Fabrications Assistant

Greenwich House, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Exclusive program discounts

Job summary

Greenwich House Pottery in New York seeks a skilled Fabrications Assistant to support production of commissioned ceramic projects in a busy studio. You will prototype, mold, glaze, fire, and finish objects, working closely with the Director of Fabrication.

This part-time role requires at least two years in a ceramics setting, strong studio safety, and the ability to manage multiple projects to deadlines while collaborating with Barrow Street staff and Artist Members.

Qualifications

• Proven ceramics production experience in a studio setting.
• Knowledge of ceramic materials, processes, and studio safety.
• Ability to work across slip casting, wheel throwing, handbuilding, molding, glazing, and firing.
• Willingness to learn and produce consistent work to spec.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Produce ceramic objects per project specs set by Director of Fabrications.
• Work across multiple ceramic processes with quality control.
• Prepare clay bodies, slips, glazes, and materials for projects.
• Assist with plaster mold development and production.
• Document production changes and keep timelines.
• Support kiln firings and studio operations.
• Collaborate with Barrow Street staff and Artist Members.

Skills

Ceramics fabrication

Kiln operation

Attention to detail

Independent work

Communication

Education

BFA/BA in ceramics or related field

MFA a plus

Job description

At Greenwich House, we believe in empowering communities through transformative programs, we offer more than a job – we offer a mission. When you work with us, you become part of a passionate, collaborative team committed to making a difference in people’s lives. Every initiative, class, and outreach effort we deliver is fueled by a shared commitment to equity and compassion.

Founded in 1902 as a settlement house aimed at supporting New York City's growing immigrant population, Greenwich House has since evolved into a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering wellness, creativity, and connection across the city. Today, Greenwich House offers a diverse range of programs in health, human services, education, and the arts, serving thousands of New Yorkers each year.Learn more at www.greenwichhouse.org .

The Opportunity

Greenwich House Pottery is seeking a skilled and collaborative Fabrications Assistant to support the production of commissioned ceramic projects through our Fabrication Department. This is a hands‑on production role for a ceramic artist or fabricator who is comfortable working independently across multiple ceramic processes while maintaining consistency, quality, and project deadlines.

Working closely with the Director of Fabrication, the Fabrication Assistant will participate in all stages of production, including prototypes, molds, material preparation, object production, glazing, firing, finishing, and preparation for client review. Projects may involve slip casting, wheel throwing, handbuilding, press molding, plaster mold-making, and other ceramic production processes.

The Fabrications Department operates primarily at Greenwich House Pottery's Barrow Street location, where it shares kilns, equipment, materials, and technical spaces with the Artist Membership program. The Fabrication Assistant contributes to the care and operation of resources and works collaboratively with Barrow Street Technician and Program Assistants to maintain safe, efficient, and continuous studio operations.

This is an opportunity for a technically skilled ceramic artist to contribute to a growing fabrication program within one of New York City's longstanding ceramic arts institutions and to be part of a mission‑driven organization making a lasting impact in the community.

Responsibilities

Fabrication Production

• Produce ceramic objects according to project specifications established by the Director of Fabrications and client.
• Work independently across ceramic production processes including slip casting, wheel throwing, handbuilding, press molding, glazing, finishing, and firing.
• Prepare clay bodies, slips, glazes, and other specialized materials required for individual fabrication projects.
• Assist with plaster mold development, preparation, production, maintenance, and preservation.
• Produce prototypes, samples, editions, and finished objects while maintaining consistency and established quality standards.
• Prepare prototypes, materials, samples, and work in progress for client meetings and project review.
• Support the Director of Fabrication during client meetings as needed and accurately document production changes or adjustments.
• Communicate production progress, material needs, technical concerns, and potential delays to the Director of Fabrication.
• Help maintain accurate project timelines and established standards for quality from initial production through completion.

Kilns, Equipment, and Studio Operations

• Load, unload, monitor, and document kiln firings, including specialized Fabrication firings.
• Coordinate firing needs and shared kiln schedules with Barrow Street TPAs and other designated Pottery staff.
• Maintain organization, cleanliness, and safe working conditions within the Fabrication studio, kiln room, and shared technical spaces.
• Maintain and replenish clay, slips, glazes, kiln materials, and other production supplies.
• Support inventory management and communicate supply needs for materials critical to production.
• Maintain molds, tools, equipment, works in progress, and other Fabrication materials in an organized and accessible manner.
• Perform or assist with routine equipment maintenance, minor repairs, and troubleshooting, and promptly report larger maintenance or safety concerns.
• Assist with deliveries, material receiving, and organization as needed.

Shared Barrow Street Support

• Collaborate with Barrow Street TPAs to support the safe and efficient operation of shared kilns, equipment, materials, and technical spaces.
• Help maintain continuity of kiln operations and communicate firing status, equipment issues, material needs, and other technical information between shifts.
• Provide knowledgeable technical assistance to Artist Members when appropriate and when Fabrication production responsibilities permit.
• Support clay orders, shared material management, and other technical needs that serve both Fabrication and Artist Membership.
• Assist with Greenwich House Pottery events, open houses, outreach activities, and other special projects as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Arts (BA), or equivalent combination of education and professional ceramic experience; Master of Fine Arts (MFA) a plus.
• Minimum two years of professional studio experience in ceramics, fabrication, production pottery, or a related setting.
• Strong technical knowledge of ceramic materials, processes, equipment, and studio safety.
• Demonstrated proficiency in multiple ceramic processes, which may include slip casting, wheel throwing, handbuilding, press molding, plaster mold‑making, glazing, and firing.
• Willingness to learn how to produce consistent work to established specifications and quality standards.
• Experience loading, unloading, and operating electric kilns and familiarity with firing schedules and kiln documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and an understanding of the precision and repeatability required for commissioned and editioned production.
• Ability to work independently, establish priorities, manage multiple projects, and meet production deadlines.
• Strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to document and communicate changes clearly.
• Comfort performing the physical work of a ceramics studio, including working around kilns, clay, plaster, and other studio materials.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Fabrication staff, TPAs, artists, members, clients, and other Greenwich House staff.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, inclusive, and professional studio environment.
• Location: Onsite at 27 Barrow Street and 16 Jones Street, New York, NY.
• Schedule: 18-24hours per week. Shifts may be scheduled Sunday through Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., based on studio and program needs.
• FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
• Employment Type: Part-Time
• Reports To: Director of Fabrications
• Union Representation: Non-Union

Salary Range

The expected rate for this position is $23.00 per hour.This rate reflects the anticipated compensation at the time of this posting and may be adjusted based on experience, education, and organizational needs.

Greenwich House is committed to supporting the well‑being of our employees as a key part of delivering a strong overall workplace experience. Employees enjoy exclusive perks and discounts for Greenwich House programs and services, including classes, lessons, and events. Benefits for Union represented employees will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility

Greenwich House is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure they can successfully perform the essential functions of their roles. If you require assistance or an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department.