Studio Technician (Studio Tech) – Pottery Studio
Job Description

Location: 244 Commercial Street, Nevada City, CA
Position Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Reports To: Studio Manager
Compensation: $18-25/hour
Schedule: Includes evenings and weekends

Position Overview

The Studio Technician supports the daily operations, safety, and functionality of the Wolf Craft Pottery Studio. This position works directly under the Studio Manager to ensure the studio runs smoothly for members, students, and visiting instructors.

The Studio Tech is responsible for kiln operations, glaze maintenance, clay recycling, studio cleanliness, equipment stewardship, and member support. This is a hands-on operational role that blends technical ceramic knowledge with community presence.

This position does not manage the studio independently but acts as an essential operational partner to the Studio Manager.

Core Responsibilities

1. Kiln Operations & Firing Support

Load and unload electric kilns safely and efficiently

Monitor firings and maintain kiln logs

Maintain kiln shelves (cleaning, grinding, and kiln wash application)

Assist in assessing student and member work for proper moisture and firing readiness

Report maintenance needs to the Studio Manager

2. Glaze & Materials Stewardship

Mix, test, and maintain studio glazes and slips

Monitor glaze consistency and specific gravity

Maintain a clean glaze area and labeled containers

Assist in maintaining glaze test tiles and reference systems

Track low inventory and notify the Studio Manager

3. Clay & Reclaim Systems

Process trimmings and scrap clay

Reconstitute/remix clay 

Reclaim clay using pug mill

Maintain reclaim cycles and storage

Monitor clay inventory and assist in restocking

4. Studio Maintenance & Cleanliness

Maintain daily cleaning standards

Mop, wipe surfaces, manage dust control

Clean wheels, bats, ware boards, tools

Maintain sink traps and clay capture systems

Ensure glaze area is clean and orderly

Uphold OSHA and ceramic studio safety protocols

5. Member & Student Support

Serve as a knowledgeable, welcoming presence in the studio

Assist students during class transitions

Support members during open studio hours

Answer technical questions within scope

Reinforce studio policies and safety guidelines

6. Equipment Stewardship

Maintain wheels, slab roller, extruder, and pug mill

Identify minor repairs and preventative maintenance needs

Assist Studio Manager in organizing tools and shared equipment

7. Administrative & Systems Support

Maintain kiln logs and firing schedules

Assist with organization of student shelving and work storage

Help prepare studio for new session turnovers

Attend periodic staff meetings

Qualifications

1–3 years ceramic experience (wheel and/or handbuilding)

Working knowledge of cone 6 firing preferred

Experience loading electric kilns preferred

Familiarity with glaze mixing and clay reclaim systems preferred

Ability to lift 50 lbs (clay boxes, kiln shelves)

Ability to stand for extended periods

Strong organizational skills

Self-directed and proactive

Calm, steady presence in a shared studio environment

Work around dust (with proper PPE protocols)

Ideal Traits

Strong sense of stewardship

Detail-oriented and systems-minded

Warm and community-focused

Takes pride in clean, efficient spaces

Enjoys supporting artists at different skill levels

Flexible and adaptable in a startup studio environment

Wolf Craft Collective Art Café Team Member

Location: 244 Commercial Street, Nevada City, CA
Reports To: Art Café Manager
Classification: Part-Time or Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Compensation: $18-25/hour
Schedule: Includes evenings and weekends

Position Overview

The Wolf Craft Collective Art Café Team Member is a cross-trained hospitality professional responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences across all aspects of the café. This is not a single-station role. Team Members act as baristas, servers, hosts, bussers, retail guides, and creative experience facilitators.

Our café blends elevated small-plate food and beverage service with hands-on art experiences. Team Members must be confident preparing high-quality coffee and functional beverages, pouring wine and beer, plating and serving food, guiding guests through creative kits, and maintaining a warm, inclusive environment that reflects Wolf Craft’s mission.

This role requires energy, adaptability, professionalism, and a love for both hospitality and craft culture.

Core Responsibilities

1. Guest Experience & Hospitality

Greet and welcome all guests with warmth and professionalism.

Provide clear explanations of the café concept, including art experiences and creative kits.

Guide guests through menu selections and answer questions confidently.

Manage cafe reservations efficiently and in a friendly manner

Manage seating flow and maintain awareness of café capacity.

Ensure guests feel comfortable whether dining, crafting, or both.

Resolve minor service issues promptly and escalate when appropriate.

2. Beverage Service

Team Members must be fully trained and competent in preparing all café beverages with consistency, efficiency, and attention to detail. Because the Art Café does not operate a traditional espresso bar, emphasis is placed on high-quality brewed coffee, steamed milk beverages, and functional wellness drinks.

Brewed Coffee & Steamed Drinks

Prepare and serve high-quality drip coffee and batch brews.

Maintain proper brew ratios and monitor freshness throughout service.

Steam milk to proper temperature and texture for lattes and specialty drinks (using non-espresso bases such as concentrates or brewed coffee).

Prepare hot chocolate, chai, matcha, and specialty house beverages.

Maintain beverage station cleanliness and equipment care.

Functional & Specialty Beverages

Prepare adaptogenic lattes, herbal tonics, ceremonial cacao, wellness teas, and seasonal specialty drinks according to standardized recipes.

Measure ingredients accurately and follow prep guidelines consistently.

Understand and clearly communicate the purpose and flavor profile of functional ingredients (without making medical claims).

Maintain organization of powders, syrups, and specialty ingredients.

Wine & Beer Service

Pour wine to standard measurements.

Open and present bottles properly.

Serve beer (draft or bottled) in appropriate glassware.

Check IDs and adhere to California Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) requirements.

Maintain clean and organized bar area.

3. Food Service & Plating

Plate and garnish small plates and shareable menu items according to café standards.

Ensure correct temperature and presentation before serving.

Deliver food to tables with knowledge of ingredients and allergens.

Clear, bus, and reset tables efficiently.

Monitor dining area cleanliness throughout service.

Follow safe food handling and sanitation protocols at all times.

4. Art Kits & Creative Experience Support

Explain available art kits and pinch-pot experiences to guests.

Process kit sales through POS system.

Distribute appropriate materials and provide basic instructions.

Monitor supply levels and notify manager when restocking is needed.

Maintain cleanliness of creative stations.

Assist in light cleanup of clay, embroidery, or paint materials.

5. POS & Cash Handling

Operate POS system accurately.

Process cash, credit card, and digital payments.

Manage split checks and complex transactions.

Close out tabs and balance drawer at end of shift (as assigned).

Maintain accountability and accuracy in all financial transactions.

6. Opening & Closing Duties

Prepare café for service (brewing coffee, stocking bar, setting tables).

Restock inventory and replenish supplies.

Clean and sanitize workstations.

Take out trash and recycling.

Properly shut down equipment and beverage stations.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Previous café, restaurant, or hospitality experience preferred.

Barista experience strongly preferred.

Ability to learn and execute drink recipes precisely.

Comfort multitasking in a fast-paced environment.

Strong communication skills.

Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and remain on feet for extended periods.

Valid Food Handler certification (or willingness to obtain).

Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification if serving alcohol.

Experience and affinity with arts and crafts

Ability to explain simple arts and crafts concepts to guests

Personal Attributes

Warm, welcoming presence.

Detail-oriented and systems-aware.

Artistically curious or creatively inclined.

Calm under pressure.

Team-oriented and reliable.

Takes pride in both craft and cleanliness.

Performance Expectations

Team Members will be evaluated on:

Guest satisfaction and hospitality standards.

Drink consistency and quality.

Accuracy in transactions.

Cleanliness and organization.

Ability to work collaboratively.

Initiative and professionalism.