Glassblower

Purpose of the Position:

Glassblowers typically work in 4-person teams creating glassybaby votives, drinkers, and rockers. Each member contributes by performing a different task associated with production. Each glassblowing team is required to complete a defined number of qualified products within their assigned shift.

1 Color Dropper
- As noted below:

2 Overlayer
- Must be able to successfully perform all the requirements of Level 1.

3 Mold Blower
- Must be able to successfully perform all requirements of Level 1 and 2 and demonstrate leadership skills.

4 Trimmer
- Must be able to successfully perform all requirements of Level 1, 2 and 3 and demonstrate leadership skills.

• Pre-heat color rods and ensure they fit trays.
• Keep color box full during shift.
• Pick-up color bar with punty, heat it, and section out a color drop for an overlayer.
• Clean and shuck used pipes and return them to the warmer.

• All Level 1 primary abilities
• Ability to create start bubbles in molten glass.
• Cut molten colored glass from partner’s pipe and overlay the color.

• All Level 1 and 2 primary abilities
• Pull molten glass from the furnace with the pipe.
• Shape glass with blocks at the bench.
• Take glass to the mold to shape and expand the glass.
• Prepare the molded shape to be transferred to the final production step.

• All Level 1, 2 and 3 primary abilities
• Transfer glass from the punty and heat in the oven.
• Use tools to pull off and trim excess glass, and then finally shape and finish the item to the appropriate size and shape.
• Act as team leader to ensure that all team members are performing their duties properly, accurately, and at the required production pace.

• Demonstrated experience as a glassblower or trade preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to perform work in a team environment, not solely as an individual contributor.
• Tolerate exposure to cold or heat, machinery such as furnaces and high levels of noise.
• Strong hand-eye coordination skills with a high standard of attention to detail.
• Ability to work weekends; as well as evenings, holidays, and on-call shifts when necessary.
• Professional, courteous, and clear verbal communication skills.
• Initiative-taker and proactive; able to work independently without supervision.
• Excellent work ethic.

• Previous glassblowing experience preferred.

• Ability to regularly lift up to 35 pounds and rarely lift to 50 pounds.
• Frequent standing and walking.
• Must be able to work in conditions that are impacted by furnace heat, weather, and climate.
• Must be able to speak and hear well enough to conduct conversations.
• Vision abilities are critical and include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to work in an environment where noise level is usually high.
• Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel; must be able to frequently reach with hands and arms; below, at and above the waistline.