Production Potter at Wolf Ceramics, Hood River, OR
Posted on April 8, 2025
Wolf Ceramics is seeking team members who are interested in dipping their toes into many parts of production and operations. You will thrive here if you work well as part of a team and can also manage your own workflow independently and autonomously. Interest in the big picture is key, as is excellent communication and a propensity to take initiative and problem solve on the fly.
Apply here: https://wolfceramics.com/pages/production-potter-position
Though this is an entry level position, it comes with the potential for promotion into a role that also encompasses production management.
Core Responsibilities:
• Production throwing and trimming of items such as mugs, cups, vases, and planters etc.
• Production of dinnerware using the Jigger Jolly.
• Pressing and attaching handles.
• Operating the pug mill for clay reclaim and production prep.
• Loading and unloading bisque kilns.
• Packing and shipping online orders.
Additional Duties:
• Cross Training in all parts of the production process.
• Weekly and daily cleaning duties. Facility and equipment maintenance.
• Continuously challenging yourself to grow and improve your skills and efficiency.
• Recording and updating accurate personal production data points.
• Working collaboratively with other team members to plan and coordinate timely production schedules, workflow, and kiln schedules.
• Maintaining a safe work environment.
• Communicating with throwers, glazers, shippers, and managers to share workflow challenges.
• Attending seasonal studio events and markets.
• Being an advocate for healthy and supportive company culture.
Skills and Experience:
• Proficient at working with clay and throwing on the wheel
• Experience with repetitive, physical work, such as manufacturing/production, farming, restaurant work, etc.
• Excellent communications skills
• Metrics driven mindset
• Thorough attention to detail and sensitivity to the subtleties of line, shape, and proportions
• Strong time management and continuous improvement skills
• Ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds
• Proven ability to quickly adapt
• Organizational abilities
• Proficient in Google Docs
• High comfort level with learning new technological platforms such as Shopify.
• Maintains a spirit of integrity, empathy, and positivity.
• Good sense of humor and enjoys working as an engaged member of a team
BONUS but not required
• 1-3 years managing a team
• 1-3 years in a customer service role
Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to lift and handle products / supplies weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
• Must be able to work while standing / walking for extended periods
• Must be able to work at a workstation (sitting / standing) for extended periods
Working Conditions:
• 32-40 hrs per week.
• All team members work during core hours, Monday-Thursday from 9am-4pm with Friday as a flex day, as production flow allows. Friday work schedule to be planned out in advance.
• A respirator and other PPE may be required for certain tasks.
Benefits:
• $100/month health and wellness stipend. This is a no-strings-attached stipend included in each paycheck, for use towards healthcare premiums, massage, bodywork, etc.
• Paid leave of Oregon is a state funded program that all Oregon employees are automatically enrolled in. Employees qualify for up to 3 months of paid time off in cases of serious illness, the birth of a child, a sick family member etc.
• 401k: In accordance with Oregon Saves, all employees are automatically enrolled in a savings program that directs 1- 5% of each paycheck into a 401k account for you. You can opt out if this program does not match your financial goals.
• Matching 401k: 3% after 1 year, vesting after 2 years.
• 1 hr of paid sick/PTO accrued per 40 hr worked. This can be used as needed for sick time or planned vacation at your discretion.
• Up to 5 weeks of unpaid time off upon advance request. All team members are expected to avoid requesting time off during our busiest season, September 1st through December 20th.
• Educational contributions: Employees are eligible for educational contributions beginning 2 years after their start date of full time employment. Once eligible, Wolf Ceramics will contribute up to $1,000 per year towards eligible/approved educational expenses (such as workshops or classes).
Contingencies:
2 year commitment. We ask that you enter this job with the intent and expectation of spending at least 2 years with us.
You’ll thrive here if you…
• Take initiative and ownership over your work and the space that we all share.
• Seek constructive criticism and be willing to give it to team members in a kind and respectful way.
• Communicate openly and kindly. Ask questions and seek support when needed.
• Be proactive about your time management. Take commitments seriously and communicate if production expectations need to be adjusted. Keep an eye on your productivity and efficiency.
• Respect core hours and show up to work on time.
• Take self care seriously and stay in tune with your physical needs and limits.
• Approach your work and your craft with curiosity and with a growth mindset.
• Pay: $18-$23/hr
We’ll begin reviewing applications at the end of March and on a rolling basis. Please feel free to send questions to Sarah@wolfceramics.com
