Raw Materials Technical Specialist

The Raw Materials Technical Specialist will manage the Grinding Room and facilitate student and faculty projects through material and process consultation. This is a 12 month position, as a Professional non-exempt employee, 40 hours weekly with benefits. The start date for the position is August 1 (an earlier start can be negotiated).

Responsibilities include:

• Technical consultation of student and faculty regarding studio practices involving: ceramic materials, their application, chemistry, preparation, and firing.
• Perform biannual SoAD Ceramics Lab Protocol Orientation for all ceramic courses and faculty to promote safe and informed handling of ceramic raw materials and mixing equipment. Keep the biannual orientation in compliance with up-to-date safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Train students regarding the safe use of raw materials and equipment in the Grinding Room. Provide instruction and supervision to students to ensure safe use of raw materials and mixing equipment.
• Maintain the Grinding Room and Raw Mats Lab material catalog. Source and store raw materials necessary to support ceramic art courses and individual research of ceramic art students and faculty.
• Participate in material tracking from procurement to disposal regarding hazardous material handling techniques. Manage the hazardous waste stream of the Ceramic Art Department.
• Keep thorough records in connection with the Raw Materials Lab and individual student purchases in the Grinding Room. Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable activities for the Grinding Room.
• Train and supervise work-study students for the daily operation of the Grinding Room and Raw Materials lab.
• Schedule and staff regular operational hours in the Grinding Room which meet the needs of the ceramics department.
• Maintain and periodically update the Grinding Room website including technical and safety documents as well as a ceramic recipe index.
• Participate in University safety training and comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Assist the Kiln Specialists as needed.
• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

Requirements:

• MFA in Ceramic Art preferred; or BFA with related experience in the field (ceramic supply store experience or equivalent).
• Other undergraduate or graduate degrees will be considered with related experience in ceramic art materials.
• Working knowledge of materials and applications for all ceramic art applications; experience in making ceramic art, preferably a practicing artist.
• Must be able to lift approximately 50 lbs. Must be able to operate heavy equipment, including forklifts and dump trucks.
• Knowledge of kilns and clay mixers’ operation and maintenance.

*Applications should be received on or before April 20th for priority review. Contact Walter McConnell, Ceramic Art Division Head, mcconnw@alfred.ed u, or Matt Kelleher, Associate Professor Ceramic Art, kelleher@alfred.edu

Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Protected veterans, minorities and women are encouraged to apply.