Ceramics Studio Technician Job at Inside Higher Ed in Saint Paul

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Overview

The Ceramics Technical Assistant provides support for the Ceramics courses in the Art and Art History Department. This person will assist the Ceramics faculty member in managing the Ceramics studio, including kiln firings, clay and glaze inventory, equipment maintenance, routine studio upkeep, and troubleshooting. The Technical Supervisor will work closely with the Ceramics faculty member to maintain a safe and productive learning environment. This role manages specialized equipment and systems within the industrial-level Studio Art building. This is an in-person position, and most time will be spent on-site, although occasional local travel and a valid local driver’s license are required.

This is a .25 FTE position equalling 13 hours per week during the 9-month academic year (September 1 to May 31).

About The Department

The Art and Art History Department at Macalester College is a dynamic community of artists and scholars dedicated to exploring the multiple pasts, presents, and futures of artistic expression. Situated at the intersection of the fine arts, humanities, and a liberal arts context, we foster interdisciplinary exploration, critical thinking and hands-on making. The department and college foster interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with visual culture.

Responsibilities

• Glaze mixing and fabrication, clay mixing, loading, unloading and firing kilns and managing other technical aspects of the ceramics studio space to support courses. Conduct basic glaze tests to modify glazes.
• Maintains and repairs ceramic studio equipment including Geil gas kilns, Skutt electric kilns, outdoor raku kiln, pottery wheels, clay mixers, pug mills, and a range of sculpting and pottery tools.
• Helps keep the studio organized, maintaining inventory of raw glaze and clay materials, cleaning and organizing. Supervises ordering and pick up of supplies from local clay suppliers.
• Works directly with ceramic studio work-study students, providing mentorship, technical support and communication. Conducts kiln and glaze training, safety and check-ins with ceramic studio work-study students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art or equivalent experience in a ceramics studio environment
• 2 years of experience in a ceramics studio in a technical capacity, preferably in an educational setting
• Proficiency in glaze mixing and fabrication, clay mixing, firing techniques for low-fire and high-fire reduction, inventory management, and basic glaze testing
• Basic knowledge of data entry and spreadsheets; inventory management
• Attention to detail, time management and organizational skills; ability to work independently or with students and faculty; strong communication
• Basic knowledge of mechanical problem solving and troubleshooting; ability to load, unload and fire kilns; maintain and repair studio equipment
• Basic knowledge of safety guidelines related to clay dust, chemicals and kiln operation
• Ability to mentor and work with student employees
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for up to three hours, and load/unload kilns
• Valid driver’s license

Compensation

The hourly wage for this position is $25.12 to $26.27 per hour depending on experience. Ceramics studio access for the candidate’s own ceramic art practice is included.

Benefits

Macalester offers comprehensive employee benefits, including:

• 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan
• Parental leave, generous vacation and sick time, plus 10 holidays
• Comprehensive health insurance with employer contributions to Health Savings Account
• Tution assistance for employee dependents at select institutions
• Free primary care for most services via Nice Healthcare when enrolled in Macalester health plan
• Access to athletics facilities and wellness programs

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment. This position is represented by MAPE.

Application Guidelines

For best consideration, submit your cover letter and resume through the Macalester Employment Opportunities webpage by September 22, 2025. This position will be posted until filled.

Jaclyn Howard
Talent Acquisition Manager
jhoward3@Macalester.edu

Macalester College is committed to a culturally diverse and pluralistic community and encourages applications from people of color, individuals with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA+ individuals.