Ceramic Production Specialist

Philaculture; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

NPage Studio / Lostine, a Philadelphia ceramic production studio, is seeking a thoughtful, skilled worker to join our team. This full-time role covers the full production process, including slip casting, handbuilding, glaze work and kiln handling, with emphasis on consistent quality and craftsmanship.

Hands-on ceramics experience is required; formal art-school training is not required. The position offers hourly pay of $24–$28 depending on experience, in a Philadelphia-based studio environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on ceramics experience is required.
• Working understanding of ceramic processes from forming to firing.
• Experience with slip casting, plaster molds, glaze prep and kiln firing.
• Formal art-school training not required; demonstrated experience matters.

Responsibilities

• Slip casting and work with plaster molds.
• Prepare, clean and finish greenware.
• Handbuild and use other clay-forming methods.
• Glaze preparation and application.
• Load and unload kilns and follow firing schedules.
• Inspect work and maintain production standards.
• Maintain molds, tools and ceramic equipment.
• Track materials and communicate supply needs.
• Follow production schedules and priorities.
• Record processes and aid in process improvements.

Skills

Ceramics production

Slip casting

Plaster molds

Glaze application

Handbuilding

Quality control

Kiln loading

Detail-oriented

Independent work

Job description

NPage Studio / Lostine — Philadelphia, PA

Full-time | $24–$28/hour, based on experience

NPage Studio is seeking a thoughtful, skilled and highly dependable person to join our Philadelphia ceramic production studio.

This is a hands-on production position for someone who takes real satisfaction in making things well. We are looking for a person who is serious about their work, attentive to detail, self-directed and comfortable with the repetition and precision required to produce beautiful objects consistently.

Previous ceramics experience is required. You do not need an MFA or formal art-school training, and you do not need to be pursuing a career as a ceramic artist. We are looking for someone who understands clay and ceramic processes and, equally importantly, brings craftsmanship, judgment, reliability and a strong work ethic to the studio.

The right person may have worked in a production pottery, ceramic studio, community studio, fabrication shop or their own sustained ceramic practice. Experience with slip casting and plaster molds is especially valuable, although we can teach our particular production methods and standards.

The Work

Our ceramic studio produces lighting and objects in small production runs using slip casting, handbuilding and other ceramic processes. Because our work is handmade, variation is part of its character—but quality and consistency matter enormously.

This position will be involved in the full production process, including:

• Slip casting and working with plaster molds
• Preparing, cleaning and finishing greenware
• Handbuilding and other clay-forming processes
• Glaze preparation and application
• Loading and unloading kilns
• Following firing schedules and established studio procedures
• Inspecting work throughout production and identifying problems early
• Maintaining molds, tools and ceramic equipment
• Clay and material reclaim
• Keeping production areas clean, orderly and functional
• Tracking materials and communicating supply needs
• Following production schedules and priorities
• Recording processes and maintaining production standards
• Helping troubleshoot problems and improve studio processes over time

As experience grows, there is an opportunity to take greater ownership of production, quality control and studio processes.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who combines ceramic knowledge with a strong approach to work.

You are someone who:

• Takes pride in doing excellent work, even when no one is watching
• Is careful, observant and notices when something isn't right
• Can work independently without needing constant direction
• Is dependable and arrives ready to work
• Understands that repetition and consistency are part of craftsmanship
• Respects materials, equipment, coworkers and the work of the studio
• Can maintain focus while performing detailed physical work
• Is comfortable receiving feedback and adjusting a process
• Asks questions when something is unclear rather than guessing
• Is organized and leaves a workspace better than they found it
• Wants to become genuinely good at what they do

We value maturity, curiosity, humility, accountability and good judgment.

Experience

Hands-on ceramics experience is required.

Candidates should have a working understanding of the ceramic process and the behavior of clay through forming, drying, glazing and firing.

Experience in one or more of the following is strongly preferred:

• Ceramic production
• Slip casting
• Plaster molds
• Glaze preparation and application
• Kiln loading and firing
• Handbuilding
• Ceramic finishing and quality control

Formal art-school training is not required.

We are less interested in credentials than in demonstrated ceramic experience and your ability to work carefully, consistently and independently.

Physical Requirements

This is an active studio position. Candidates must be comfortable standing for extended periods, working with their hands throughout the day, moving materials and equipment, and safely lifting approximately 50 pounds.

About NPage Studio

NPage Studio is a Philadelphia-based ceramics, lighting and art studio founded by designer and artist Natalie Page. Our work is rooted in material, process and the belief that useful objects can also carry the presence of the person who made them.

The studio works closely with Lostine and RTO Lighting, producing handmade ceramic components and objects in our Philadelphia workshop.

We are a small team, and how we work together matters. We value respect, responsibility, curiosity, generosity and a genuine commitment to making good work.

Compensation

$24–$28/hour, depending on experience
Full-time position

Compensation within the range will reflect relevant production experience, technical ceramic knowledge and the candidate's ability to work independently.

Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
The Philadelphia Building
1315 Walnut Street, Suite 1101
Philadelphia, PA 19107
email: [e-mail]