Ceramics Studio Technician

City of Aurora, CO; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 27,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Aurora, CO is seeking a Ceramics Studio Technician to support the clay studio, manage supplies, and operate kilns. You will work with students and instructors, and may teach Clay Studio Classes as needed.

Responsibilities include maintaining glazes and clay supplies, running kilns, and supervising studio activities. The role is part-time and does not include medical benefits, with the City offering flexible hours and first-come, first-served application review.

Qualifications

• Education in ceramics or equivalent experience in a studio setting.
• Knowledge of glaze making and firing processes including kiln operations.
• Ability to create and critique ceramic work in hand-built and wheel-thrown forms.

Responsibilities

• Maintain glazes, chemicals, clay, and dry materials in the studio.
• Load, unload, and run kilns for bisque firings and maintain kiln logs.
• Teach private classes and supervise clay parties as needed.
• Ensure studio cleanliness and enforce procedures and policies.
• Assist with open studio and monthly Raku firing sessions.

Skills

Ceramics knowledge

Studio operations

Clay handling

Interpersonal skills

Wheel throwing

Glaze application

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Ceramics

Tools

Kilns

Glaze making

Ceramic studio equipment

Job description

JOB LOCATION13655 E Alameda Ave Aurora, Colorado 80012-1302City of Aurora, ColoradoIt is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.Why Work for Aurora?Make a difference in the lives of real people every dayDiverse communityCompetitive total compensation packageWell-Funded General Employees Retirement PlanLight rail station minutes awayOn-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancementAccess to innovation workspacesPRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESThe Library and Cultural Services Departments vision is to empower an environment of lifelong learning and cultural enrichment by stimulating learning and literacy, inspiring creativity, and integrating arts, culture and history into the lives of Aurorans. We have two divisions within the department: Library and Cultural Services, both offering a variety of free services to the community, including 5 public libraries, the Aurora History Museum and Historic Sites, Aurora Fox Arts Center, The People’s Building, and community events, programs, and activities for all ages. Please go to www.AuroraGov.org/LCS to learn more about the City of Aurora, Library and Cultural Services Department.This is classified as VHNE (Variable Hour Non-Benefit Employee), where the selected candidate will work less than 29 hours per week. This position does not provide medical benefits. This position earns sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Families and Workplace Act.The hiring range for this role is $15.54 - $19.42/hour.Salary to be commensurate with experience.The deadline to submit applications is December 20, 2026. Please note, The City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first come, first-serve basis; as soon as we determine to have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice.Position overviewThe Ceramics Studio Technician is responsible for assisting in the upkeep and operations of the clay studio including equipment, cleanliness, and kiln firings. The Studio Technician works with studio students and instructors and may also be called upon to teach or assist with Clay Studio Classes.PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESMaintains glazes, chemicals, clay, and dry materials.Loads, unloads, and runs kilns for bisque firingsMaintains kiln logMaintains cleanliness and organization of studioAssists in enforcing policies and processing procedures in the studio.Performs Raku firing during open studio time once per month.Recycles and maintains supply of clayTeaches private classes and supervises clay partiesAssists in loading and firing the highfire gas kilnPerforms additional duties as assignedThe listed primary duties and responsibilities are not a comprehensive list of expectations for the job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONSAn equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.Education:High School Diploma or GEDExperience:1 year of experience working with ceramic medium, or in ceramic studio operationsKnowledge:Knowledge of ceramics equipment and processesKnowledge of basic glaze makingKnowledge of firing electric kilns, Raku, and Cone 10 Reduction.Skills:Creating ceramic art in both hand built and wheel thrown formsStrong interpersonal and communication skillsSkill in the use of multiple clay tools varied demonstration techniques.Strong customer service skillsSkill in checking information for accuracy and completeness and correcting errorsGeneral computer proficiencyAbilities:Establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officialsHandle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacyCommunicate effectively both orally and in writingInteracts sensitively with students, staff and faculty of various cultural and socioeconomic backgroundsLicenses and Certifications Required:NonePreferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s Degree in CeramicsWORKING CONDITIONSEssential Personnel:When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.Physical Demands:Medium work that involves moving no more than 50 pounds with or without assistance at a timeFrequent lifting, carrying, walking and standingMay require frequent pushing, pulling, bending and stoopingClear vision to read and interpret reports and other written documentsSpeech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizensHand/eye coordination for clay supplies and tools operationAbility to maintain a clean studio – must be willing and able to clean on a regular basisStanding/walking for long periods of timeAbility to carry & move heavy objects including 50lb. boxes of new clayExposure to chemicals: gas and other materials that are used in ceramics processMinimal amounts of driving may be requiredUse of power tools such as drill and angle grinder, bench grinder, etc.Wearing particulate respirator on face and safety glasses required for glaze and clay recyclingWork Environment:Works primarily indoors clay studio classroom but may work outdoors assisting with a program or outreach events in varying weather conditionsEquipment Used:Uses standard ceramic equipment including personal tools and studio supplied tools, including Pottery Wheel, Extruder, Raku Kiln, and Slab roller.This job may require the incumbent to use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.The city of Aurora will implement furlough days (unpaid days off) for most employees in 2026. The scheduled furlough dates are January 16, April 10, July 2, and December 24.For Veterans preference: Please show all of your employment history, including military service and related documentation (DD214) on the application.The City of Aurora is an equal opportunity employer. We are required by state and federal agencies to keep certain statistical records on applicants. It will not be used in any way to discriminate against you because of your sex, race, age, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, disability or military status, gender identity, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification as defined by the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunity Commission.Despite the changes in Colorado law, the City of Aurora maintains a drug-free workplace. A positive test of marijuana is grounds for disqualification and ineligibility for employment with the city for one year or termination once hired.Drug Testing, Thorough Criminal Background Check, and Employment References:As a condition of employment, all applicants selected for employment with the City of Aurora must undergo a thorough criminal background check.Applicants selected for safety-sensitive positions are required to complete and pass a drug screening as a condition of employment. Safety sensitive positions include Civil Service positions within Police and Fire Departments and positions where their job responsibilities have direct and substantial responsibility that would impact the health and safety of others.Employment references will be conducted on finalists for City of Aurora vacancies.Notice Regarding Colorado Identification Document Protections (HB26‑1283)As part of the employment eligibility verification process, the city of Aurora may request government-issued identification documents as permitted by law. Original identification documents will be reviewed only as necessary for employment eligibility verification and will not be retained longer than permitted by law. Applicants will retain possession and control of their original identification documents except for any temporary retention permitted or required by law.