Instructional Assistant, Ceramics/Art at Chaffey College

Under the general supervision, the Ceramics/Art Technical Assistant will assist in overseeing and running the college-level ceramics laboratory by facilitating the flow of student ware through the firing and glazing processes; maintain inventory of raw materials and monitor ceramics budgets; perform routine inspection and maintenance of lab equipment and oversee the operation of power equipment.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Studio Materials:  

• Order clays and materials throughout each semester;
• Prepare materials as needed by classes;
• Organize and fill material bins in compliance with OSHA standards;
• Purchase and pick up supplies/tools at stores such as Home Depot and Aardvark;
• Maintain accurate inventory of materials and usage per semester in database;
• Maintain records of BPO purchases in Excel database;
• Mix large glaze batches, washes, slips;
• Organize the storage and disposal of toxic wastes in compliance with OSHA standards.

• Program Skutt and Geil kilns 
• Load and fire all types of kilns at all temperatures;
• Keep records of firing schedules;
• Assist in the operation and maintenance of the 3D studio art facilities and its supplies

• Oversee and train hourly employees;
• Oversee studio and kiln yard clean up at end of semester;
• Contact Maintenance and Operations to request repairs and cleaning;
• Ensure adherence to safety precautions;
• Maintain lab in clean, safe, and orderly condition in compliance with OSHA standards;
• Respond to laboratory emergencies including chemical spills and injuries;

• Oversee the operation of power equipment;
• Inspect and perform routine maintenance, including:
  • Electric and gas kilns;
  • Gas safety systems;
  • Electric wheels;
  • Spray guns;
  • Maintain and repair studio work tables;
  • Empty clay sinks and water efficient sinks on a weekly basis.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in ceramics AND two (2) years as a lead tech support person AND any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. 
• Knowledge of:
  • Terminology, methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in a college-level ceramics studio;
  • Relevant safety precautions;
  • Various clay bodies/mixing and recycling methods;
  • Basic arithmetic and Excel.
• Ability to:
  • Effectively assist students in the proper and safe use of lab materials, supplies, and equipment, and to maintain orderly and safe conditions in the lab.
  • Keep accurate records and maintain inventory control;
  • Independently organize and control workflow;
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, instructors, and others contacted in the course of performing assigned duties;
  • Handle hazardous materials, hazardous waste terminology, and practices, in compliance with OSHA standards.
• Ability to operate and maintain power equipment used in the ceramics laboratory, specifically, in the following areas:
  • Electrical (test amperage/voltage);
  • Natural gas systems and forced air systems;
  • Woodshop/power tools and air compressors;
  • Welding (stick, tig, mig, oxy acetylene);
  • Glaze calculation, knowing safe colorant percentages at differing temperatures, and ability to recalculate glazes for different temperatures;
  • Experience building kilns.
• Demonstrated evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds in a community college environment.

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Copy of college level transcripts (Photocopies or computer printouts are acceptable. Copies of diplomas/degrees are NOT acceptable in lieu of transcripts. International transcripts must be transcribed and evaluated in English by a bona fide evaluation service).