Student Ceramics Studio Assistant at Whitman College

Whitman College; Walla Walla, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitman College is seeking a Student Ceramics Studio Assistant for Spring 2026. The role supports the ceramics studio, helps students with projects, and maintains safety and cleanliness under the supervision of the Art Professor.

Work-Study eligible students receive priority; non-work study students are encouraged to apply. Typical duties include assisting staff and faculty, testing and maintaining equipment, and helping with display spaces.

Qualifications

• Experience assisting students
• Ability to work independently and contribute ideas
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow directions
• Desire to create and work with your hands
• Experience with/desire to learn ceramics process

Responsibilities

• Assist students with projects.
• Monitor for safety issues.
• Regularly test and maintain equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of studios.
• Assist with display space upkeep.
• Assist staff and faculty with various tasks often involving equipment repairs, reorganizing spaces, updating signage, and assisting with art projects.

Skills

Experience assisting students

Self-directed work

Attention to detail

Hands-on creation

Ceramics process knowledge

Job description

JOB TITLE:

Student Ceramics Studio Assistant

HIRING RANGE:

$17.13/hour to $17.13/hour

START DATE:

Spring 2026

JOB PURPOSE

Fouts Center for Visual Arts is accepting applications for Student Ceramics Studio Assistants. Work-Study eligible students will be given priority, but non-work study students are still encouraged to apply. Successful student hires will work under the direction of Professor of Art, Deshun Peoples.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Assist students with projects.
• Monitor for safety issues.
• Regularly test and maintain equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of studios.
• Assist with display space upkeep.
• Assist staff and faculty with various special tasks often involving equipment repairs, reorganizing the spaces, updating signage, and assisting with art projects.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Individuals must be able to explain and demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Experience with assisting students
• Being comfortable with self-directed work and contributing ideas
• Attention to detail, and ability to follow directions
• Desire to create and work with your hands
• Experience with/Desire to learn Ceramics process

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED BY STUDENTS IN THIS POSITION

• Ceramics studio repair and maintenance
• Basic knowledge of hand and power tools

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A working knowledge of basic skills using hand and power tools is desirable, but not necessary. Successful candidates will be highly motivated to learn new making skills. In this position you will have the opportunity to learn to use various ceramics equipment, including gas and electric kilns, pug mill, clay mixes, etc. Much of what you may gain from this position is up to you, how motivated you are and how willing you are to jump in and get your hands dirty. This role might occasionally involve lifting up to 50 lbs of clay to load into lockers at hip/chest height or push/pull carts (with wheels) transporting up to 500 lbs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Appointment of this position typically ends in May, dependent on funding and available hours. Scheduling will be flexible during breaks and vigorous academic periods. Students who are able to prioritize their schedules, including their academic break schedules, will be given priority when scheduling positions and hours. 4-10 hours are available each week with the possibility of more for special projects.

SUPERVISOR: Professor Deshun Peoples, Assistant Professor of Art

SUPERVISOR CONTACT: [e-mail]

POSTING DATE: Jan 23, 2026