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

Job Description

Job Description

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 : Contingency
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 should be referred to faculty or a supervisor.

Skills

• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population and faculty team.
• Ability to organize materials, prioritize assigned work, and maintain orderly studio environments.
• Ability to safely learn and operate approved studio tools and equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining established studio and safety standards.
• Ability to identify and report equipment problems, supply needs, safety concerns, and unusual circumstances.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and established operating procedures.
• Basic proficiency in instructional and college technology systems such as Gmail and Canvas as required for the position.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to frequently walk, bend, reach, stoop, push, pull, and perform physical tasks associated with studio preparation and maintenance.
• Must be able to lift and move materials, equipment, clay, kiln shelves, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, with appropriate assistance or equipment when necessary.
• Must be able to safely perform repetitive studio activities including cleaning, material preparation, equipment setup, and moving student work.

Mental Demands

• An interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin, and ability.
• Demonstrated responsiveness, initiative, and organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties.
• A willingness and an ability to learn college systems.
• High energy level with enthusiasm and an interest in helping and supporting students and colleagues.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.
• Ability to consistently follow safety procedures and recognize situations requiring faculty, supervisory, or emergency assistance.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries when assisting students and to refer instructional, evaluative, disciplinary, or technical matters to faculty or the appropriate supervisor.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Must be able to work flexible hours (i.e. evenings and night) including occasional weekends.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that calls for flexibility/adaptability and the ability to handle multiple interruptions and make quick decisions.

BENEFITS

• Wellness Program : Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Retirement Plans : Secure your future with our retirement options

APPLICATION / HIRING PROCESS

• Please fill out an application at Submit a cover letter, resume. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.
• Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Only applicants living in the state of Michigan can apply for GRCC careers.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.