Ceramic Studio Coordinator

Ceramic Studio Coordinator

Schedule: Sunday, Monday, and Friday, 9AM-4PM (negotiable)

Compensation: $20–$25 per hour, commensurate with experience

Position Overview

The Newport Art Museum is seeking a dependable, organized, and hands-on Ceramic Studio Coordinator to support the daily operations of the Museum School’s ceramics studios. This position will help maintain a clean, organized, and safe studio environment while providing support to students during open studio hours.

The Ceramic Studio Coordinatorwill work across all three ceramics spaces: the Glaze Room, Handbuilding Room, and Throwing Room. The ideal candidate has experience working in a ceramics studio, takes pride in maintaining shared creative spaces, and enjoys working with students and artists in a collaborative environment.

This is an active studio position that requires regular cleaning, organizing, lifting, and hands-on work with clay, tools, materials, and equipment.

Key Responsibilities:

Studio Operations & Maintenance

• Maintain clean, organized, and safe working conditions across all three ceramics studio rooms.
• Clean and organize floors, tables, counters, sinks, tools, and shared workspaces.
• Assist with general studio maintenance and preparation as directed by the Studio Manager.
• Help with clay reclaiming and processing as needed.
• Load and unload kilns as needed, following established safety procedures and Studio Manager direction.
• Assist with routine cleaning and maintenance of ceramics equipment and studio spaces.

Student & Open Studio Support

• Monitor students during open studio hours and help maintain a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.
• Answer basic questions and provide general assistance to students within the scope of the position.
• Help students locate tools, materials, and shared studio resources.
• Communicate studio policies and safety procedures to students as needed.
• Identify and report equipment, safety, or maintenance concerns to the Studio Manager.

Glaze & Materials Support

• Assist with glaze preparation and mixing under the direction of the Studio Manager.
• Follow established glaze recipes, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Help maintain an organized and well-stocked Glaze Room.
• Properly label, store, and maintain glaze materials and supplies.

Team Collaboration

• Take direction from the Studio Manager on daily priorities, special projects, and studio needs.
• Work collaboratively with the ceramics team to ensure the studio operates smoothly and efficiently.
• Help prepare the studios for classes, workshops, and other Museum School programs as needed.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working in a ceramics studio or similar hands-on artistic environment preferred.
• Familiarity with ceramic studio practices, including wheel throwing, handbuilding, glazing, and kiln operation, is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of ceramics studio safety and cleaning procedures.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work independently.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in maintaining an organized workspace.
• Comfortable performing physical tasks, including standing for extended periods, bending, lifting, and cleaning.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in any of the following are especially encouraged to apply:

• Ceramics studio management or studio assistant work
• Kiln loading and firing
• Glaze preparation and mixing
• Clay reclaiming
• Wheel throwing and handbuilding
• Teaching or assisting in ceramics classes
• Working in community art centers, college ceramics studios, or similar educational arts environments

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Experience:

• ceramic: 2 years (Required)
• customer service: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Newport, RI 02840 (Required)

Work Location: In person