Saint John's Pottery Apprentice

Saint John's Pottery at Saint John’s University invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit-eligible position of Apprentice.

The Pottery Studio Apprentice gains a holistic understanding of the skills and practices required to become a professional potter. The apprenticeship focuses on working with local and natural materials, learning disciplined throwing techniques on a Karatsu-style kick wheel, and crafting specialized tools. Apprentices develop competency in brush painting, slip painting, and inlay techniques. They also learn the complex process of a two year firing cycle of loading and firing three styles of wood kiln firing as well as gas and electric kiln firing.

Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU.

The posted wage represents CSB and SJU's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This role includes no-cost campus housing for the duration of the apprenticeship, as well as two daily meals from the Saint John’s Refectory dining hall. A stipend equivalent may be offered in lieu of the room and board benefits.

• Perform all tasks necessary for the care of the artwork of the Director and fellow program participants.
• Maintain the Johanna Kiln and other kilns, including preparing firewood, cleaning kiln furniture, and repairing kiln structures.
• Fully participate in the twelve-day wood kiln firing that occurs once every two years.
• Research and develop clay and glaze material and demonstrate competency in clay and glaze processing and new materials testing.
• Process local clay through a series of washing, screening and filter-pressing, and create a homogeneous clay body using a pug mill.
• Process clay slip through washing and screening of natural materials and testing mixtures for correct consistency.
• Process glaze materials by washing and screening plant ashes and minerals and testing glaze calculation for new glazes.
• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and organization in personal and shared work areas.
• Demonstrate understanding of proper safety techniques to ensure safe air quality for self and others when processing materials.
• Use provided personal protective equipment (PPE) as required to ensure safety of self and others.
• Create clay artwork on the Karatsu-style kick wheel utilizing techniques of throwing off the hump, singular piece throwing, coiling and paddling, and hand building.
• Decorate pieces through brush painting, slip painting and/or inlay techniques.
• Participate in artistic events, sales, and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Maintain studio operating hours and public open hours as assigned.
• Assist in hosting events for tour groups.
• Provide studio tours and serve tea to guests during the daily 3:00 p.m. teatime.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree; bachelors in fine arts or related field preferred.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive working relationships with both internal and external clientele.
• Self-motivated with a strong commitment to achieving the goals of the Apprenticeship Program.
• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule to meet the operational needs of the studio, including evening and weekend hours as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Occasionally required to lift or move items up to 50 pounds. 
• Ability to perform physical tasks for extended periods, including lifting, pushing, pulling, stooping, and reaching, squatting, standing, etc. as required.
• Ability to perform the physical duties of the position, including working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain.

Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5500 or [email protected].

It is the policy of SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

Saint John's University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.