Job Opportunity: Ceramics Technical Advisor / Technician
Summer Studio Residency
Position Overview
Job Title(s): Ceramics Technical Advisor / Studio Technician
Department: Programming, Ceramics Studio
Reports To: Operations Manager
Employment Status: Occasional, limited term contract
Proposed Start and End Dates: May 25, 2026 – September 11, 2026 (15 weeks)
Deadline for Applications: May 14, 2026
Key Responsibilities / Duties:
Applications should demonstrate both technical expertise and the ability to support emerging artists in a professional studio environment. Technical Advisors must instruct / lead four scheduled sessions for residents on June 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Session topics include:
- Regular studio maintenance and health and safety
- Equipment maintenance fundamentals
- Troubleshooting methods
- Starting a studio from scratch
Outside of scheduled sessions, Technical Advisors will act as Studio Technicians, providing occasional maintenance in the studios to ensure the successful operation of the residency program. This includes checking machinery/equipment, supply levels, cleaning, communicating with Craft Nova Scotia management, and responding to technical issues as they arise during the residency period.
Technical Advisors are experienced craft professionals who can guide emerging artists in safe, sustainable, and professional studio facility. This role is intended for individuals with significant studio technical experience who can instruct residents in studio and equipment maintenance while offering discipline-specific advice on establishing an independent studio practice.
Applicants must have Occupational Health and Safety procedures and/or certification, industry standards, and overall studio best practices. Previous teaching or mentorship experience is considered an asset.
This is a limited-term contract position beginning on May 25, 2026 for studio preparation and continuing through the residency period from June 1 to September 11, 2026.
Required Qualifications / Skills:
- Minimum 3 years of professional studio management and/or maintenance; either running a shared studio, institutional studio, or independent space.
- Demonstrated experience in equipment servicing and preventative maintenance, troubleshooting methods, knowledge of relevant suppliers (locally, nationally, internationally) and technical service providers, kiln maintenance, firing, glaze mixing and material management
- Must be WHMIS certified
- Must be able to lift heavy items up to 50lbs
Preferred Qualifications / Assets:
- Minimum 3 years instructional experience, either in an occasional, contract or full-time basis
- First Aid certification is an asset
- Excellent organization skills
- Excellent communication skills
Compensation: 4 June sessions [16 hours] $50/hr (Instructor rate); remainder $25/hr (Technician rate)
Location and Work Pattern: Working on-site at 1096 Marginal Rd, Halifax Seaport (Centre for Craft Studios); approximately 3-4 hours per week. Variable working hours are permitted due to the occasional nature of the position.
How to Apply: Applicants are invited to submit via the application form linked below. You will be required to upload a cover letter, resume, and two professional references with telephone and email contact information.