Ceramic Assistant Technician

Job Summary

The Ceramic Assistant Technician is responsible for assisting in maintenance within city-wide Ceramic programs including: the preparation of materials, maintaining cleanliness and optimal working conditions within the Ceramics Studio, and working within City of Mississauga studio operating and safe work procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare glazes, slips and other studio materials that require knowledge of medium specific skills including hand building, wheel throwing, glazing and finishing techniques in ceramics.
• Loading kilns and firing works based on established program timelines and requirements.
• Ensure that bisque and glaze firings are complete as per program schedules and firing requisitions
• Reclaiming and pugging clay weekly or as required.
• Monitor, maintain and mix studio glazes and slips while practicing safe chemical handling, proper mixing/containment of glazes.
• Maintain organization and temporary storage of specific programming and participant works throughout the firing process.
• Ensure general weekly cleaning of the ceramics studio(s) including kiln room and glaze room.
• Empty clay traps as per schedule.
• Adhere to studio operating policies, health and safety procedures and use of PPE.
• Complete and communicate equipment repair forms as required.
• Monitor and report required materials and supplies to be ordered in a timely manner.

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma, degree or equivalent education in Ceramics.
• Working knowledge of an operating ceramics studio including equipment, materials as well as health and safety practices and appropriate PPE
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with Ceramics equipment (i.e. wheels, kilns, pug mill).

• Must hold by employment start date:
• A valid and current Basic First Aid or Emergency First Aid with CPR C & AED from a recognized WSIB-provider at the employee’s expense.
• HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development certification  at the employee's own expense.

• Must have knowledge in the operation of electric kilns with digital controllers for firing;
• Proven customer service and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Ability to repair kilns and elements an asset
• Experience pugging clay an asset
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
•  Regular heavy lifting up to 50lbs
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends
• Ability to travel between multiple recreation and culture sites within the city for time-sensitive work-related travel. Access to a personal vehicle, preferred.

Work Schedule:

The Ceramics Assistant Technician will schedule and work regular shifts between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm  Mon - Fri. Biweekly hours are variable and are up to 24 hours per week. Scheduling will be variable and could include weekend work to ensure the firing schedule is maintained.