Full time: 40 hours per week, Full Time
Department: Fabrication
Reports to: Tile Pressing Supervisor
Work Location: Onsite
Starting Rate: $19.67/hour
Position Summary:
Pewabic is seeking an energetic, mechanically inclined, and goal-oriented individual to join our Fabrication team. This role exists to support Pewabic’s mission to "enrich the human spirit through clay every day" by producing high-quality, handcrafted tile products and maintaining clay materials used in fabrication. The Clay Maker & Tile Presser contributes to advancing ceramic arts through skilled hand production, stewardship of historic clay processing equipment, and collaboration within a positive, tight-knit production team. This role is a unique blend of fine craft and heavy labor, requiring a keen eye for detail, consistency, and a "go above and beyond" attitude. This process is extremely physical and requires frequent lifting between 50 lbs and up to 100 lbs. This position is benefit-eligible after a 90-day waiting period. Resumes can be sent to hr@pewabic.shop.
Duties and Responsibilities
Tile Production & Equipment Operation:
- Prepare clay by hand for hand-press tiles with an arbor press to established aesthetic and dimensional standards.
- Maintain consistent craftsmanship, high quality, and attention to detail across all production work to meet Pewabic standards.
- Perform edge cleaning and dust pit preparation on gift tiles and ornaments to prepare them for edge glazing.
- Learn and execute clay extrusion processes for architectural jobs.
- Learn how to setup and operate hydraulic ram press equipment for architectural field tile and retail giftware.
- Safely operate and maintain historic pug mill processing equipment along with modern pug mills.
- Support raw clay preparation and material handling processes throughout the studio.
- Meet or exceed established daily and weekly production goals.
- Assist other fabrication areas as needed to keep overall production moving smoothly.
- Partner and collaborate with the Production Manager and other staff to refine and update production processes.
Clay Making & Equipment Maintenance:
- Operate and maintain clay preparation equipment using original machinery, including Pewabic’s historic filter press from 1912, clay mixing equipment, and pug mills.
- Mix raw clay and operate the filter press on a scheduled weekly basis.
- Perform basic troubleshooting, cleaning, and preventative maintenance on vintage and modern production machinery.
- Demonstrate and maintain a strong mechanical understanding of equipment essential to the raw clay-making process.
Production Support & Safety:
- Maintain an organized, hazard-free, clean, and safe production workspace at all times.
- Strictly adhere to all safety protocols, including the proper use of
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as respirators, hearing protection, and Pewabic OSHA/PRCR guidelines.
- Complete required training on OSHA programs and Pewabic’s Permit Required Confined Space (PRCR) program.
- Assist other fabrication departments as needed to ensure the smooth operation of the pottery.
Visitor Engagement & Team Support:
- Demonstrate and discuss ceramic techniques with visitors, serving as an ambassador for Pewabic’s mission and living craft traditions.
- Engage positively with visitors during high-traffic studio events and retail sales.
- Participate in Pewabic-wide events such as the annual Garden.
- Party, Staff/Second Sale, and holiday events.
- Collaborate across the Fabrication department to support overall production flow.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Vessel Making Supervisor or Production Manager.
Required Qualifications
Education: Ceramics degree or equivalent professional studio/production experience.
Experience:
- Previous experience in a clay studio, ceramics production, or manufacturing environment preferred.
- Experience operating heavy machinery, mechanical equipment, or power tools preferred.
Certifications or Licensure if required:
- Pewabic OSHA program certification (or willingness to complete internal training upon hire).
Permit Required Confined Space (PRCR) certification (required training provided by Pewabic upon hire).
Technical Skills & Mindset:
- Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to learn, operate, and perform basic maintenance/troubleshooting on vintage, historic, and modern mechanical production machinery.
- Communication: Open, engaging communication style for interacting with teammates and the public to create the best possible Pewabic experience.
- Competency: Ability to retain technical information and maintain a high-functioning work ethic in a physical environment.
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Mission Alignment: A strong connection to Pewabic’s products, mission, and historic creative community.
Core Competencies
- Attention to detail and fine craftsmanship in hand production.
- Team collaboration within a high-functioning, tight-knit environment.
- Reliability, consistency, and goal orientation in production output.
- Commitment to safety (OSHA/PRCR) and quality standards.
- Passion for working with your hands in a physically demanding, historic role.
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
- Extremely Physical: This role requires sustained heavy physical labor throughout a 40-hour work week.
- Lifting: Frequent lifting of 50 lbs. consistently; ability to lift up to 100 lbs with assistance or team lifting.
- Stamina: Ability to stand, bend, and move for extended periods, as most pressing, filter press, and clay-mixing work happens on your feet.
- Environment: Exposure to raw clay materials, dust, equipment vibration, and fabrication tools.
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Events: Working special Pewabic events is required.
What we can do for you:
- Be a part of a creative, fun, enthusiastic team
- Benefits include health, dental, and vision
- Generous employee discount
HOW TO APPLY
If this sounds like a great fit for you, please send your resume to hr@pewabic.shop. Pewabic is an equal opportunity employer.
