Ceramics Technician & Artist in Residence at East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Posted on April 9, 2024
Applications are due June 14, 2024
The Department of Art and Design is accepting applications for a Ceramics Technician/Artist in Residence. This is a part-time position with a repeatable contract for up to three years. Teaching opportunities may be available for candidates who meet the appropriate university requirements.
The Ceramics Technician and Resident Artist will assist with all tasks related to material and facility management of the Department of Art & Design ceramics studio. The time commitment is twenty hours per week, and the ceramics area faculty will provide supervision. This opportunity is ideally suited for an early career artist who seeks the space and time to develop their artwork in a well-equipped facility. To that end, the Ceramics Technician and Resident Artist will be offered a private studio space in a communal room and broad access to the facilities for their ongoing creative research. Practicing artists utilizing ceramics as their primary medium are encouraged to apply. Artists who incorporate other media into their ceramic work are also encouraged to apply, however, ceramics should be an integral part of their work. Along with recurring tasks related to the management of the ceramics facility, there may be times when school is not in session that other tasks will be assigned.
ETSU is committed to ensuring that our students, faculty, and staff are valued and work in an environment of openness and acceptance. ETSU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position’s essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of professional standards of safety related to ceramic studio operations.
• Knowledge of the maintenance needs of a ceramics studio.
• Knowledge of ceramic material science related to mixing and testing shop materials.
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance related to the ceramics studio (kilns, wheels, pugmill, spray booth).
• Ability to load and fire electric kilns.
• Ability to fire a gas kiln.
• Ability to communicate effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to anticipate the needs of students in the ceramics area regarding material
stock and availability of tools.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and direct multiple activities simultaneously.
• Ability to assist with student worker management and training.
• Ability to operate basic power tools safely and responsibly (drills, Dremel, grinder, etc.)
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. or more.
• Ability to stand and walk for length of shift.
Required Qualifications
• BA/BFA in Studio Art or equivalent.
• Experience with maintenance of a ceramics studio.
• Demonstrated desire to work in the field of ceramics.
Preferred Qualifications
• MFA in Studio Art with a concentration in ceramics or equivalent.
• Experience with management of a community ceramics studio.
• An area of specialty knowledge in ceramics. For example, Ceramic 3D Printing, Wood Firing, • Soda Firing, Slip Casting, Glaze Chemistry, etc.
Required Information and Documents:
• CV
• Cover letter
• Link to online portfolio of artwork – should be included in the CV.
• Relevant experience in ceramics studio maintenance should be included in the CV.
• Names, addresses, emails, phone numbers of 2 professional references – should be included with Cover Letter.
The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants. All positions at East Tennessee State University are contingent upon sufficient funding. ETSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
