October 28, 2024

Bari Ziperstein Studio / BZIPPY

Sun Valley

FULL TIME

Kiln & Glaze Associate - Ceramic Production Studio

Bari Ziperstein Studio / BZIPPY
Sun Valley, CA
Seeking a Temporary Full-Time Kiln & Glaze Associate
Full-Time: 5 days a week, 8.5 hrs / day
(Mon - Fri 9-5:30)
Position Overview:
Bari Ziperstein Studio is hiring a full-time Kiln & Glaze Associate. The Kiln & Glaze Associate must have a working knowledge of the best practices for kiln and glaze processes including glaze chemistry, mixing, application, as well as kiln loading/unloading and programming firings. Applicants must have 1-2 years of kiln and glaze experience.
Who we are:
Bari Ziperstein Studio encompasses four creative enterprises.
At the core is Bari’s art practice. Materially experimental and conceptually driven, Bari’s sculpture practice engages ideas of consumerism, propaganda, and the built environment.
BZIPPY is a ceramic furniture and housewares company producing open edition wares. Inspired by architecture and industrial design, BZIPPY builds on a taxonomy of slab-based forms to deliver high-quality, handbuilt functional ceramic objects.
Bari Ziperstein Collectible Design (BZCD) focuses on the design and construction of limited edition and unique functional ceramic functional sculptures. BZCD pieces are highly-engineered forms aiming to push the physical boundaries of clay.
Everything we do at Bari Ziperstein Studio is approached through three equally important pillars:
1. Creativity. All day, every day.
2. Honoring the long, intersecting histories of art and design through material curiosity, intellectual rigor, innovation in engineering, and informed, intentional aesthetic choices.
3. Respecting and valuing labor of all kinds through teamwork, fair compensation, and recognition that everything we make is conceived of, designed, engineered, fabricated, and cared for by human beings.
At BZS, we apply the same intensity of focus required to bring our objects into the world to the design and execution of our operations.
The setting for this position is within a 9,000 sq ft artist studio in Sun Valley, CA that houses the design, production, and sale of ceramic sculpture. With 16 full-time employees, the studio is a business first and an artist studio second.
To be considered: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio.
Position Responsibilities Include:
GLAZE DUTIES

Follow and maintain glaze-related systems and spreadsheets as directed by Production Manager and department Lead
Collaborate with lead to troubleshoot and test problematic glazes
Mix glazes as necessary according to glaze sheet
Maintain glaze inventory levels as needed
Apply glazes as directed by department lead (painting and dipping)
Maintain glaze tools inventory levels as needed
Maintain stock of glaze sample tiles
Replenish stock as needed
Stamp
Fulfill glaze sample requests
Maintain the cleanliness of the department
Vacuum kiln interior
Communicate low inventory levels to department lead
Assist department lead with glaze-related tasks as needed
Glaze artwork as needed as assigned by BZ

KILN DUTIES

Follow and maintain kiln-related systems and spreadsheets as directed by department lead
Check and move greenware as needed for bisque firings
Assist with loading and unloading of ceramic objects under the direction of the department lead
Load kilns as directed by department lead (bisque and glaze)
Program kilns as directed by department lead (bisque and glaze)
Unload kilns as directed by department lead (bisque and glaze)
Maintain the cleanliness of the department
Communicate low inventory levels to department lead
Assist department lead with kiln-related tasks as needed
Take the lead on loading and unloading in absence of department lead, collaborating with other team members as necessary

& Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:

Can demonstrate 1-2 years of knowledge of kiln and glaze equipment and best practices.
Previous professional studio experience.
Can demonstrate the ability to receive, understand, and apply information in a timely manner within the company training period.
Ability to write in a clear and concise manner that enables others to read, interpret and understand messages and written documents.
Are able to sit and stand for long periods of time, utilize hands and arms in a variety of positions with a wide range of grip strength and manual dexterity, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Are able to uphold good interactions with colleagues by maintaining clear personal boundaries and professionalism.
Have respect, admiration, and pride for the work done in the studio.
Ability to communicate with others and face potential conflict with empathy and understanding.
Ability to embody mistakes without blaming others.
Ability to embrace and provide feedback.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to push, pull, bend, stoop, squat, turn from front to back, turn from side to side, reach above shoulder level, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Must be able to sit, stand, and assume a variety of positions for extended periods of time
Must be able to work for extended periods of time with clay products and lift, carry, walk on, manipulate with hands and feet, and perform a wide-variety of physically intensive techniques and procedures on a continuous and daily basis
Must be able to work in a studio environment with cement floors and within limited fabrication spaces when production activities are in full swing
Must be able to drive their own vehicle which is in good working condition, have a good driving record, and meet the minimum requirements for vehicle insurance in California

To be considered: Please submit a resume, cover letter, and portfolio.
Candidates selected for an interview will be provided with a more detailed job description. In the event that you would like to receive more specific information about this position prior to submitting your resume, please send us a message. First round of interviews are held virtually, second round of interviews are held on site and include a skills assessment.
Please contact the studio with any questions regarding this open position.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $21.50 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits: