Welding Department Head in Oakland, California at The Crucible

The Crucible inspires creative exploration and expression through welcoming, hands-on arts education and experiences for people of diverse ages and backgrounds. As an innovative hub built around the industrial arts, The Crucible is a catalyst for individual growth and vibrant community connections. A leader in the Bay Area arts community, The Crucible is widely recognized for its exceptional learning experiences, rich and varied arts programs, skilled and committed faculty, and unparalleled educational facilities.

The department head plays a lead role in planning the classes, workshops and programs in their department, and maintaining the equipment and resources needed to make the Welding department operate. The department head collaborates with the Programs team on faculty recruitment and retention and scheduling, as well as on class planning, new courses, and curriculum development.

The department head is also responsible for making sure that their department feels welcoming and inclusive of everyone interested in learning. Department heads are also the lead point person for sharing information about what is happening in their department. We rely on them to keep their department faculty informed of new educational procedures, safety and skills training opportunities, and new classes that will be scheduled.

• Work closely with Faculty Coordinator, Programs staff and Programs Director to plan and schedule classes and fill them with available faculty
• Support and advise Purchasing with ordering for upcoming classes, and with the Studio to store and manage inventory for classes.
• Hold a department meeting every quarter for an hour to communicate key developments, challenges, and opportunities in the department. (Virtual meetings are fine and we can help you set them up.)
• Support The Crucibles’ equity and inclusion goals by making your department a safe, welcoming and supportive place for everyone.
• Work collaboratively with other departments on ways to improve systems, coordinate energy and equipment usage, and support artists and learners.
• Send out a quarterly email to department members updating them on what is happening in the department.
• Attend faculty meetings,
• Develop and maintain area procedures and standards in partnership with studio crew.
• Report machinery needs and repair needs to studio technicians, if applicable
• Relay facility and equipment situations that could impact classes to studio and programs team
• Evaluations/observations for new instructors, coaching for teaching assistants
• Offer training to develop teaching assistants and staffers in Welding
• Develop programming six months to one year in advance for new classes and workshops
• Teach in your department on an active basis and regularly support Welding faculty in all classes
• Manage dedicated Welding volunteers
• Safety Protocols: Enforce stringent safety procedures in the workshop, ensuring all students understand and adhere to safe practices.
• Mentorship: Act as a mentor to students, guiding them through complex projects and encouraging artistic expression through welding.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of professional welding experience; experience in a creative environment is highly preferred.
• Technical Skills: Pro?ciency in various welding techniques (e.g., MIG, TIG, Stick, Oxy-Acetylene) and capability to work with a range of materials and tools.
• Creative Skills: An understanding of artistic concepts and the ability to support creative project development.
• A minimum of two years teaching experience, and the capacity to create an inspiring environment in the classroom.
• Excellent teacher, with demonstrated leadership in your field
• Able to guide advanced, self-directed Welding lab users
• Proficiency with Google Docs and Google Sheets
• Able to perform regular departmental financial and material audits
• Strong commitment to teaching, curriculum design and development, and collaboration
• Able to meet students where they are, respect and welcome them
• Nonprofit, educational and or industrial arts experience a plus
• Willing and able to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends when required.
• Able to lift 35 lbs
• Must hold a valid CA driver’s license