26-128 Ceramics Studio Technician (Machinist, Temporary, Part Time) - Department of Art & Design

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success. West Chester University of Pennsylvania's Department of Art & Design invites applicants for the temporary part time position of Ceramics Studio Technician.

West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; commitment to work-life balance; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including training and development and advancement opportunities.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program is designed to prepare students for careers as professional artists and designers, and for entry into more advanced degree programs. Our BFA program focuses on the development of skills necessary for successful careers in the arts through learning and developing formal concepts; exposure to a diverse range of media, processes, and technologies; hands-on engagement with theories and histories of art; and opportunity to cultivate personal artistic expression. Our program includes a strong foundation in Drawing, Design, Color Theory and Art History, with a broad range of upper-level courses in graphic and interactive design, painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent customer service, problem-solving, and communication skills. They will pay close attention to detail and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and high-volume environment. The ideal candidate will value teamwork, collaboration, and continual process improvement. The ideal candidate will uphold a welcoming, inclusive, and professional atmosphere for all studio users.

Responsibilities include:

• Load, program, and fire projects in electric kilns according to appropriate schedules.
• Inspect tools, machinery, and ventilation systems for safety compliance and maintain a clean, organized studio environment.
• Mix studio clay bodies and glazes, maintaining consistent formulas and quality records.
• Facilitate weekly Community Clay studio sessions on Saturdays during fall and spring semesters, with additional sessions as applicable.
• Provide technical guidance to participants and coordinate day-to-day Community Clay operations, including session preparation, and communication.
• Track and maintain tool, material, and equipment inventories.
• Perform and log preventative maintenance on a regular schedule.
• Assist faculty and provide support for visiting artists, exhibitions, and special events.
• Lift and carry materials up to 50 lbs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Four years of experience in the machinist trade, or completion of an approved apprenticeship;

OR

• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that affords the applicant with the Required Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of methods, materials, tools and practices used in the machinist trade.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the machinist trade.
• Knowledge of the operation and repair of a wide variety of tools, machinery and machine equipment.
• Ability to care for, use, and operate a wide variety of metalworking hand tools and power driven machinery.
• Ability to work from sketches, blueprints, and models.
• Ability to gauge work carefully, using micrometers and other precision- type measuring instruments.

• Experience maintaining and repairing electric kilns.
• Experience mixing ceramic clay and glaze.