Studio Assistant

SALARY RANGE: $15.80 per hour

*If you are interested in applying for this position, please download and complete the attached Mid-Pacific Institute Application Form. This form must be submitted with your application to be considered for the position.*

Job Summary

In this role, the Visual Arts Studio Assistant supports the visual and digital arts education for 6-12 programs at Mid-Pacific. This dynamic position allows an individual to engage in many art forms while supporting the growth and development of young artists. The assistant works with the visual arts faculty on a variety of classroom administration tasks, studio management needs, and art gallery exhibitions. Workspaces primarily include the ceramics classroom and the gallery, yet the 2D/3D Middle School and High School classrooms, the digital photography lab,

and the digital arts classes in the technology center will need on-call assistance. The assistant can conduct work for up to 15 hours per week.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES include: (Other duties may be assigned)

• Primarily responsible for supporting and maintaining the ceramics studio and must be available to maintain other studios as needed.
• Responsibilities in the ceramic studio include mixing clay, making and screening glazes, loading the kilns, and grinding shelves or applying kiln washes to shelves. General ceramics assistance includes helping with storing, lifting, and organizing raw materials (typical weight is 50 lbs.).
• Manage the gallery by assisting with the installation of artwork, scheduling the use of the space, attending gallery events, assisting with social media posts, creating promotional materials, or preparing refreshments for visitors. Occasionally, the assistant cleans, organizes, or makes basic repairs of walls or equipment between exhibits.
• Perform basic administration tasks, including but not limited to assisting with activity proposals, submitting maintenance requests, making copies and printing, and maintaining communications with support staff.
• The assistant is expected to meet periodically with members of the faculty to plan upcoming projects and timelines.
• The assistant must have strong, clear, and professional communication skills, tending to email and written correspondence in a timely manner.
• Depending on the individual's interest, opportunities for mentorship and to engage directly with students, gaining experience in a classroom, can be made available.
  
  

SCHOOL SAFETY

• Participate in the development of a safe and healthy workplace.
• Comply with the instructions given for their own safety and health and that of others, in adhering to safe work procedures.
• Take reasonable care to ensure their own safety and health and that of others.
• Report any injury, hazard or illness immediately, to their Supervisor and Human Resources.
• Not place others at risk by any act or omission, not willfully or recklessly interfere with safety equipment.
• Act as a role model by demonstrating safe work behaviors.
• Identify, assess if necessary, and control hazards within the area of responsibility.
• Ensure that equipment/supplies are properly maintained.
• Maintain relevant knowledge of safety laws.
• Mandatory reporting of sexual abuse to law enforcement or child protective services, and Human Resources. Sexual abuse includes child molestation, any actual or alleged illegal or otherwise wrongful sexual conduct with a minor, and serial sexual misconduct, any actual or alleged illegal or otherwise wrongful sexual conduct with more than one victim; and committed by or alleged to have been committed by any perpetrator who is not a student of an included entity.
  
  

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrating Professional Body of Knowledge: A professional demonstrates an understanding of practice area knowledge and appreciates learning more about this practice area and beyond.
• Professional as a Learner: A professional engages in career-long professional learning and ongoing critical reflection to identify opportunities for improving leadership, mentoring, and collaboration. The inherent nature of a professional staff member is a keen, lifelong passion for learning, and a deep curiosity and wonder about people, events, and places.
• Fostering Effective Relationships: A professional builds positive working relationships with colleagues, other departments, and the community.
• Establishing an Inclusive Environment: A professional creates a safe, caring environment that is inclusive of and engaging for others.
• Professional as a Leader: A professional seeks leadership opportunities.
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

Previous experience maintaining ceramics studio preferred. Background in ceramics, including experience maintaining kilns and clay. Experience with or matting or framing artwork is a plus but not required.

WORK SCHEDULE

This part-time position requires a 10-month commitment, averaging 15-20 hours per week during the regular school day, following the academic calendar from August to May. The schedule excludes holidays and non-instructional days.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Our campus consists of multiple buildings on 44 hilly acres that requires frequent walking including uphill and stairs. The employee on a daily basis is required to frequently, unless otherwise noted walk to and from classrooms or buildings within five minutes; Mixing clay, making and screening glazes, loading the kilns, and grinding shelves or applying kiln washes to shelves. General ceramics assistance includes helping with storing, lifting, and organizing raw materials (typical weight is 50 lbs); arrange student desks, furniture in classroom as needed; stand and sit throughout the day for instruction and supervision of students; walk around the classroom, from classroom to copier room (frequently), library (occasionally), fields for fire drills (occasionally), to supervise students (daily). Some climbing of stairs (daily); walking up a slight hill (daily).

MENTAL DEMANDS

On a daily basis, employee must frequently problem solve, make decisions, supervise students/classroom management, interpret data, grade, organize, write, plan, and clearly communicate.

EQUIPMENT USE

Telephone – occasionally, Copier – occasionally, Computer – frequently, Projector – occasionally, Kiln – frequently, Pug Mill - frequently, Clay Mixer - occasionally, Various other hardware tools (ex: hand drill, hammer) - occasionally

WORKING CONDITIONS

Indoor – frequently, Outdoor – occasionally, Loud Noise – occasionally, Cold Temperatures – occasionally, Hot Temperatures – occasionally

Please be aware that this role involves exposure to clay dust, which can be a respiratory irritant. As a precautionary measure, the use of a respirator is required when conducting specific tasks, such as clay mixing. The studio is committed to providing the necessary safety equipment and training to ensure a safe working environment for all team members.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Mid-Pacific Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.