Handbuilding Guide (teaching beginner ceramics)

ABOUT US

Happy Medium exists to create and curate the best supplies, content and events for casual artists. There’s a lot of stuff there for kids and capital “A” Artists, but there isn’t much for those that fall somewhere in between. We are on a mission to fill the gap. We aim to be part of a world where more people feel emboldened to create things with their hands, just for the hell of it– because the real thrill simply lies in the making. We are located in Two Bridges in Manhattan.

THE ROLE

The Handbuilding Guide is responsible for leading the Handbuilding classes at Happy Medium, combining masterful instruction with impeccable service to ensure guest satisfaction within the Pottery. The Handbuilding Guide interacts directly with handbuilding guests as their primary contact, demonstrating handbuilding techniques and tailoring advice to help each guest achieve their goal. The Handbuilding Guide is also responsible for the execution of general pottery functions including setup and breakdown of classes, seating, and prepping materials and reports to the Pottery Manager.

Sample Responsibilities

• Efficiently wedge and pass clay before and throughout classes, ensuring that guests always have more than enough and never have to ask or get up from their seats, and that there is extra for the next shift
• Demonstrate how to handbuild the Happy Medium way, always maintaining a positive and friendly demeanor
• Check in frequently with handbuilding guests to make sure they are satisfied with their pieces and that they are structurally sound, tailoring suggestions and advice to each individual project using only positive and encouraging language (ex: say “I suggest trying this method instead”, NOT “you can’t do it like that”) 
• Explain check out process to handbuilding guests
• Execute following turn tasks efficiently between classes:
• collecting and washing tools/bats/splash pans from previous class 
• wiping down each wheel
• resetting wheels and handbuilding tables with guidance form Pottery Guide and FDA about party sizes and table configurations
• refreshing water
• bringing clay from slop buckets downstairs
• resetting smocks and towels
• windexing mirrors
• mopping if needed
• setting fresh clay at each spot
• ensuring that the space is set and ready to be sat 15 minutes before class time
• Pre-roll handbuilding tools during downtime
• Assist with tech duties during downtime (e.g., pugging clay, glazing, loading and unloading kilns, touch-ups, etc).
• Assist FDAs with seating and pickups as needed
• In-house production projects as needed
• Oversee members during Open Studio hours

Characteristic of successful candidates: 

• Confident leader able to balance needs of both team and guests 
• Influential with team and guest interactions
• Genuine interest in providing excellent hospitality to Happy Medium guests 
• Excited to start conversations with guests 
• Communicative with leadership/management team 
• Resourceful and able to solve problems on the fly 
• Radiates positivity  
• Strikes a balance of fast-paced, but quality work 

Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Full and regular weekend availability
• Exceptional hospitality skills
• Experience with Public Speaking
• Able to stand for long periods of time 
• Legally authorized to work in the US 

Benefits: 

• $25/hour base pay with additional compensation opportunities
• Free admission to the Art Cafe and select events
• Friends & family discount 
• Rapid upward mobility for motivated individuals 
• Career and artistic development programs 

Happy Medium is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal or state law or local ordinance. 

This role is on the ground floor of a growing startup with quick upward mobility for the right person.

To apply, please send a brief introduction to [email protected] with a resume and your weekly availability. Note that this MUST include weekends. Applications that don't meet these requirements will not be considered.