timing schedules; maintains detailed firing logs
• Supervises part-time kiln room staff
• Monitors inventory; orders and tracks supplies; assist with sourcing and transporting materials that cannot be ordered online and shipped
• Troubleshoots issues with studio equipment and tools; performs in-house repairs when appropriate and oversees repairs requiring out-of-house assistance; maintains maintenance logs
• Supports staff training in equipment and tools use, and PPE safety protocols
• Conducts and logs regular equipment safety inspections, maintains safety documentation, reports safety incidents, and assists in developing safety protocols and training programs
• Ensures safety compliance based on regulatory standards; maintains SDS sheets
• Provides customer support for students and studio members
• Maintains studio cleanliness, organization, and equipment readiness
• Supports instructors with class preparation, studio setup and breakdown
• Assists supervisor with special projects and special events
• Performs other job-related tasks as required.

• Considerable knowledge in studio arts, with demonstrated expertise in ceramics and a working knowledge in either glass, woodworking, or metals

• Considerable knowledge of arts education best practices
• Extensive knowledge of studio arts equipment, tools, supplies, and materials
• General knowledge of first aid practices and techniques
• Ability to adhere to program standards, policies, and regulations and to enforce appropriate guidelines and discipline
• Working knowledge of glass, metals, and/or woodworking.
• General knowledge of inventory management, Point of Sale systems, and recreation management software, such as RecTrac. 
• Ability to express directions clearly and to deal tactfully with staff and the public
• Ability to operate and maintain the tools and equipment associated with areas of responsibility
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to manage complex projects in a timely manner and meet deadlines
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work weekdays, occasional evenings and weekends as required by kiln firing schedules and program operations.

Education and Experience

Requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in studio arts or related field, or equivalent technical training and production experience AND a minimum of two (2) years of experience in studio arts production operations, with demonstrated expertise in ceramics.

Requires some experience with programming, utilization, and maintenance of electric and/or gas kilns.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess one or more of the following: 

• Some experience working in a community clay studio
• Some experience teaching studio arts classes

Physical Requirements

Work in this class requires considerable walking, climbing, crouching, bending, and lifting moderately heavy items (up to 50lbs); ability to stand for long periods of time; ability to work in tight places and high heat environments; ability to safely use power tools; ability to talk and hear to communicate with other employees, program participants, the public, and others and to perform the tasks listed above; visual acuity is necessary in order to read and write handwritten and typewritten materials and view a computer.

Conditions of Employment

Requires possession of a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal history check, SBI fingerprinting, motor vehicle records check, education verification and credit history review) and satisfactory reference checks prior to employment.

Salary : $51,626 - $79,976