Production Potter Position 2025

Position: Production Potter

Location: Hood River, OR

Pay: $18-$23/hr

We seek team members who are interested in dipping their toes into many parts of production and operations. You will thrive here if you work well as part of a team and can also manage your own workflow independently and autonomously. Interest in the big picture is key, as is excellent communication and a propensity to take initiative and problem solve on the fly.

Though this is an entry level position, it comes with the potential for promotion into a role that also encompasses production management.

Core Responsibilities:

  • Production throwing and trimming of items such as mugs, cups, vases, and planters etc.
  • Production of dinnerware using the Jigger Jolly.
  • Pressing and attaching handles.
  • Operating the pug mill for clay reclaim and production prep.
  • Loading and unloading bisque kilns.
  • Packing and shipping online orders.

Additional Duties:

  • Cross Training in all parts of the production process.
  • Weekly and daily cleaning duties. Facility and equipment maintenance.
  • Continuously challenging yourself to grow and improve your skills and efficiency.
  • Recording and updating accurate personal production data points.
  • Working collaboratively with other team members to plan and coordinate timely production schedules, workflow, and kiln schedules.
  • Maintaining a safe work environment.
  • Communicating with throwers, glazers, shippers, and managers to share workflow challenges.
  • Attending seasonal studio events and markets.
  • Being an advocate for healthy and supportive company culture.

 

Skills and Experience:

  • Proficient at working with clay and throwing on the wheel
  • Experience with repetitive, physical work, such as manufacturing/production, farming, restaurant work, etc. 
  • Excellent communications skills
  • Metrics driven mindset
  • Thorough attention to detail and sensitivity to the subtleties of line, shape, and proportions
  • Strong time management and continuous improvement skills
  • Ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds
  • Proven ability to quickly adapt
  • Organizational abilities
  • Proficient in Google Docs
  • High comfort level with learning new technological platforms such as Shopify.
  • Maintains a spirit of integrity, empathy, and positivity. 
  • Good sense of humor and enjoys working as an engaged member of a team
  • BONUS but not required
    1-3 years managing a team
    1-3 years in a customer service role

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to lift and handle products / supplies weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
  • Must be able to work while standing / walking for extended periods
  • Must be able to work at a workstation (sitting / standing) for extended periods

 

Working Conditions:

  • 32-40 hrs per week.
  • All team members work during core hours, Monday-Thursday from 9am-4pm with Friday as a flex day, as production flow allows. Friday work schedule to be planned out in advance.
  • A respirator and other PPE may be required for certain tasks.

 

Benefits:

  • $100/month health and wellness stipend. This is a no-strings-attached stipend included in each paycheck, for use towards healthcare premiums, massage, bodywork, etc.
  • Paid leave of Oregon is a state funded program that all Oregon employees are automatically enrolled in. Employees qualify for up to 3 months of paid time off in cases of serious illness, the birth of a child, a sick family member etc.
  • 401k: In accordance with Oregon Saves, all employees are automatically enrolled in a savings program that directs 1- 5% of each paycheck into a 401k account for you. You can opt out if this program does not match your financial goals.
  • Matching 401k: 3% after 1 year, vesting after 2 years.
  • 1 hr of paid sick/PTO accrued per 40 hr worked. This can be used as needed for sick time or planned vacation at your discretion.
  • Up to 5 weeks of unpaid time off upon advance request. All team members are expected to avoid requesting time off during our busiest season, September 1st through December 20th.
  • Educational contributions: Employees are eligible for educational contributions beginning 2 years after their start date of full time employment. Once eligible, Wolf Ceramics will contribute up to $1,000 per year towards eligible/approved educational expenses (such as workshops or classes).

 

Contingencies:

  • Verbal 2 year commitment. We ask that you enter this job with the intent and expectation of spending at least 2 years with us.

 

You’ll thrive here if you…

  • Take initiative and ownership over your work and the space that we all share.
  • Seek constructive criticism and be willing to give it to team members in a kind and respectful way.
  • Communicate openly and kindly. Ask questions and seek support when needed.
  • Be proactive about your time management. Take commitments seriously and communicate if production expectations need to be adjusted. Keep an eye on your productivity and efficiency.
  • Respect core hours and show up to work on time.
  • Take self care seriously and stay in tune with your physical needs and limits.
  • Approach your work and your craft with curiosity and with a growth mindset.

Apply for this position HERE