Laboratory Technician - Ceramics, Short Term ; Temporary

Ceramics Classroom/Laboratory Assistant

Under the direction of the Dean of Arts and Humanities, perform specialized and technical duties to assist in the operation and maintenance of a ceramics classroom/laboratory.

E = indicates essential duties of the position

• Assist in the operation and maintenance of a ceramics classroom/laboratory; perform specialized and technical duties to assure efficient operations; set up classroom/laboratory and equipment for instructors. (E)
• Assist teachers and students in the proper and safe use of a variety of equipment, materials, and supplies in the instructional setting; provide assistance to students as appropriate, assigned or according to established procedures. (E)
• Prepare instructional materials and equipment for teacher demonstrations and student use as requested, according to approved procedures. (E)
• Maintain a ceramics classroom/laboratory environment in a safe, clean and orderly condition. (E)
• Formulate and test clays and glazes; fire and maintain kilns; operate and maintain a wide variety of specialized equipment including but not limited to mixers, wheels, and hand and power tools. (E)
• Order, receive and store supplies, materials, and equipment; maintain inventories, to assure appropriate quantities are available for instructional use. (E)
• Adjust, maintain, calibrate, and perform minor repair to equipment; report major repair needs or arrange for repairs according to established procedures. (E)
• Prepare and maintain various records and reports related to classroom/laboratory operations and activities as required. (E)
• Assist in the scheduling of the use of the ceramics classroom/laboratory equipment and supplies. (E)
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: Any combination equivalent to:
Associate's degree in Art or a related field with coursework in art, ceramics, and/or sculpture; and two years practical experience working with ceramics.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, procedures, and equipment used in various ceramic and sculpture processes and techniques, including clay and glaze chemistry.
• Safety regulations involving materials and equipment used in a ceramics classroom/laboratory.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• District organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
• Basic computer operation.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials, and supplies.

Ability to:

• Perform specialized and technical duties to assure efficient ceramics classroom/laboratory operation.
• Provide information and assistance to students and staff in the ceramics subject area.
• Safely operate, maintain, and demonstrate the use of specialized equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Maintain ceramics classroom/laboratory equipment in proper working order.
• Operate a computer terminal and related software applications.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Meet schedules and timelines.

Work Direction, Lead and Supervisory Responsibilities: Not applicable – no permanent full-time staff to supervise.

Contacts:
Instructors, student worker, students, vendors, other departmental personnel.

Work Environment:

• Ceramics classroom/laboratory, storage areas, and outdoor kiln areas.
• Exposure to fumes and potentially hazardous chemicals.

Physical Effort:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment.
• Lifting and carrying heavy objects.
• Loading and unloading kilns.
• Climbing a ladder.
• Pushing and pulling carts.
• Frequent standing, walking, stooping, bending, kneeling, and squatting.