Pottery/3D Design/Sculpture Lab Assistant - Part-time

Pottery/3D Design/Sculpture Lab Assistant - Part-time Department: Visual Arts Location: Grand Rapids, MI The Pottery / 3D Design / Sculpture Lab Assistant supports the operation of the college's three-dimensional art studios by helping maintain safe, clean, organized, and functional studio environments. The position assists faculty with studio preparation, materials, equipment, kiln operations, and routine maintenance while also monitoring designated open studio hours. The Lab Assistant provides students with basic procedural assistance related to safe studio use but does not provide formal instruction, critique, or assessment. Requisition ID: 1185 Employee Group: https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/employee-groups-resources/employee-groups/contingent-employees Schedule: up to 28 hours per week Compensation: $17.00 Reports to: Assistant Professor Posting Opens: 09/02/2026 Posting Closes: Open until filled ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Maintain clean, safe, organized, and functional Pottery, 3D Design, Sculpture, and associated studio work areas. - Assist with routine studio operations including preparation, organization, distribution, and storage of materials, tools, and equipment. - Assist with ceramic studio operations, including kiln loading and unloading, kiln furniture organization, clay recycling, and clay and glaze preparation. Assist with plaster mixing, mold-making materials, casting materials, and other processes used within 3D Design and Sculpture courses. Perform basic woodworking and studio fabrication tasks using approved tools and equipment after completing required safety training. - Prepare materials, equipment, work areas, and demonstrations as directed by faculty. - Monitor designated open studio or lab hours and help ensure that students follow established studio procedures and safety requirements. - Provide students with basic assistance regarding studio procedures, location and proper use of materials, cleanup expectations, and previously demonstrated processes. - Refer questions involving instruction, artistic decisions, critique, grading, or advanced technical procedures to the appropriate faculty member. - Help enforce established safety procedures and immediately report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, accidents, or other concerns to faculty or the assigned supervisor. - Monitor studio supplies and notify faculty or the supervisor when materials are low or equipment requires maintenance or repair. - Maintain appropriate studio usage, equipment, kiln, or other records as required. - Assist with routine cleaning and maintenance of shared tools, equipment, work surfaces, sinks, storage areas, and studio facilities. - Help protect student artwork and maintain appropriate organization of student work and shared studio spaces. - Open, close, and secure designated studio spaces as assigned. - Complete required college and studio safety training and follow established procedures for hazardous materials, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), personal protective equipment, and equipment operation. - Perform other studio-related duties and projects as assigned by the 3D Faculty or designated supervisor. - Follow College policy on the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA). JOB SPECIFICATIONS Qualifications - Required: High school diploma or equivalent, plus relevant studio experience. Preferred: Associate degree in Art, Ceramics, Sculpture, 3D design, or related field. - Experience working in ceramics, sculpture, three-dimensional design, studio art, fabrication, makerspaces, or a related environment preferred. - Ability and willingness to complete required safety and equipment training. - Ability to work independently, follow established procedures, and recognize when a situation shoul