Production Studio Technician - Pottery_HNPL

Job highlights

• The Heartfulness Institute is a not-for-profit organization that aims to promote spiritual evolution through practical and innovative approaches
• With a broad range of resources to meet different levels and needs,the Institute offers meditation,relaxation,leadership,well-being,and lifestyle programs to individuals around the world
• Experience with both manual and electric kilns

The Heartfulness Institute is a not-for-profit organization that aims to promote spiritual evolution through practical and innovative approaches. With a broad range of resources to meet different levels and needs, the Institute offers meditation, relaxation, leadership, well-being, and lifestyle programs to individuals around the world.

Work Location: Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad

Position Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and skilled Production Studio Technician to support the smooth functioning of our pottery production studio. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in ceramics, knowledge of studio equipment, and the ability to maintain a clean and organized work environment. This role involves hands-on work with kilns, clay preparation, glaze mixing, and other studio operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Studio Maintenance:
• Ensure the studio and workspaces are clean, organized, and safe for daily operations.
• Inspect and maintain studio equipment such as kilns, wheels, pug mills, slab rollers, and other tools.
• Troubleshoot and repair minor equipment issues or coordinate with vendors for repairs when necessary.
• Clay Materials Preparation:
• Prepare clay bodies for production, including mixing, pugging, and recycling scrap clay.
• Monitor inventory levels for clay, glazes, tools, and other supplies, ensuring timely orders are placed.
• Kiln Operation:
• Load, fire, and unload kilns for bisque and glaze firings, ensuring firing schedules are followed.
• Safely operate electric or gas kilns and monitor firing cycles.
• Maintain detailed records of kiln firing logs and processes.
• Glaze Mixing Application:
• Mix glazes according to studio recipes, ensuring consistency in batches.
• Assist with the application of glazes on pottery pieces.
• Test and adjust glaze recipes as necessary for production quality.
• Health Safety Compliance:
• Adhere to safety protocols for the handling of chemicals, kilns, and other equipment.
• Ensure proper ventilation, dust control, and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.
• Studio Support:
• Assist studio artists and potters with production tasks, including trimming, surface finishing, and glazing.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to other studio members.
• Collaborate with management on improving studio workflow and efficiency.
• Documentation Record Keeping:
• Maintain accurate inventory records, firing schedules, and materials usage logs.
• Assist in documenting production processes and quality control measures.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience working in a ceramic or pottery studio (either production-based or educational).

• Strong understanding of ceramic processes, including clay preparation, glazing, and kiln firing.

• Experience operating and maintaining studio equipment, including kilns, pottery wheels, and mixing equipment.

• Ability to troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on studio equipment.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Knowledge of health and safety regulations related to ceramics and studio operations.

  Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with ceramic chemistry and glaze formulation.

• Experience with both manual and electric kilns.

• Ability to lift and move heavy materials (e.g., clay, kiln shelves).

• Basic knowledge of computer software for inventory management and documentation.