Basic Qualifications

* BA/BFA in ceramics (or related field) or equivalent work experience.

* Three years demonstrated experience as a ceramics technician or instructor.

* Three years of experience with glaze mixing, kiln, wheel and studio equipment maintenance.

Additional Information

The Office for the Arts at Harvard (OFA) supports student engagement in the arts and integrates the arts into University life. Through its programs and services, the OFA teaches and mentors, fosters student artmaking across all disciplines and abilities, connects students to accomplished artists, and creates inclusive communities that celebrate the rich diversity of Harvard College. By supporting the development of students as artists and cultural stewards, the OFA works to enrich society and shape communities in which the arts are a vital part of life. The OFA is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment. Applicants from underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Description

Ceramics Facilities 25%

* Maintains, operates, and instructs proper use of a wide variety of specialized ceramic related equipment including gas and electric kilns, pottery wheels, clay mixing equipment, slab roller, extruders, shelf grinding equipment, central vacuum system, wet saw, spray booth, compressor, and hot box and miscellaneous hand and power tools.

* Supervises the mixing and testing of over 100 glazes and the inventory of all ceramic materials.

* Supervises the use of one LUTUM 3D Ceramic Printer and two 3D Printers and software.

* Maintains online sign-up sites for electric kilns, gas kilns, and spray booths and tracks those certified to fire kilns, use of plaster/mold room, and materials mixing room.

* Assists and advises in the oversight of three pottery studios located in the Harvard Houses. Responsible for repairing equipment when needed and overseeing glaze mixing and material ordering.

* Respond to urgent/emergency studio concerns in an on-call capacity in conjunction with the Director.

Kiln Management 5%

* Responsible for ensuring the safety of students and community members while instructing and monitoring the use of gas-powered reduction kilns. Also monitors the scheduling of loading, firing and unloading of these kilns. Responsible for total of 13 kilns (2 gas, 1 soda, 10 electric).

Health and Safety, University Compliances 10%

* Internal staff member responsible for health and safety, working with EH&S, to ensure a safe and compliant working environment.

* Oversight includes the safety self-inspection of facilities, working with Harvard Recycling to dispose of used equipment and materials, and scheduling with vendors to remove non-hazardous glaze waste.

* Orders and maintains Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in addition to other compliant safety labeling such as Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) safety sheets for all potentially dangerous studio equipment.

* Oversees sink traps and the mitigation of possible plumbing contamination.

* Respond to urgent/emergency studio concerns in an on-call capacity in conjunction with the Director.

Health and Safety, Internal Compliances 5%

* Building and maintaining website with technical ceramic information, instructional videos, safety articles, and relevant links. This site acts as an addendum to the Studio Safety Procedures and is a general reference for proper facility practices.

Financial & Procurement 10%

* Develops and implements budget for studio maintenance and usage with Director. Responsible for tracking materials use, ordering, receiving and storing clay materials, kiln repair supplies; and maintains contact with vendors. Oversees purchasing of additional equipment.

Staff Supervision 15%

* Provides onsite supervision, instruction, and direction to 9 direct reports (monthly instructional payroll) in clay-mixing tasks, glaze-mixing and materials inventory, plaster room and kiln room upkeep, and duties pertaining to Teaching Assistants.

* Additionally, responsible for supervising 12 studio interns who assist with maintenance, upkeep, and special projects.

Academic Collaborations 15%

* Supports the Director with academic collaborations-innovative Ceramics labs that are integrated into FAS and other Tub coursework, such as with Anthropology 1010, History of Art and Architecture 101 and SCI 6317 through the Graduate School of Design.

Gallery 224 5%

* Advises and executes technical aspects of Gallery 224 installations (6-8 annually) and the dismantling of exhibitions, including operation of the vinyl cutter and installing gallery lettering.

Show & Sales 5%

* Oversees staff and participants with detailed set-up of two annual large-scale Show and Sales, and strike (exhibition area returned to teaching space).

Tenant duties/ HRE 5%

* Works with Harvard Real Estate to support the routine upkeep of the building, facilities, and grounds. This includes roof, parking lot, dumpster area, HVAC, plumbing, gas supply, water heater, cleaning services, restrooms, entry doors, windows, etc

Job Summary

This Instructional Operations Coordinator reports to the Director, OFA Ceramics Program and Visual Arts and is vital to the operation and safety of the Ceramics Program, which is based at the OFA. The 15,500 SF studio serves more than 300 students, faculty, staff, and members of the public over 3 semesters annually. The maintenance, upkeep, equipment, and materials inventory, as well as management of various part-time staff rely on the effectiveness of this position. Technical understanding and people management skills will precipitate safe and effective studio practices for all participants.