Ceramics Studio Technician

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 .25FTE 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 expansive cultural and artistic legacies of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and the vibrant natural environments of the upper midwest, support our strong sense of interconnectedness and community. Through collaborative teaching and learning, we engage with visual culture to interpret and contribute to the evolution of our multicultural, global society. Guided by a belief in the transformative power of art, we aim to spark enthusiasm and inquiry while serving and connecting with students, staff, faculty, and the broader community.

• 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 used for ceramics courses.
• 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. Contributes to a positive, inclusive ceramics studio environment. Conducts kiln and glaze training, safety and check-ins with ceramic studio work-study students.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art or equivalent experience in a ceramics studio environment
• 2 years of experience working in a ceramics studio in a technical capacity, preferably in an educational setting, preferred.
• Proficiency in: Glaze mixing and fabrication. Clay mixing. Strong understanding of ceramic clay bodies, glazes and firing techniques for low-fire and high-fire reduction firing. Ability to maintain inventory of raw glaze and clay materials. Ability to conduct basic glaze tests to modify glazes.
• Basic knowledge of data entry and spreadsheets. Inventory management.
• Attention to detail, good time management and excellent organizational skills. Ability to work independently or in collaboration with students and faculty. Excellent communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical problem solving and troubleshooting
• Proficiency in: Loading, unloading and firing kilns. Maintain and repair 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 used for ceramics courses.
• Basic knowledge of safety guidelines as related to clay dust, chemicals and kiln operation
• Ability to and interest in mentoring and working with student employees
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, stand for up to three hours, load and unload kilns.
• Valid drivers license

Compensation:

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

Benefits:

At Macalester, we are proud to offer excellent comprehensive employee benefits. Here are some highlights:

• 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan. 
• Generous Parental Leave. 
• Outstanding vacation and sick time packages, plus an additional 10 holidays.
• Comprehensive health insurance plans, including a generous employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• Tuition assistance which pays between 75% - 100% of eligible tuition for employee dependents at select institutions.
• Free primary care for most services through Nice Healthcare when enrolled in a Macalester health plan.
• Access to the athletics fitness facility, wellness coaching and activities.

These are just some of the great benefits Macalester has to offer! To see our full benefits packages and options, please visit our Benefits Page.

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment.

This position is represented by MAPE. 

Application Guidelines:

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

Jaclyn Howard

Talent Acquisition Manager

jhoward3@Macalester.edu

Macalester is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from everyone who would add richness to our community, including people of color, individuals with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA+ individuals.