"Technician, Ceramics + Casting"

Join The New School

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

Parsons School for Design, a division of The New School, seeks a Full-time Technician in Ceramic and Casting for the Making Center. Parsons Making Center is a collection of more than 70,000 sq.ft. of labs, shops, studios, and open work spaces that provide curricular support for making across a broad range of mediums and disciplines, and supports experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Technician should be a personable, proactive, detail oriented individual who will become integral to the daily workings of the facilities within the Making Center, with the ability to learn new skills and technologies as needed. This is a fast paced dynamic environment that runs year round. The Technician will interface with students and faculty daily and work with Making Center staff to support multiple processes and resources for all users in a range of making spaces including, but not limited to, the Wet Shops and associated open work areas, tool checkout, and materials store. This position reports to the Assistant Manager of Ceramics and Casting.

This is a Local 1205 Professional Unit position subject to the terms and conditions agreed to in the Union Contract between Teamsters Local 1205 and The New School.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee daily workings of the Making Center facilities as assigned, and maintain a clean and safe working environment.
• Cultivate a diverse, inclusive and welcoming learning environment and a respectful shop culture for students, faculty, and staff.
• Provide a high level of customer service, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor and attitude in all interactions with students, faculty, and staff.
• Work with other Making Center staff on the troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, installation and continuous operation of a variety of hardware/software technologies and stay current with relevant technology and developments within the field.
• Assist supervisor/shop manager and Making Center Leadership with the following:
  • Support faculty and students.
  • Lead demo sessions about various pieces of equipment.
  • Make hardware/software purchase and process recommendations.
  • Make purchasing recommendations for supplies on an as-needed basis.
  • Create and update web page content.
  • Create and conduct orientations, trainings, and tours.
  • Participate in the onboarding process for new technician staff, through peer to peer training and skills sharing.
  • Maintain administrative systems for scheduling, record keeping, inventories, and metrics tracking.
• Provide support for store and tool checkout functions as related to assigned areas.
• Supervise student workers, including training, tracking accountability, and assigning tasks during shifts.
• Become proficient in Web Check Out or current equipment management system within the first 6 months of employment.
• Create clear, accurate, user-friendly technical documentation, signage, and instructions for labs and equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance of shop equipment, and maintain records of any repairs/replacements or upgrades performed.
• Unload clay and material from deliveries.
• Become proficient with Peter Pugger Mixer for processing and pugging clay materials within the first 3 months of employment.
• Replenish and refresh glazes by means of formulating, mixing, and testing.
• Adapt to changes in the work environment; meet deadlines and anticipate facility and checkout center needs, adjusting approach and prioritizing competing demands.
• Completion of university required staff trainings and necessary COF's for all Making Center Facilities within the first 6 months of employment.
• Attend regularly scheduled Making Center staff meetings and perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s Degree and/or 3 years relevant or professional experience within the industry.
• Proficiency in ceramic material and techniques including: hand-building, wheel throwing, glaze application, glaze chemistry, and kiln loading.
• Familiarity with the following wet and ceramic processes: plaster jiggering and plaster mold making in two or more parts.
• Technical knowledge of casting and mold making for sculpture, model making, and small batch production with a focus in the following materials: plaster, slip, alginate, silicone, and concrete.
• Comprehensive experience maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting equipment and tools located within the shops including: updrafts, slab rollers, spray booths, etc.
• Ability to work safely with, and demonstrate proper use of a wide array of hand tools, power tools, and machinery.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, close attention to detail, and strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Strong ability to assist students working in an interdisciplinary and/or experimental manner from concept to fabrication.
• Flexible schedule - ability to work non-traditional schedules that may include nights and weekends, in addition to schedule shifts with semester changes.
• Familiarity with any of the following is a plus: woodworking, metal working, CNC/digital fabrication equipment, architectural or art installations, vacuum forming, physical computing, finishes, plastics, foams, or fabrics.
• Working knowledge of applications is G-Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud, especially in Drive, sheets and Google Calendars as well as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
• Experience with kiln programming, repair and maintenance.
• Experience with Web Check Out or comparable equipment management systems.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and problem-solve.
• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement. #LI-ONSITE

SALARY RANGE

$26.89/hr ($48,900 per annum)

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Wellness

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
• Paid holidays and floating holidays

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

For full consideration, please include a Resume and Cover Letter in your application.

We look forward to receiving your application!