Pottery Technician and Instructor - Markham Museum

Applications are now being accepted for the temporary part-time Pottery Technician and Instructor at the Markham Museum. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter online by February 14, 2025.

Join us and make a lasting difference!

Job Summary

The Markham Museum is currently looking for a part-time (up to 24 hours a week) Technician and Artist Instructor for its Pottery Studio. Reporting to the Program Coordinator, this role is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Museum's studio, which includes both hand-building and wheel-throwing areas (with eight wheels), a pug mill and a Kiln Room with two electric kilns. The Museum's studio is programmed regularly with events, workshops and classes during evenings and weekends. Under the direction of the Program Coordinator and following the Museum's mandate this individual will develop pottery-based programs for the Museum's various audiences.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintain the Pottery Studio to ensure a safe working environment
• Ensure that clay, glazes and slip are always ready and available for student use
• Maintain a firing schedule which keeps work flowing through the ceramic process in a timely fashion (i.e., program, fire and supervise the computer-controlled electric kiln; develop customized programs; loading and unloading of kilns)
• Inventory, order and receive supplies and materials (i.e., clay and glaze chemicals, equipment repair parts, safety equipment, etc.)
• Maintain and repair equipment (i.e., troubleshoot kilns, change kiln elements, replace switches, lubricate wheels, etc.). Clean and maintain kiln furniture.
• Oversee, direct and maintain a clean and efficient operation of the studio (e.g., organize space, empty clay trap, reclaim clay, maintain efficient flow of work and facilitate, lead and supervise the program materials from forming through finished piece, etc.)

• • Facilitate, lead and supervise the programs
  • Organize and write lesson plans, to be completed 2 weeks prior to the start of the course
  • Assist in the training of other studio potters/program instructors who teach or assist with programs
  • Develop activities and contribute programming for special events, camps, birthdays and school groups
  • Directly supervise volunteers and co-op students as required
  • Directly supervise Pottery Assistant
  • Advise Program Co-coordinator and/or other Museum senior staff if applicable of any customer service issues, complaints or inquiries
  • Complete all program related forms as required (e.g., Accident report, occurrence reports, etc.)
  • Develop and work within established budget for the program
  • Abide by all City of Markham policies and procedures
  • Perform all other related duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements

• Must have B.F.A. in ceramics or equivalent; with a minimum 2-5 years working in and/or managing a ceramics studio, or a combination of education and experience
• Up to date Standard First Aid with CPR 'C'
• Must be able to provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Technical knowledge of ceramics materials, processes, and equipment required
• Must have ability to handle computer-operated kilns
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal and communication skills and above average organizational and follow-up skills required
• Strong time management, multi-tasking and above average organizational and follow-up skills required
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends
• Experience with Excel an asset
• HIGH FIVE Principle Healthy Child Development is an asset
• Driver's License is an asset

Core Behaviours:

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

All offers of employment for this position will be conditional on satisfactory reference checks and vulnerable sector screening checks as required for the City of Markham.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

We thank all applicants who have applied, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by email.