WORK HERE
VOLUNTEER & WORK OPPORTUNITIES
WORK OPPORTUNITIES:
The Steel Yard is committed to diversity and inclusion. It is the policy of the Steel Yard that there shall be no discrimination with respect to race, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender, age, physical limitations, or military status. Lived life experience will be considered over degrees; Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are strongly encouraged to apply. Read our DEI & Anti-Racism Statement here.
CERAMICS STUDIO TECHNICIAN
Ceramics Studio Technician is a new role here at The Steel Yard that will play a key part in keeping the Ceramics Studio neat, clean and well stocked. They are responsible for upholding the Studio Safety Policies, general maintenance of the ceramics studio and soda kiln area. The ideal candidate understands the value of the Steel Yard and upholds the mission and values of The Steel Yard Studios. They are enthusiastic to work as a part of a team to ensure a safe and inclusive experience for all studio users.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure the general safety and accessibility of The Steel Yard for all program participants
- Ability to work with a small but dedicated staff and be a team player, displays sensitivity to a diverse and inclusive demographic environment and community
- Enforce and train others on shop safety policies, report safety incidents when necessary
- Regularly attend staff meetings and maintain an active studio presence
- Participate in additional organizational meetings and events as needed
- Supervise and oversee residents, interns and volunteers as needed
- Promote Steel Yard Mission and Values
CERAMICS STUDIO TASKS
- Make sure tools and items are put away and off of work spaces
- Reclaim studio clay, establish system for reclaim
- Organize, and maintain, ceramics studio including clay and glaze rooms
- Inventory and maintain stock of tools and equipment
- Assist Resident Kiln Fellow in firing kilns and managing studio glazes and materials
- Maintain stock of PPE and facilitate ordering (first aid kit, n95’s, replacing the filter on the air filter)
- Ensure studio and tools are clean and accessible
- Perform and document regular machine maintenance
- Clean sink trap as necessary
- Assist in creating a Fire Captain Handbook and creating a standard for Fire Captains at the Yard
GENERAL STUDIO TASKS
- Help maintain general studio cleanliness (Empty lobby trash/recycling if overflowing)
- Refill paper towel and soap dispensers when empty
- Participate or facilitate fabrication for studio specific items (step stools, shelving, doo-hickeys)
- Collaborate with supervisor on studio projects (volunteer days, tool room and basement storage re-organizing, and site-wide/back 40 clean ups)
- Be observant of, and flag, any structural issues (leaks, mouse activity, broken doors)
DESIRED:
- Bilingual or Multilingual
- Experience in or interest in learning about Soda Kiln maintenance and building
- Experience in or interest in learning how to lead an Atmospheric Kiln firing
- Experience or interest in learning about glaze making
COMPENSATION
- $22.50/hr, 20hrs a week
- Steel Yard benefits as outlined in the Personnel Policies
- Full studio access
- Discounts on Steel Yard courses
This is an entry level position geared towards giving potential candidates access to professional development opportunities in the ceramics field. Candidates are not required to hold extensive experience in all the responsibilities and tasks outlined.
If interested in applying for this position please email studio@thesteelyard.org
Please include:
- Resume or CV
- Statement of interest or Cover Letter
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
The Youth Engagement Coordinator will support the functions of The Steel Yard’s Education Department, with a specific focus on our youth camps in the Summer of 2024. The Steel Yard offers three 2-week long day camps instructed by professional artists who work in the industrial arts. Each camp offers educational workshops & studio time in a real working industrial shop for folks ages 14– 18. Two camps focus on metals and ceramics, respectively, while Camp Sparkle is a metals camp with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ youth identity and development.
In addition to the following, the Youth Engagement coordinator will be expected to assist in administrative work required to prepare for the camps, evaluate camp applications, coordinate community building activities, and support the artistic and emotional development of campers.
– Prepare Camp Education Materials
– Develop community building exercises
– Coordinate student showcases at the completion of the camp
– Facilitate lunchtime programming with other local organizations, including a resource fair
REQUIRED
▪ experience teaching or leading groups, preferably youth
▪ experience with arts or youth development
▪ strong writing, communication, and presentation skills
▪ familiarity with Microsoft Office programs
▪ enjoys working with children and community members in various settings
▪ commitment to and experience in community work, education, and arts
▪ excellent organization, time management, work ethic, leadership, communication & writing skills
▪ an aptitude for multitasking projects at various states of completion
▪ eager to learn and able to solve problems independently and as part of a team
PREFERRED
▪ experience creating lesson plans, managing a classroom, and facilitating workshops
▪ familiarity with mental health first aid
▪ understanding of RI DCYF mandatory reporting procedures
▪ experience in Ceramics, Jewelry, or Welding
The Youth Engagement Coordinator will be on-boarded on The Steel Yard’s Youth Policies, and history of camp programming. They may observe Open Enrollment course sessions in order to better understand the flow of a class.
COMPENSATION
The Youth Engagement Coordinator will be paid a stipend of $2500, paid in two installments, at the beginning of the first camp and after the completion of the last camp.
TO APPLY
If you are interested in applying, please email your resumé and relevant information to education@thesteelyard.org.
CONTRACTOR: PUBLIC PROJECTS METAL ARTIST
(FABRICATORS WITH DESIGN SKILLS)
The Steel Yard’s Public Projects department works directly with municipalities, neighborhood organizations, businesses and nonprofits to produce public art and creative artistic functional amenities that are accessible to everyone.
We support the arts economy by contracting independent artists to design and fabricate locally inspired custom products. We seek folks who problem solve creatively, work well and independently in a shared industrial shop, meet deadlines, and produce quality, long-lasting work. All work is performed in our fully equipped industrial arts shop.
Most projects require the following skills: Welding, Metal Fabrication, Design
The artist is paid by project as a contractor and not an employee of The Steel Yard. Payment is typically dispersed as a lump sum, but you can estimate $20.00 to $27.50/hour depending on experience, with room to adjust as your skills grow.
ARTIST INSTRUCTOR
Steel Yard courses aim to give community members exposure to a range of industrial art forms in a safe, fun, welcoming, and creative environment. Interested artist instructors must have proven experience in their medium and teaching. This includes understanding the process, ability to see a project through, correct and safe use of equipment, and ability to give clear directions to students of different ages with varying levels of experience and learning skills.
The Steel Yard seeks experienced artists to teach community courses in blacksmithing, welding, ceramics, jewelry, and iron casting. Instructors are needed for introductory, advanced, and project-based courses; new course ideas are welcomed. Courses run all year round and include weekend workshops, single-night events, and multi-week classes. Compensation is $27.50/hour , with pay made for contact teaching & prep hours.
For consideration, please submit an application here.