Glassblower

The Henry Ford; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Henry Ford, in Dearborn, MI, seeks a skilled Glassblower for a full-time role blending craftsmanship with guest engagement and product development. You will craft high-quality glass pieces for retail and demonstrate traditional techniques to visitors.

Working with the Shop Supervisor and cross-functional teams, you will train assistants, help design new retail collections, maintain equipment, and uphold safety and quality standards while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Requires BFA in Glassblowing or equivalent production shop experience.
• Familiarity with glass furnace operations and tools.
• Ability to train and mentor assistants.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates glassblowing techniques to guests and creates retail pieces.
• Guides Assistant Glassblowers and collaborates with Shop Supervisor.
• Maintains furnaces, tools, and safety equipment.
• Contributes to new product development and collaborations with Retail.
• Maintains shop records and inventory.

Skills

Glassblowing

Team leadership

Public presentation

Education

BFA in Glassblowing

Job description

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Welcoming, Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.

Greenfield Village is seeking a skilled Glassblower to join our team in a unique full-time role that brings together craftsmanship, creativity, and guest engagement. You will create high-quality glass products for retail, demonstrate traditional glassblowing techniques for guests, guide Assistant Glassblowers, and contribute to new product development. Working with the Glass Shop Supervisor, Liberty Craftworks leadership, Exhibitions and Performances, and Retail teams, you will help support engaging programs and uphold a strong standard of craftsmanship. This position reports to the Shop Supervisor/Master Glassblower.

Essential Responsibilities

• Models a high level of glassblowing skill through the execution of the entire product line at an 80% first quality accuracy
• Ensures that glass quality, consistency, and craftsmanship are maintained by following the predetermined guidelines for production.
• Stays current with curriculum and developments in glass education and in glassblowing skills and techniques.
• Is knowledgeable and skilled in glass furnace operations and glass equipment maintenance and repair.
• Works with Shop Supervisor and Head of Exhibitions and Performances to ensure the physical presentation, maintenance, and repair of the building, equipment, and tools. Complies with OSHA and SDS standards.
• Demonstrates glassblowing techniques to the public and provides hospitality and service to all guests. Communicates and models appropriate presentation and customer-focused behaviors for glass team.
• Works with the Shop Supervisor to design new retail collections.
• Works to ensure communication and teamwork, and to foster a positive work environment.
• Responsible for the maintenance of the shop records and retail inventories.
• Ensures the maintenance of furnaces, tools and equipment for the purposes of safety and effectiveness.
• Responsible for development of creative work which includes, but is not limited to, publications in any medium, product and program development and design, and all related collateral materials.
• Acts as a team player and provides expertise within the team and with other teams as appropriate.
• Performs other activities as necessary.

Qualifications

• Requires BFA in Glassblowing or equivalent production shop experience.
  • Coursework or research experience in American technological history or the history of glassblowing is desirable.
• Demonstrated mastery of glassblowing required.
• Weekday, weekend, evening, and holiday availability required.

Special Skills

• Strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and public presentation abilities.
• Ability to train, coach, and develop employees.
• Ability to manage and work in a team-based environment essential.
• Customer service and conflict resolution skills desirable.

Physical/Mental/Environmental

Physical

• Sitting- Occasionally
• Standing- Constantly
• Walking- Constantly
• Repetitive Motions- Constantly
• Hand/Eye Coordination: Constantly
• Lifting- Regularly up to 50 lbs
• Carrying- Regularly
• Pushing- Regularly
• Grasping- Regularly

Unless noted here, other physical requirements are minimal or not applicable.

Mental

• Attention to detail/concentration
• Observation, interpretation, analysis, synthesis, and decision-making
• Simultaneous handling of multiple projects
• Distracting influences such as noise, commotion, questions from guests.

Environmental

• Availability to work weekends, evenings and holidays
• Non-air-conditioned workplace
• Intense heat and high humidity
• Exposure to dust, fumes and heavy metals (respirator and Tyvek suit mandatory in certain circumstances)