Ceramics Studio Technician

Position Summary and Responsibilities

The Ceramics Studio Technician maintains a safe, inclusive, and efficient studio environment. This role involves coordinating with faculty and staff from the BFA, MFA, and Continuing Studies programs to support curricular success. Key responsibilities include equipment maintenance, material management, ordering materials, training and supervising student workers and assisting faculty, staff, and students. This position comes with a private studio/office, and candidates with the necessary qualifications have the opportunity to teach in the BFA and Continuing studies. At Maine College of Art & Design, we value diversity as integral to the academic experience and are committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, and social responsibility. All employees are expected to support these values actively.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the maintenance and repair of kilns, wheels, and other ceramics equipment and furniture, including managing contracted services. Maintain records of repairs and servicing;
• Manage clay and glaze materials efficiently, including inventory control, ordering supplies, and organizing storage. Assist students in accessing and mixing materials for clay and glazes;
• Ensure the ceramics area is clean, safe, and compliant with safety protocols;
• Lead kiln loading, firing, and scheduling in collaboration with students and faculty;
• Prepare materials such as clay, glazes, and slips for classes and programmatic needs;
• Maintain and update the department’s inventory of clay and glaze recipes, including testing and documenting results;
• Support students by providing training on equipment use, supervising student workers, and offering assistance during technical hours;
• Organize daily studio operations to meet the educational needs of the BFA, MFA, and Continuing Studies programs.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required; an MFA is preferred.

Experience

• 2+ years related experience preferred;
• Knowledge of ceramics studio facilities, equipment, materials, repairs, and processes;
• Experience with electric and gas kilns;
• Strong awareness of safety protocols and ability to implement them effectively;
• Proficiency with basic computer operations, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides).

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to instruct students on the safe use of kilns, equipment, and materials.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and development.
  Dependable and self-motivated;
• Ability to work in and contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment;
• Ability to work and problem-solve independently and contribute to team goals;
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently while contributing to team goals;
• Critical thinking and a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment for all students and faculty.

Compensation

This is a full-time position (35 hours/week) during the academic year, and a part-time position (25 hours/week) during the summer months.

Compensation is $20.27 per hour.

To Apply

Applications will be reviewed immediately and accepted until a hire is made.

You can send your application materials as a single PDF to employment@meca.edu. Place “Ceramics Studio Technician [Last Name, First Name]” in the subject line.

The PDF must include:

1. A resumé
2. A Cover Letter
3. A Diversity Statement
4. A list of three references with contact information, one of which should be a prior supervisor and/or professor