Ceramics Assistant (Canada Summer Jobs)

Summer 2026 - Pending Canada Summer Jobs Funding

The Port Moody Arts Centre is seeking a qualified, creative, and enthusiastic Ceramics Assistant to support and help run our Ceramics Studio. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in operating a community ceramics studio and learning all aspects of studio management in a supportive, non-profit arts environment.

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About the PoMoArts

PoMoArts, the Port Moody Arts Centre Society, is a not-for-profit community-arts organization that creates art experiences to engage, challenge, and awaken opportunities for connection. We provide art education, exhibitions, and community art experiences in the City of the Arts with various partners and artists each year.

We are supported by a thriving community of artists, volunteers, donors, businesses, associations, and decision-makers. We are an arts centre run primarily by artists, committed to developing, promoting, and celebrating meaningful arts experiences in Port Moody. We offer a full range of visual, ceramic, fibre, media, performing arts and music programs for people of all ages and experience levels. We curate exhibitions of local and regional artists, emerging and established. We create meaningful community art experiences with our partners that explore social issues, lift voices of those less heard, and support community dialogue.

Position Overview

Working closely with the Ceramics Manager, the Ceramics Assistant will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Ceramics Studio. Key responsibilities include mixing and maintaining glazes and supplies, recycling clay and operating pug mills, loading and firing kilns, and assisting with the delivery of ceramics programs and workshops. The role focuses on ensuring safe, efficient, and well-organized studio operations while supporting community engagement and program participants.

Note: The Ceramics Assistant position and its duration are subject to funding approval through the Canada Summer Jobs program.

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General Summary

The Ceramics Program Assistant is a full-time summer position (benefitted) responsible for supporting the smooth day-to-day operations of the PoMoArts Ceramics Studio. Reporting directly to the Ceramics Manager, this role focuses on studio management, equipment operation, and program support, providing a hands-on opportunity to learn all aspects of running a community ceramics studio. This position requires flexibility, including availability for afternoons, evenings, and weekends.

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Key Responsibilities

‍Studio Operations & Technical Support

• Operate and maintain a variety of ceramics equipment, including kilns, pug mills, wheels, and slab roller;
• Prepare and reclaim clay, mix and maintain glazes, load and unload kilns under supervision, and organize materials and supplies;
• Perform basic equipment maintenance, minor repairs, and inventory monitoring;
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized studio environment in accordance with health and safety protocols.;

Program Support

• Assist with the delivery of the Summer Ceramics Program and Summer Art Camps for children and youth ages 5–17 (early July to end of August);
• Support program setup and preparation, project demonstrations, and participant supervision;
• Organize materials and student work and ensure proper cleaning and safety procedures before and after each session;

Community & Studio Engagement

• Monitor the Student Studio and assist studio users as needed;
• Support the Ceramics Manager with studio functions, recordkeeping, and overall program operations;
• Contribute to a welcoming and engaging environment for all participants;

This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of ceramics program operations, studio management, and community engagement in a non-profit arts organization.

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‍Ceramics Studio Assistance

Technical & Kiln Operations

• Perform technical duties to support the safe and efficient operation of studio equipment, including pug mills, slab roller, pottery wheels, and the extruder;
• Assist with kiln room operations, including loading and unloading kilns, organizing shelves for greenware, bisque, and glaze firings, preparing kiln shelves, applying kiln wash, and coordinating kiln loads;
• Perform minor equipment repairs and adjustments as needed;

Glaze & Materials Management

• Manage and maintain glaze materials, including mixing, testing, documenting results, refining recipes, and developing color combination charts;
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and handling of materials in accordance with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS);
• Maintain studio inventory, including clay, tools, kiln accessories, and related supplies;

Studio Maintenance & Organization

• Maintain overall studio cleanliness and safety, including cleaning wheels, tools, counters, wedging tables, sink traps, and floors;
• Ensure health and safety protocols are consistently followed;
• Perform other related duties as required;
• Organize project pick-up and notifications for classes and camps;

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Ceramics Programming                            
Program Preparation & Delivery

• Assist with the preparation and delivery of classes, camps, workshops, and community programs, including setting up materials and workspaces;
• Support community events and outreach initiatives as a representative of PoMoArts;

Studio Operations & Administration

• Support studio operations through supply monitoring and inventory management;
• Update studio schedules and itineraries and assist in developing effective systems for tracking and managing ceramics materials used in program delivery;

Program Evaluation

• Complete a final report evaluating the Summer Program and providing recommendations for future improvement;

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Summer Art Camp Coordination

Camp Operations & Support

• Support staff, instructors, volunteers, and parents with day-to-day camp operations and program activities;
• Assist the ceramics instructor with preparing materials, organizing props, glazing, and general studio support during Summer Camp;

Activity Facilitation

• Develop and lead fun, creative, and age-appropriate activities during lunch and breaks, ensuring accessibility and enjoyment for participants of varying abilities;
• Assist with documenting camp activities, including photographing participants and projects;

Volunteer Coordination

• Work with the Ceramics Manager to organize and supervise youth volunteers, introducing them to assigned roles and facilitating smooth integration into camp activities;

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Qualifications

• Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to two years of college-level study with specialized coursework in ceramics. Minimum 1–3 years of experience in ceramic arts preferred;
• Strong organization and time management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities;
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment;
• Demonstrated ability to work with participants of all ages, social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds;
• Effective verbal and written communication skills;
• Knowledge of ceramic terminology, policies, procedures, and functions;
• Experience operating kilns, wheels, mixers, power tools and practices; clay and glaze chemistry;
• Ability to perform specialized and technical duties to ensure safe and efficient studio operations;
• Ability to ensure the care, security, and proper storage of artwork, equipment, materials, and supplies;
• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstratingtact, patience, and courtesy;

Assets:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook);
• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, preferably with a focus in ceramic arts;
• Experience working with underrepresented groups, including children and youth with disabilities; Indigenous, Black, and racialized youth; 2SLGBTQI+ youth; and refugees;

Other Eligibility Requirements for the Canada Summer Jobs Program

• Must be between 19 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, for the duration of the employment;
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations;

Remuneration: $19/hour

This is a full-time (35 hours/week) 16-week youth employment opportunity scheduled to take place from May 11 – August 28, 2026. The position and its duration are conditional upon Canada Summer Jobs funding.

How to Apply

Please submit your application to ceramics@pomoarts.ca, according to the following guidelines:

• PDF format only with your COVER LETTER and RESUME
• Your cover letter should clearly indicate why you are interested in this position, what you hope to learn, and what impact it will have on your professional development
• Must use “Ceramics Assistant” as the subject of your email

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Application Deadline: March 23, 2026