Find The RightJob.

Clay Maker & Tile Presser

Full time: 40 hours per week, onsite

Reports to: Tile Pressing Supervisor

Pewabic is seeking a creative, goal-oriented individual to join our Tile Pressing team. This role exists to support Pewabic’s mission to "enrich the human spirit through clay every day" by producing high-quality, handcrafted tile products and maintaining clay materials used in fabrication. The Clay Maker & Tile Presser contributes to advancing ceramic arts through skilled hand production, stewardship of historic clay processing equipment, and collaboration within a positive, tight-knit production team. This role is a unique blend of fine craft and heavy labor, requiring a keen eye for detail, consistency, and a "go above and beyond" attitude. This process is extremely physical and requires frequent lifting between 50 lbs and up to 100 lbs. This position is benefit-eligible after a 90-day waiting period. Resumes can be sent to hr@pewabic.org.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Responsibilities

Tile Production & Equipment Operation:

Prepare clay by hand for hand-press tiles with an arbor press to established aesthetic and dimensional standards
Maintain consistent craftsmanship and attention to detail in all production work to meet Pewabic standards
Learn and execute extrusion processes for architectural jobs
Learn how to setup and operate hydraulic ram press equipment for architectural field tile and retail giftware
Operate and maintain historic pug mill processing equipment along with modern pug mill
Support clay preparation and material handling processes
Meet or exceed established daily and weekly production goals
Assist other fabrication areas as needed to support overall production flow
Collaborate with production manager and or other staff for process changes

Clay Making & Equipment Maintenance:

Operate and maintain clay supplies using original equipment, including Pewabic’s historic filter press from 1912: Clay mixing equipment, filter press, and pug mill.
Learn how the historic equipment works and should function
Mix clay on a weekly basis, along with running the filter press weekly.
Perform basic troubleshooting, cleaning, and maintenance on vintage/historic production machinery.
Demonstrate a strong understanding of mechanical equipment essential to the clay-making process.

Production Support & Safety:

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe production environment at all times.
Strict adherence to safety protocols, including the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as respirators or hearing protection.
Complete required training on OSHA programs and Pewabic’s PRCR program.
Assist other fabrication departments as needed to ensure the smooth operation of the pottery.

Visitor Engagement & Team Support:

Demonstrate and discuss ceramic techniques with visitors, serving as an ambassador for Pewabic’s mission.
Collaborate across the Fabrication department to support overall production flow.
Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Production Manager.

Required Qualifications

Certifications or Licensure if required:

Pewabic OSHA program certification (or willingness to complete upon hire).
(Permit Required Confined Space) is required training and will be provided by Pewabic

Education: N/A

Experience:

Previous experience in a clay studio, ceramics production, or manufacturing/production environment is preferred.
Experience running heavy machinery and equipment preferred.

Technical Skills & Mindset:

Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to operate and perform basic troubleshooting on vintage/historic production machinery
Communication: Open, engaging communication style for interacting with both teammates and the public to create the best possible Pewabic experience.
Competency: Ability to retain technical information and maintain a high-functioning work ethic.
Mission Alignment: A strong connection to Pewabic’s products, mission, and historic creative community.

Core Competencies

Attention to detail and fine craftsmanship.
Team collaboration within a high-functioning, tight-knit environment.
Reliability and consistency in production output.
Pewabic OSHA program certification (or willingness to complete upon hire).
Commitment to safety (OSHA/PRCR) and quality standards.
Passion for working with your hands in a physically demanding role.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

Extremely Physical: This role requires sustained heavy labor throughout the workday.
Lifting: Frequent lifting of 50 lbs. consistently; ability to lift up to 100 lbs.
Stamina: Ability to stand for long periods, as most pressing and filter press work happens on your feet.
Environment: Exposure to clay materials, dust, production equipment, and fabrication tools.
Events: Working special Pewabic events is required.