PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Since 1946, Barnsdall Art Center (BAC) has cultivated a space for adults to discover a passion for creativity
through various art forms. The BAC aims to enrich the lives of everyday people with its affordable yet substantial
artmaking classes. Through artmaking, the center strives to connect various cultures together and build a vibrant,
inclusive arts community. BAC is a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA).
The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is seeking highly motivated and experienced Art
Associates for the Barnsdall Arts Center (BAC) to ensure safe, secure, healthy and well-run facilities for the
instructors and students; assists students and instructors; and maintains equipment, glazes and fires kilns as
needed.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The BAC is seeking a ceramic laboratory technician to provide ongoing support in operating our kilns and
maintaining our ceramic studio/ laboratory, beginning in early 2024. This is an ideal position for a friendly,
energetic, caring, professional, and responsible Ceramic Laboratory Technician with a minimum of 5 years’
experience maintaining a ceramic studio/ laboratory and a passion for contributing to a safe and supportive
learning environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES included but are not limited to
● Assist in operation and maintenance of a ceramics studio/laboratory: perfom specialized and technical
duties to ensure efficient and safe operation; set up classroom/laboratory and equipment for instructors.
● Assist teachers and students in the proper and safe use of a variety of equipment, materials, and supplies
in the instructional setting; provide assistance to students as appropriate, assigned or according to
established procedures.
● Formulate and test clays and glazes; fire and maintain kilns; operate and maintain a wide variety of
specialized equipment including but not limited to mixers, wheels, and hand and power tools.
● In charge of loading, firing, and unloading the kilns (gas and electric)
● Order, receive and store supplies, materials, and equipment; maintain inventories, to assure appropriate
quantities are available for instructional use for each session
● Adjust, maintain, calibrate, and perform minor repair to equipment; report major repair needs or arrange
for repairs according to established procedures
● Maintain a ceramics classroom/laboratory environment in a safe, clean and orderly condition
● Prepare and maintain various records and reports related to classroom/laboratory operations and activities
as required
● Assist in the scheduling of the use of the ceramics classroom/laboratory equipment and supplies
● While working closely with education coordinator, create and maintain a public firing schedule for all
ceramic classes
● Provide information and assistance to students and staff in the ceramics subject area
● Safely operate, maintain, and demonstrate the use of specialized equipment, materials, and supplies
● Maintain kiln shelves and kiln furniture.
● Follow safety requirements and follow appropriate safety precautions in the storage, handling and
disposing of hazardous materials.
● Manage the recycling of clay
● Research best practices and new technological innovations in the field
● Make recommendations to the staff on the ordering of equipment and supplies

QUALIFICATIONS
● Bachelor’s degree preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience
● Minimum 5 years operating Kilns experience.
● Technical expertise in the physical handling of ceramics studio equipment both Electric & Gas Kiln
● In-depth knowledge of the handbuilding, throwing and firing ceramic process and glazing techniques
● Knowledge of ceramics history and contemporary practitioners in the field.
● Requires ability to work effectively and cooperatively with administrators, faculty, staff, students and
vendors, and demonstrated sensitivity to and respect for working with a diverse population.
● Excellent oral and written communication
● Strong management and organizational skills.
● Familiarity with Google Suite preferred
● Ability to problem-solve effectively.
● Must have valid California Driver’s license with reliable form of transportation

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
● Must to be ability to sit and stand for extended periods
● Climb up and down stairs
● Bend, stoop, and lift to move and retrieve materials
● Pull, push, and lift up to 50 pounds.

COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with Los Angeles City Ordinance 187134, candidates must meet the minimum requirement of being
fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive an exemption and report their vaccination status prior to being hired by
DCA. The ordinance is available at https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2021/21-0921_ord_187134_8-24-21.pdf.

Weekly Schedule: Occasional nights and weekends as programming requires

Session for 2024
● Winter / Spring Sessions : February ~ May. ( 6~ 8 weeks )
● Summer Session : July ~ August ( 4~6 weeks )
● Fall Session : September ~ November ( 10 weeks )

City Holidays/No Classes: 1/1/24, 1/15/24, 2/19/24, 3/25/24, 5/27/24, 7/4/24, 9/2/24, 10/14/24, 11/11/24,
11/28/24, 11/29/24, 12/25/24.

SUBMISSION
Qualified applicants should submit the followings information through this link by 5:30 PM on
Wednesday, August 30
● Cover Letter
● Resume with 2-3 references

Final selection will be based on a review of the cover letter and resume, as well as an oral interview. Interviewers
may also contact present and former supervisors, as well as review City Personnel files (if applicable) as part of a
candidate’s evaluation.

Due to the volume of applications that we receive, we are unable to respond to phone calls and emails regarding
the status of applications and the recruiting process