Foundry Tech (24-32 hours per week) at The Crucible – Oakland, California

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.

Job Summary

The Foundry Tech plays the primary role with respect to maintaining the equipment and resources needed to make the Foundry operate. The Foundry Tech collaborates with the Department Head to ensure that all Foundry activities can be performed safely and with the greatest efficiency possible.

The Foundry Tech, like all department members, is also responsible for making sure that their department feels welcoming and inclusive of everyone interested in learning. The Foundry Tech is also the lead point person for sharing information about new equipment procedures and safety training opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Department Head to plan and schedule equipment maintenance and repairs
• Work with Studio Operations and Programs to manage the ordering for upcoming classes, and with the studio to store and manage inventory for classes.
• 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
• Attend department meetings
• Develop and maintain area procedures and standards in partnership with the studio operations crew.
• Solicit reports on machinery needs and repair from Foundry Dept Head and Foundry faculty
• Relay facility and equipment situations that could impact classes to Department Head and/or studio and programs team
• Build out or modify equipment as needed to support new programming
• Teach in your department on an active basis and regularly support Foundry faculty in all classes
• Ability to coordinate with the Events and Programs teams with respect to legacy Foundry events

• Three years of experience producing work projects in their area of expertise, a minimum of one year teaching experience, and the capacity to create an inspiring environment in the classroom.
• Possess ability to safely operate and support a team using a natural gas furnace and willingness to learn and support a team using a coke fired foundry furnace.
• Knowledge of common foundry materials and any hazards that may be associated with them
• Advanced-level skill in various mold-making processes
• Able to support advanced, self-directed Foundry lab users
• Familiarity with common patination chemicals and their application
• Experience in identifying casting defect causes and minimization strategies
• Assist Department Head with regular departmental financial and material audits
• 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