Vessel Maker (Part-Time Seasonal)

Pewabic; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Pewabic is seeking a seasonal, part-time ceramic production assistant to support wheel-throwing vessel production during peak retail cycles.

You will mix clay and slip, load and unload kilns, track production, and help maintain studio organization while meeting Pewabic’s aesthetic standards. The role emphasizes high-volume craftsmanship and safety in a busy studio setting.

Qualifications

• Strong wheel-throwing skills maintaining uniform weight, height and form during large batches.
• Proficiency in clay mixing, reclaiming, and greenware management.
• Experience in production pottery and kiln handling is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Throw and finish high-volume production orders of staple drinkware and giftware.
• Maintain consistent craftsmanship and form precision across batches.
• Load, track, and unload bisque kilns safely according to firing schedules.
• Track and record items produced and manage clay/material stock.

Skills

Wheel throwing

Clay mixing

Attention to detail

Surface finishing

Kiln loading

Production tracking

Safety compliance

Education

Ceramics degree or equivalent

Job description

Schedule Expectations: Part-time schedule of 2–3 days per week (maximum 24 hours). While a fixed, predetermined schedule is preferred to keep fabrication running smoothly, some flexibility may be available depending on production timelines.

Postion Summary

This seasonal role exists to support Pewabic’s mission to "enrich the human spirit through clay every day" by producing high-quality, wheel-thrown ceramic vessels that meet Pewabic’s historic aesthetic standards and quality expectations during peak retail and holiday production cycles. To meet increased holiday demand, this position contributes to advancing ceramic arts through high-volume craft excellence in production pottery, focusing primarily on core retail staples—including Rocks glasses, Pint cups, and one-of-a-kind Petite Vases—alongside other seasonal pottery lines. Primary areas of responsibility include wheel-thrown vessel production, clay and slip preparation, kiln loading and unloading, production tracking, and studio organization.

This seasonal position is expected to run through December, with the potential to extend into mid-January based on business and production demands, though the exact end date remains undetermined.

Responsibilities:

Vessel Production & Craftsmanship:

• Throw, and finish high-volume production orders of staple drinkware (Rocks glasses, Pint cups) and specialty giftware (Petite Vases) to established aesthetic and dimensional standards.
• Maintain consistent craftsmanship, wall thickness, and form precision across repeated production runs.
• Support prototype testing and feedback loops for seasonal vessel shapes and forms as requested.
• Mix clay and slip as required to support production needs.
• Understand drying cycles and production timing to ensure workflow efficiency and minimize clay loss.
• Load, track, and unload bisque kilns safely and accurately in accordance with studio firing schedules.
• Track and record items produced.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels of clay and related materials.
• Assist in unloading material deliveries and supporting raw material staging.
• Support fabrication operations in other areas as needed during high-volume production pushes.
• Participate in dialogue and feedback on vessel forms and take constructive criticism well.
  

Studio Operations & Safety:

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe studio environment and wheel station at all times.
• Follow Pewabic policies, security procedures, and safety guidelines, including proper use of PPE (dust masks/respirators, eye protection).
• Work efficiently with attention to cost-effectiveness and material stewardship.
• Safely handle, transport, and store fragile greenware, tools, and heavy clay materials.
• Communicate departmental needs and production concerns to supervisor.
• Demonstrate and discuss pottery techniques with visitors when appropriate.
• Remain adaptable to changing production priorities and schedules.
  

Visitor Engagement & Team Support:

• Demonstrate and discuss ceramic techniques with visitors, serving as an ambassador for Pewabic’s mission and living craft traditions.
• Engage positively with visitors during high-traffic studio events and retail sales.
• Participate in Pewabic-wide events such as the annual Garden Party, Staff/Seconds Sale, and holiday events.
• Collaborate across the Fabrication department to support overall production flow.
• Perform additional tasks as needed in the fabrication department or Production Manager.
  

Qualifications:

Education : Ceramics degree or equivalent professional experience.

Experience:

• Demonstrated proficiency and speed in production wheel-throwing.
• Experience with clay mixing, reclaiming, and greenware management.
• Production pottery experience preferred.
• Experience loading/unloading electric bisque kilns helpful.
  

Technical Skills:

• Strong wheel-throwing skills with the ability to maintain uniform weight, height, and form across large batches of drinkware and small vases.
• Exceptional attention to detail, form integrity, and surface finishing under production deadlines.
• Knowledge of clay bodies, slip preparation, and drying management.
• Familiarity with kiln loading and firing processes.
• Ability to maintain and properly use studio equipment.
• Ability to track production quantities.
  

CertificationsorLicensureif required:

• PewabicOSHAprogramcertification(willingnesstocomplete internal training upon hire).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a historic or legacy ceramics production environment.
• Experience working in a high-volume production studio.
• Comfort engaging with visitors in an educational capacity.
• Precision throwing capability and high-volume consistency.
• Effective communication and receptivity to feedback on production forms.
• Cross-departmental collaboration within a high-functioning, tight-knit environment.
• Organizational and time-management skills in a multi-step ceramics process.
• Adaptability within a creative production environment.
• Commitment to studio safety (OSHA), clay dust control, and quality standards.
• Commitment to community engagement and inclusivity.
  
• Sustained physical labor associated with studio ceramic production.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds consistently (50 lb material bags).
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods at the potter's wheel and wedging tables.
• High manual dexterity required for wheel throwing, and finishing processes.
• Exposure to raw ceramic materials, clay dust, and glaze/slip materials.
• Working special Pewabic seasonal events and sales is required