Instructional Assistant IV, Ceramics/Art

Chaffey College•Rancho Cucamonga, CA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Ceramics/Art Technical Assistant will assist in overseeing and running the college-level ceramics laboratory by facilitating the flow of student ware through the firing and glazing processes; maintain inventory of raw materials and monitor ceramics budgets; perform routine inspection and maintenance of lab equipment and oversee the operation of power equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in ceramics
Two (2) years as a lead tech support person
Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of: Terminology, methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in a college-level ceramics studio; Relevant safety precautions; Various clay bodies/mixing and recycling methods; Basic arithmetic and Excel.
Ability to: Effectively assist students in the proper and safe use of lab materials, supplies, and equipment, and to maintain orderly and safe conditions in the lab.
Keep accurate records and maintain inventory control; Independently organize and control workflow; Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, instructors, and others contacted in the course of performing assigned duties; Handle hazardous materials, hazardous waste terminology, and practices, in compliance with OSHA standards.
Ability to operate and maintain power equipment used in the ceramics laboratory, specifically, in the following areas: Electrical (test amperage/voltage); Natural gas systems and forced air systems; Woodshop/power tools and air compressors; Welding (stick, tig, mig, oxy acetylene); Glaze calculation, knowing safe colorant percentages at differing temperatures, and ability to recalculate glazes for different temperatures; Experience building kilns.
Demonstrated evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds in a community college environment.
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience building kilns.

Responsibilities

Order clays and materials throughout each semester; Prepare materials as needed by classes; Organize and fill material bins in compliance with OSHA standards; Purchase and pick up supplies/tools at stores such as Home Depot and Aardvark; Maintain accurate inventory of materials and usage per semester in database; Maintain records of BPO purchases in Excel database; Mix large glaze batches, washes, slips; Organize the storage and disposal of toxic wastes in compliance with OSHA standards.
Program Skutt and Geil kilns Load and fire all types of kilns at all temperatures; Keep records of firing schedules; Assist in the operation and maintenance of the 3D studio art facilities and its supplies
Oversee and train hourly employees; Oversee studio and kiln yard clean up at end of semester; Contact Maintenance and Operations to request repairs and cleaning; Ensure adherence to safety precautions; Maintain lab in clean, safe, and orderly condition in compliance with OSHA standards; Respond to laboratory emergencies including chemical spills and injuries;
Oversee the operation of power equipment; Inspect and perform routine maintenance, including: Electric and gas kilns; Gas safety systems; Electric wheels; Spray guns; Maintain and repair studio work tables; Empty clay sinks and water efficient sinks on a weekly basis.
Perform related duties as assigned.