BiblioCommons is hiring : Adult Studio Assistant (ARTS & SCIENCE PROFESSIONAL II

Overview

Join the Palo Alto Art Center as Our Next Adult Studio Assistant!

Are you passionate about art, community, and creative engagement? The Art Center’s studios are a hub for creativity, featuring a fully equipped ceramics studio, and dedicated spaces for jewelry-making, printmaking, painting, drawing, and fiber arts. The Studio Assistant plays a key role in ensuring safe, smooth operations while creating a welcoming, organized, and inspiring environment for instructors and participants alike.

The Palo Alto Art Center is looking for an experienced Adult Studio Assistant to support our adult classes, workshops, and drop-in programs—serving more than 2,000 diverse community members each year.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience working in community art studios, especially ceramics
• Friendly, responsible, and customer-service oriented
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and handle active, hands-on studio work
• Familiarity with studio safety and tools is a plus

Schedule

This position requires evening and weekend availability, with regularly scheduled shifts:

• Tuesdays: 5:00–10:00 p.m.
• One additional evening (Mon, Wed, or Thurs): 5:00–10:00 p.m.
• One weekend day (Sat or Sun): 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

This is an SEIU Hourly (limited-benefits) position that is budgeted to not exceed 999 hours per fiscal year.

Responsibilities

• Oversee studios during shifts; serve as main point of contact for instructors, students, and volunteers
• Ensure participant safety and proper use of equipment in all studio areas
• Assist with studio setup, cleanup, locking the building after evening shift, and equipment handling
• Load, fire, and unload electric and gas kilns; mix glazes and maintain ceramic materials
• Maintain clean, well-stocked, and organized workspaces
• Provide strong customer service and support registration, rosters, and studio supply sales via Civic Rec
• Help enforce studio rules while fostering a respectful, inclusive environment
• Track inventory and coordinate with Studio Program Director and Technician
• Support public programs, events, and broader Art Center initiatives

Qualifications

Ideal Qualifications

Under limited supervision, candidates should demonstrate sufficient education, training, and / or work experience equivalent to:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts or related degree
• Specialized training in ceramics studio operations, including kiln firing and maintenance
• Customer service and admin experience in a studio or art setting
• Experience with cone 10 firing in electric and gas kilns
• Glaze mixing and materials handling
• Background as a practicing artist or experience working with professional artists
• Familiarity with the local arts ecosystem

Physical Requirements

This is a hands-on role with active engagement in the studios. Candidates must be able to:

• Lift and move 50 lb. bags of clay and glaze materials
• Transport up to 2 tons of clay in batches using a hand truck
• Maneuver 100 lb. potter’s wheels
• Set up and break down studio equipment (tables, chairs, easels)
• Load and unload kilns for extended periods (up to 3 hours), handling 10–20 lb. kiln shelves

Application and Equal Opportunity

This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you have problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov’s Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday.