Adult Studio Assistant (ARTS & SCIENCE PROFESSIONAL II - H)
City of Palo Alto Palo Alto, California, United States
- Location: Palo Alto, California, United States
- Categories: Accounting and Finance, Museum and Arts, Sciences and Laboratory
- Job Type: Full Time
- Posted: Aug 13, 2025
Job Description:
Adult Studio Assistant (ARTS & SCIENCE PROFESSIONAL II - H)
Description
DescriptionJoin the Palo Alto Art Center as Our Next Adult Studio Assistant!
Are you passionate about art, community, and creative engagement?
The Art Center’s studios are a hub for creativity, featuring a fully equipped ceramics studio, and dedicated spaces for jewelry-making, printmaking, painting, drawing, and fiber arts. The Studio Assistant plays a key role in ensuring safe, smooth operations while creating a welcoming, organized, and inspiring environment for instructors and participants alike.
The Palo Alto Art Center is looking for an experienced Adult Studio Assistant to support our adult classes, workshops, and drop-in programs—serving more than 2,000 diverse community members each year.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
• Experience working in community art studios, especially ceramics
• Friendly, responsible, and customer-service oriented
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs and handle active, hands-on studio work
• Familiarity with studio safety and tools is a plus
Schedule:
This position requires evening and weekend availability, with regularly scheduled shifts:
• Tuesdays: 5:00-10:00 p.m.
• One additional evening (Mon, Wed, or Thurs): 5:00-10:00 p.m.
• One weekend day (Sat or Sun): 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
This is an SEIU Hourly (limited-benefits) position that is budgeted to not exceed 999 hours per fiscal year.
Essential Duties
• Oversee studios during shifts; serve as main point of contact for instructors, students, and volunteers
• Ensure participant safety and proper use of equipment in all studio areas
• Assist with studio setup, cleanup, locking the building after evening shift, and equipment handling
• Load, fire, and unload electric and gas kilns; mix glazes and maintain ceramic materials
• Maintain clean, well-stocked, and organized workspaces
• Provide strong customer service and support registration, rosters, and studio supply sales via Civic Rec
• Help enforce studio rules while fostering a respectful, inclusive environment
• Track inventory and coordinate with Studio Program Director and Technician
• Support public programs, events, and broader Art Center initiatives
Why Join Us?
The Palo Alto Art Center is your place to see and make art, activate your creativity and expand your community. We invite you to learn more about who we are and what we do click here: Palo Alto Art Center.
Minimum Qualifications
• Two years of related experience
Ideal Qualifications
Under limited supervision, candidates should demonstrate sufficient education, training, and/or work experience equivalent to:
• Bachelor of Fine Arts or related degree
• Specialized training in ceramics studio operations, including kiln firing and maintenance
• Customer service and admin experience in a studio or art setting
• Experience with cone 10 firing in electric and gas kilns
• Glaze mixing and materials handling
• Background as a practicing artist or experience working with professional artists
• Familiarity with the local arts ecosystem
Physical Requirements:
This is a hands-on role with active engagement in the studios. Candidates must be able to:
• Lift and move 50 lb. bags of clay and glaze materials
• Transport up to 2 tons of clay in batches using a hand truck
• Maneuver 100 lb. potter’s wheels
• Set up and break down studio equipment (tables, chairs, easels)
• Load and unload kilns for extended periods (up to 3 hours), handling 10-20 lb. kiln shelves
Supplemental Information
This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
The Selection Process :
- Recruitment status notifications will be sent via email or text (please enroll in text alerts when applying).
- Updates can also be found on your governmentjobs.com account.
- Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time.
- The screening process for this position may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.
The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
City of Palo Alto offers the following benefits to those in a SEIU Hourly position:
Medical Stipend
$3.80 effective the pay period including July 1, 2024.
Sick Leave
Earn .03 hour of sick leave for each hour worked.
Retirement
City of Palo Alto PST (Part-time, Seasonal & Temporary Employees) Retirement Plan
Please note: The City does not participate in CA State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Social Security.
Closing Date/Time: 9/8/2025 11:59 PM Pacific