Ceramics Art Studio Technician – ICST 2

Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes. The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at a great cost. We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of our community. Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations. Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black-owned businesses. In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition. TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Asian, and other marginalized communities. We continually strive to become an anti-racist institution.

We are specifically focusing on improved support for traditionally marginalized populations, including Black/African- American, Indigenous, People of Color, Dreamers, justice-involved, immigrants and refugees, Veterans, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. To this end, TCC seeks applicants who:

• Value intellectual curiosity and innovative teaching
• Welcome difference and model respectful interaction with others
• Recognize and honor the important role that diversity brings to an educational community
• Are committed to educating a racially and socioeconomically diverse student population
• Are committed to teaching in a community college setting
• Care deeply about student success
• Intentionally support and promote efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Honor TCC’s mission promoting equitable access to educational opportunities
• Reflect the diversity of our community

position Summary
This Art department position provides technical support in the art discipline they are responsible for. The position requires technical knowledge and expertise in specific artistic practices. This may include one or more of the following areas: ceramics, sculpture, photography, drawing/painting, printmaking, and digital art. The technician will work closely the lead professor in that area and assist in a variety of duties both during and outside of class time. They will perform related clerical support functions under the direction of the Dean for Creative Arts, Literature, and Communications and/or Art department faculty.

This is a temporary classified position currently scheduled end approximately in June 2027.

Support teaching/learning in clay studio:

• Loading and firing all student work in a timely manner
• Maintaining gas, electric and raku kilns and all kiln/firing accessories as needed
• Formulating, mixing, testing, and maintaining all slips, stains and glazes for ceramics classes
• Managing the recycling of used clay to prevent waste and save space in ceramics lab
• Organizing/preparing ceramics studio and all materials before start of each quarter, and as necessary
• Maintaining, repairing and managing replacement of all ceramics studio equipment
• Working with faculty to implement safety procedures for studios/classrooms
• Facilitating safe storage and disposal of hazardous wastes in compliance with state regulations
• Organize and maintain ceramic materials storeroom, inventory all chemicals and maintain/update MSDS files
• Working with ceramics faculty and facilities on a continual basis to maintain a safe studio/classroom environment
• Assisting with studio management and workflow through ongoing communication and planning with instructors.
• Preparing teaching materials and equipment for use in class demonstrations.
• Demonstrating techniques and use of equipment as needed.
• Training work study employees
• Providing instructional support to students
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment in all ceramics related areas

Supporting the Art Department as needed:

• Support student learning by providing students with access to studios during open studio hours, overseeing their work during open studios, and assisting them in their processes as appropriate.
• Occasional assistance with TCC Gallery installations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with major study in specific instructional area (preferably ceramics) OR Equivalent education/experience.

The Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate

• Skill in building and maintaining internal/external customer satisfaction.
• An appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Ethics, integrity, and sound professional judgment.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, colleagues, and staff representing diverse ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic, and learning abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent verbal, written, and oral communication skills.

Conditions Of Employment

• The finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check prior to the start of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily prevent employment, but will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by HR staff.

• Tacoma Community College has no responsibility or obligation to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Application Materials & Procedure
Complete application packages must include the following:

1. Tacoma Community College application
2. Resume & cover letter. In your cover letter indicate how your background and experience meet the qualifications for this position.
3. Copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended (official transcripts will be required for the successful candidate).

Terms of Employment
This is a temporary classified position currently scheduled to work through June 2027. This position is scheduled to work Monday – Friday and some Saturdays. During the summer months, Tacoma Community College operates on a Monday through Thursday schedule. The salary is $47,100 – $54,204. Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet the department’s needs. Tacoma Community College offers a comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition for the employee; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our employment page/employment benefits: https://www.tacomacc.edu/about/employment/. A collective bargaining agreement exists and membership in the Washington Federation of State Employees or payment of a membership fee is available anytime upon employment. The layoff unit for this position is “All Other WFSE Classified”. Degrees must be from accredited colleges or universities recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and verified by National Student Clearinghouse. International degrees will be verified for U.S. equivalency.
Tacoma Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Patricia McCray-Roberts, Title VII and Title IX, 253-566-5051; Kathryn Held, Section 504 Officer, Building 7, 253-566-5157. Tacoma Community College is a smoke-free/drug free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.