Lead Studio Technician

Pottery Northwest Inc; Seattle, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

1 hour PTO per 20 hours

1 hour sick leave per 40 hours

Complimentary classes

Studio usage

Job summary

Pottery Northwest invites applications for a part-time Studio Technician to join our Seattle-based ceramics studio. The role supports studio operations, maintenance, and the Apprentice program under the Studio Manager, with 20 hours per week and four 5-hour night shifts from 4:30 to 9:30 pm.

On-site work, competitive hourly pay, and benefits apply. Ideal candidates have at least 3 years in a ceramics setting, with kiln operation experience and a collaborative, safety-conscious approach.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience working in a ceramics studio or ceramic facility in a hands-on role.

Responsibilities

• Maintain day-to-day studio operations and equipment upkeep.
• Load, fire, and unload electric kilns; assist with gas/soda kilns if trained.
• Assist with Apprentice program and supervise apprentices as needed.
• Support classes, events, and studio inventory management.
• Waste disposal, cleaning, and safety compliance.
• Guide and train apprentices under studio managers.
• Answer student questions and assist with materials for classes.

Skills

Ceramics studio experience

Tools

Kilns and wheels

Glaze chemistry

Job description

Seattle, WA • Starting Immediately

Application deadline is October 13th, 2026 at 5pm PST

About Pottery Northwest

Founded in 1966, Pottery Northwest is Seattle’s preeminent non-profit ceramics organization, promoting innovation, arts excellence, and education with a mission to foster an inclusive community centered in clay. Our nationally renowned ceramics studio offers vibrant programming to over 2,000 students each year. Artists from around the world come to Pottery Northwest in the spirit of artistic dialogue and as a formative step in their careers. We believe clay is for everyone and are committed to creating intentional space for people to explore their creativity and personal growth.

Position Summary

The Studio Technician will join the studio team at Pottery Northwest’s full-scale, community ceramics studio in the South Lake Union neighborhood of Seattle. The studio team at Pottery Northwest is responsible for maintaining the overall studio space, equipment, and materials; assisting with the Apprentice program; and supporting our classes and events. The Studio Tech will work under the supervision of the Studio Managers to support studio operations and maintenance.

Hours, Location, & Conditions

Type: Part-time, hourly, permanent
Hours: 20 hours per week
Reports to: Studio Manager
Remote/On-site: 100% on-site
Pay: $26/hour

1 hour PTO accrued for every 20 hours worked

1 hour sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked

Complimentary classes, workshops, and studio usage

Shift Times: This role is 100% onsite, working four 5-hour shifts per week; all shifts will be nightly from 4:30 to 9:30pm

Duties & Responsibilities

Studio Operations (95%)

Facilities

Assist with day-to-day maintenance, upkeep, and effective functioning of the studio

Monitor, repair, and maintain studio equipment such as kilns, wheels, shop tools, etc

Maintain studio glazes, slips, chemicals, clay, and dry materials, including mixing and making glazes and recycling/reclaiming clay

Organize studio tools, equipment, and materials as needed

Perform facilities maintenance as needed (replacing air filters, minor repairs, etc.)

Independently load, fire, and unload electric kilns

Experience firing gas/soda kilns preferred, but not required (willing to train the right candidate)

Clean and maintain studio tools, sinks, equipment, materials, and floors

Take out studio trash & recycling

Deep clean the studio floors once per week before or after open studio hours

Assist with unloading clay and supply deliveries

Assist in the fabrication of special projects such as new test tile walls in classrooms and other classroom and studio improvements

General end-of-day cleaning procedures including: mopping, wiping dirty surfaces, and making sure members clean up after themselves

Help move student work through the firing cycles in a timely fashion

Glaze and package work for one-time classes and parties as needed

Assist with set-up and breakdown for workshops and events

Maintain workshop supplies and materials

Under the direction of the studio managers, support, guide, and train the Apprentices on studio-related tasks as needed

Update weekly apprentice training logs as applicable (these are used to accurately track apprentice progress and provide informed feedback during quarterly check-ins)

Participate in end-of-quarter apprentice check-ins with the studio managers to provide feedback on any apprentices they’ve worked with

Monitor the studio, answering the door and the studio/office phone as needed

Answer student questions, grab clay for students, and assist students in the studio

Assist with quarterly clay and dry materials inventory

Shared Leadership (5%)

Participate in team check-ins, staff meetings, and planning and support for Pottery Northwest events as needed

Participate in quarterly and annual reviews with your direct supervisor(s), department, and Executive Director

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position. All Pottery NW employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed, to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION:

Ability to lift, carry & move heavy objects ~70lbs

Frequent bending and reaching above shoulders

Standing and walking for long periods of time

Working with and around power tools and other machinery with moving parts

Exposure to hazardous materials that are used in the ceramics process

Working closely with others

Our Ideal Candidate

Values Alignment

Deep and demonstrated commitment to DEIA, racial and gender equity, and understanding the role inequities play in our society.

Passionate about maintaining an adaptive, people-centered studio grounded in fostering an inclusive community around clay, with the highest priority placed on creating and ensuring everyone has access to learning and enjoying ceramics.

Values sharing power, trusting each other, being transparent, celebrating small successes, integrity, and cross-cultural respect and sensitivity.

Qualifications:

Minimum 3 years of experience working in a ceramics studio or ceramic facility in a hands-on role.

Knowledge of ceramics tools, techniques, processes, equipment, glaze chemistry, and glaze mixing.

Experience firing, loading, and unloading electric kilns required.

Experience firing, loading, and unloading gas/soda kilns preferred, but not required. Willing to teach the right candidate.

Experience directly managing and supervising staff or volunteers, including performance management and scheduling.

Demonstrated interest and working knowledge of the ceramics field.

Outstanding interpersonal skills and an ability to develop trust and maintain deep relationships with diverse students, partners, and community members.

A collaborative approach to problem-solving, including the ability to pivot to meet immediate needs or address unforeseen circumstances.

A persistent commitment to communication in the face of challenge and conflict.

Available to work nights from 4:30 to 9:30pm (this role will provide nightly staff coverage and support for instructors and community members).

Pottery Northwest is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We strive to be a place where DEIA builds the foundation for people.