Pottery Guide (Beginner Wheel-Throwing Ceramics Instructor)

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.

THE ROLE

The Pottery Guide is responsible for leading the wheel classes at Happy Medium, combining masterful instruction with impeccable service to ensure guest satisfaction within the Pottery, demonstrating proper techniques and tailoring advice to help each guest achieve their goal. The Pottery guide is also responsible for ensuring that every single class piece is ready for the first kiln firing by dedicating time while not teaching to checking, trimming, wiping, and repairing wet work throughout every shift. 

We are looking for Beginner Pottery Wheel teachers to lead 2-3 back to back two-hour workshops every Friday OR Saturday afternoon-evening, with shifts ending no later than 10 PM. Please note that this is a part-time, hourly W-2 position. This position also comes with the opportunity to work weekday shifts in our Tech program for the right candidate.

Sample Responsibilities

• Demonstrate how to throw on the wheel the Happy Medium way, always maintaining a positive and friendly demeanor
• Check in constantly with wheel 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
• Oversee trimming/wiping of ALL student work (wheel and handbuilt) to ensure a smooth handoff to Back of House team
• Assist in efficient wedging and passing of clay before and throughout classes as needed, 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
• Explain check out process to wheel guests
• Assist in execution of turn tasks between classes as needed, including:
• collecting and washing tools/bats/splash pans from previous class 
• wiping down each wheel
• resetting wheels and handbuilding tables
• 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 fully set and ready to be sat 15 minutes before class time
• Execute Back of House tasks as needed throughout shift during downtime, such as:
• loading/unloading kilns
• Dremeling
• Pugging clay
• Pouring candles
• Glazing student work
• Collaborate with Front Desk Associates on appropriate seating arrangements for each class

Characteristic of successful candidates: 

• Outgoing and confident, able to command a room
• Enjoys hospitality and “putting on a show”
• Team player able to balance needs of both team and guests 
• Genuine interest in providing excellent hospitality to Happy Medium guests 
• Excited to start conversations with guests 
• Communicative with management team 
• Resourceful and able to solve problems on the fly 
• Radiates positivity  
• Strikes a balance of fast-paced, but quality work 

Requirements

• Available for one weekend/evening shift per week (8-10 hours)
• Experience teaching pottery on the wheel, but willing to adapt methodology
• Exceptional hospitality skills
• Previous restaurant experience
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Able to stand for long periods of time 
• Legally authorized to work in the US 

Benefits: 

• $30 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.

Please email [email protected] with a brief introduction, a resume demonstrating relevant experience, and your weekly availability. Applicants that do not have full, consistent availability on Fridays or Saturdays will not be considered.