Glassblowing Instructor
We are looking to add two new people to our team to meet the high demand for introductory glassmaking workshops. Our classes are designed to allow participants to be very hands-on. As such, instructors must be able to anticipate common pitfalls and help “fix” participant’s pieces that have gone awry. Experience working in this format is preferred but we can train those with experience in a less hands-on teaching format. Applicants must be outgoing and have a genuine enjoyment of teaching as this will be your primary role. Knowledge of (or a desire to learn about) the history and science behind what we do is a huge plus.
This position is part-time (average 20-30 hrs/week) and work may fluctuate seasonally. Pay starts at $25/hr with the potential to make tips. We encourage all applicants to consider supplementing their income through sales of their own work and will provide each team member at least one free 4-hour glassblowing session each week, as well as, free cold shop access. Additional free sessions will be available during slow periods or, on-the-fly, as opportunities arise. Paid assisting work is also a possibility through the studio and/or individual artists for those looking to pick up extra work.
Secondary responsibilities may include help with some production glassblowing sessions and general studio maintenance. GPG is still a small studio with a tight-knit staff who each need to wear multiple hats sometimes. This is a great opportunity to keep your hands fresh or tighten up those teaching skills while being able to develop your own work on the side and learn all of the ins and outs of how a studio runs with a fun and hardworking crew.
Job Description
- Primary Responsibilities: Teaching introductory glassblowing classes.
- Hours: 20-30hrs/week during slower periods and 30-50 hrs/week in the Fall and Winter.
- Secondary Responsibilities: Assisting (eventually gaffing) production work and commissions, shop maintenance and cleaning, and TAing for some sand casting or fusing classes.
Job Requirements
- Professional teaching and production glassblowing experience required. (3-5 years/6,000 hours min.)
- Ability to work 10-12 hr days, if necessary. Morning, afternoon, and evening availability.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. (Charging the furnace)
- Ability to tolerate repetitive motion and stand on concrete for 4 hours at a time.
- Must be enthusiastic when engaging the public about glassblowing, retail offerings and other related topics.
- Applicant must be punctual, self-motivated, have attention to detail, be neat/tidy, eager to learn/grow, able to follow directions, have patience, have direct communication skills, be team work/goal oriented and have reliable transportation.
- Must be able to check your ego at the door. No gate keeping.
- Teamwork makes the dream work! Must be a team-player.
- You will have at least a 30 minute break every 2-4 hours unless you choose otherwise. So please no cell phones, or unnecessary breaks while you’re clocked in.
**Shop Tech skills or coldworking skills are a bonus**
Job Benefits
- Pay starts at $25/hr based on experience (plus tips for teaching) and will increase regularly as responsibilities and skills grow.
- Free hot shop, cold shop and general studio access after meeting minimum weekly hours. (20-30 depending on the season).
- Endless learning and collaboration opportunities through teamwork and from peers.
- Exposure to craft show and retail opportunity information in the area.
- Inclusion of any successful products in the Ghost Pepper Glass gallery, pop ups and craft shows in which the studio participates.
- Peer feedback about product development and team collaboration in finding appropriate retail outlets.
- The opportunity to work with glass every day and develop skills!!!
We work hard as a team and have fun where we can. You’ll get whatever you put in and then some with this job. Interested and qualified individuals should send a resume, images of work and a cover letter to katie@ghostpepperglass.com. Please let us know why you’d like to join our team and what you hope to accomplish for yourself, in this role.
Suggested application components:
- Resume – Not just the when and where but WHAT was your role there? What skills do you consider your strengths?
- Images – Any quality of image and medium is welcome but if the medium, scale or such are ambiguous, please provide that info.
- Cover Letter – What do you like about us? What do you think we will like about you?
There’s no specific format to provide this information but part of why we are hiring is that we are too busy right now. So please don’t make it a puzzle for us to get a sense for who you are or what skills you possess. When in doubt, give us a bit more info. And please take some time to get a sense for what Ghost Pepper Glass is about so that you can decide if we are even a good fit for you!