Ceramic Lab Assistant Co-Op

Employer Address: Mount St. Joseph University 5701 Delhi Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45233

Department: School of Arts & Humanities

Status: Non-Exempt

Supervisor Contact Information: Michaelann Kelley, Chair & Assistant Professor of Art & Design, Michaelann.Kelley@msj.edu(513)244-4368

Pay: The Student Employee Pay Wage Policy can be found on myMount

Evaluation Period: Annual performance evaluations if the student works the entire academic year. If the student works one semester, the performance evaluation will be completed after that semester

Purpose/Overview: The Ceramic Lab Assistant Co-op works closely with the Ceramics lead Professor (Loyola Walter) in running lab
functions in the ceramics studio for the 25 + students taking ceramics any given semester. The Co-op is extremely
important to the successful running and maintaining of the Ceramics studio. Overall, the position requires manual
work requiring physical activity, including the ability to lift and move heavy things up to 50 lbs. (clay, buckets of
glaze, kiln shelves), and to have a tolerance for generally gritty dusty workplace that at times requires the use of a
face mask and protective eye wear. The experiences in studio operation gained through this Co-op have been
influential in former Co-ops receiving graduate school scholarships, teaching positions, and jobs with clay
companies in the area, as well as the ability to function independently as studio clay artists.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work on tasks associated with managing clay, glazes, room organization, and kiln firings for classes in
  Handbuilding and Wheelthrowing.
  • Perform, independently at times, weekly assigned tasks that keep the studio/Art 10 and its equipment
  maintained and ready for use. (This does not include janitorial work or cleaning up after other students: all
  ceramics students are required to be responsible for their tools and cleaning up their work areas.)
  • Process recycled clay, pug it and bag it for student use.
  • Assist and monitor production of all student glazes.
  • Make glaze tests under direction of Co-op supervisor.
  • Mix additional surface treatment recipes, including slips and stains as directed.
  • Keep kiln shelves in working order: which includes chipping off stuck glazes, chipping off flaking kiln wash,
  and reapplying kiln wash. Make clay “biscuits” to protect kiln shelves.
  • Be available to students who may want general help regarding clay, tools, or the use of slips, glazes
  and stains in the instructors’ absence.
  • Report equipment problems and any student misuse of equipment to Co-op supervisor.
  • At semester’s end, assist Prof. in inventory of materials and equipment.
  • Other tasks may be assigned as needed.

• Currently enrolled student at Mount St. Joseph University
• Ability to work on own initiative, independently, and to deadlines
• Well organized, punctual, and reliable
• The ability to communicate sensitively and tactfully, both orally and in writing, with individuals at all levels within the University
• Availability of 8-10 hours per week (average required for a co-op position).
• Reliability
• Openness to supervision and mentoring from the Prof.: vital as we work together to foster strong studio habits that promote learning, creativity, safety and cooperation. This includes a mid-semester and end of semester work review.
• Timeliness: Lab Assistant work will be scheduled in Art 10 when classes are not in session.
• Ability to work independently following instruction by the Prof. to manage weekly tasks.
• Flexibility: There is some variability in the weekly hours, sometimes less at the start of a semester, sometimes more in the middle and at the end.
• The habit of timely communication with the Ceramics Prof/Co-op supervisor, in person and email.
• Time management and organizational skills. These are key to efficiently creating a flow for studio/class operations throughout the semester.
• Attentiveness + accuracy when monitoring or operating kiln firing schedules
• Attentiveness and care in unloading kilns for safety and viability of finished student work.
• Attentiveness to maintenance and care of glazes and slip buckets and work area.
• The ability to be pleasant to the students taking ceramics classes, never doing their work for them but facilitating their growth with appropriate answers (sometimes directing them to the Prof. for assistance) and fostering a cooperative studio atmosphere.

To apply please complete application.

A review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Please click here to review the University's Non-Discrimination Policy.

Mount St. Joseph University is an Equal Opportunity Employer