Glassblower

Colonial Group; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Greenfield Village is seeking a skilled Glassblower to join our team in a full-time role that blends craftsmanship, guest engagement, and education. You will create high-quality glass products for retail, demonstrate traditional techniques for guests, and guide Assistant Glassblowers under the Shop Supervisor.

You will contribute to new product development, collaborate with Exhibitions, Performances and Retail teams, maintain records and equipment, and uphold safety standards while delivering

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Model a high level of glassblowing skill through the entire product line with 80% first quality accuracy.
• Maintain glass quality and craftsmanship by following production guidelines.
• Stay current with curriculum and developments in glass education and glassblowing techniques.
• Operate and maintain glass furnace operations and equipment.
• Collaborate with Shop Supervisor and other teams to ensure presentation, maintenance, and safety of facilities and tools.
• Demonstrate glassblowing techniques to the public and provide hospitality to guests.
• Assist in designing new retail collections.
• Maintain shop records and inventories; ensure safety and compliance.

Skills

Glassblowing mastery

Public speaking

Education

BFA in Glassblowing

Desired: history of glassblowing

Job description

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
• Pushi ng- 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)