HOURS: Full time
REPORTING TO: Vessel Making Supervisor
WORK LOCATION: Onsite
Purpose:
This role exists to support Pewabic’s mission by producing wheel-thrown ceramic vessels that meet Pewabic’s historic aesthetic standards and quality expectations. The position contributes to advancing ceramic arts through craft excellence in production pottery, maintaining material consistency and process integrity, supporting fabrication workflow efficiency, and engaging visitors in the living tradition of Pewabic ceramics. Primary areas of responsibility include wheel-thrown vessel production, clay and slip preparation, kiln loading and unloading, production tracking and documentation, and studio organization and maintenance.
Responsibilities:
Vessel Production & Craftsmanship
- Complete assigned wheel-thrown vessel orders in accordance with Pewabic’s aesthetic and quality standards
- Maintain consistent craftsmanship and production quality
- Mix clay and slip as required to support production needs
- Understand drying cycles and production timing to ensure workflow efficiency
- Load and unload bisque kilns safely and accurately
- Track and record items produced and materials used
- Maintain appropriate stock levels of clay and related materials
- Assist in unloading material deliveries
- Support fabrication operations in other areas as needed
- Design and produce large one of a kind vessels
- Create potential new prototypes for ideation of new products or prototype
- Participate in dialogue and feedback on vessel forms
- Take constructive criticism well
Studio Operations & Safety
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe studio environment
- Follow Pewabic policies, security procedures, and safety guidelines
- Work efficiently with attention to cost-effectiveness and material stewardship
- Communicate departmental needs and production concerns to supervisor
- Demonstrate and discuss pottery techniques with visitors when appropriate
- Remain adaptable to changing production priorities and schedules
Visitor Engagement & Team Support
- Demonstrate and discuss ceramic techniques with visitors, serving as an ambassador for Pewabic’s mission.
- Collaborate across the Fabrication department to support overall production flow.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Production Manager.
Qualifications:
Education: Ceramics degree or equivalent professional experience
Experience
- Demonstrated proficiency on the pottery wheel
- Experience with clay mixing and production ceramics
- Production pottery experience preferred
- Slip casting and kiln experience helpful
Technical Skills
- Strong wheel-throwing skills
- Knowledge of clay bodies and slip preparation
- Familiarity with kiln loading and firing processes
- Ability to maintain and properly use studio equipment
- Ability to track production quantities and material usage
Certifications or Licensure if required
- Pewabic OSHA program certification (or willingness to complete upon hire)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a historic or legacy ceramics production environment
- Experience working in a high-volume production studio
- Comfort engaging with visitors in an educational capacity
Core Competencies
- Effective communication
- Cross-departmental collaboration
- Organizational and time management skills
- Adaptability within a creative production environment
- Commitment to community engagement and inclusivity
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Exposure to ceramic materials, clay dust, glaze materials, and kiln heat
- Manual dexterity required for wheel throwing and finishing processes
New Hires that meet the benefit eligibility requirements of 30 hours per week or more will enjoy the following benefits:
- Be a part of a creative, fun, enthusiastic team
- Benefits including health, dental and vision
- 401k
- Short term and long term disability and life insurance
- Generous employee discount
How to Apply
Must be prepared to show samples of prior work. Applicants may be asked to throw a Pewabic classic vase form during the interview process. Please submit your resume to hr@pewabic.org.
