Potters, Manufacturing :: Job Description

ExistingUsers

User Name:

Password:

Forgot your password?
Click here

NewUsers

FeaturedResources

Potters, Manufacturing

Careers / Potters, Manufacturing

Summary Description


	Operate production machines such as pug mill, jigger machine, or potter's wheel to process clay in manufacture of ceramic, pottery and stoneware products.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Artist

2.	Ceramic Artist

3.	Clay Artisan

4.	Clay Artist

5.	Clay Mixer

6.	Etcher

7.	Glazer

8.	Jigger Artisan

9.	Jigger Machine Operator

10.	Jiggerman

11.	Model and Mold Maker

12.	Model Maker

13.	Mold Maker

14.	Pot Maker

15.	Potter

16.	Pottery Machine Operator

17.	Press Operator

18.	Production Potter

19.	Sculptor

20.	Studio Potter

21.	Thrower

Job Tasks

	Press thumbs into centers of revolving clay to form hollows, and press on the inside and outside of emerging clay cylinders with hands and fingers, gradually raising and shaping clay to desired forms and sizes. Shape clay or dough to create products.

	Adjust wheel speeds according to the feel of the clay as pieces enlarge and walls become thinner.

	Mix and apply glazes, and load glazed pieces into kilns for firing. Mix ingredients to create specific finishes. Load items into ovens or furnaces. Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.

	Position balls of clay in centers of potters' wheels, and start motors or pump treadles with feet to revolve wheels. Position raw materials on processing or production equipment.

	Raise and shape clay into wares such as vases and pitchers, on revolving wheels, using hands, fingers, and thumbs. Shape clay or dough to create products.

	Prepare work for sale or exhibition, and maintain relationships with retail, pottery, art, and resource networks that can facilitate sale or exhibition of work.

	Smooth surfaces of finished pieces, using rubber scrapers and wet sponges.

	Design clay forms and molds, and decorations for forms. Design jewelry or decorative objects.

	Move pieces from wheels so that they can dry. Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.

	Pull wires through bases of articles and wheels to separate finished pieces. Maneuver workpieces in equipment during production.

	Examine finished ware for defects and measure dimensions, using rule and thickness gauge. Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.

	Perform test-fires of pottery to determine how to achieve specific colors and textures. Conduct test runs of production equipment.

	Operate drying chambers to dry or finish molded ceramic ware. Operate heating or drying equipment.

	Start machine units and conveyors and observe lights and gauges on panel board to verify operational efficiency. Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.

	Maintain supplies of tools, equipment, and materials, and order additional supplies as needed. Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products. Order materials, supplies, or equipment.

	Adjust pressures, temperatures, and trimming tool settings as required. Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.

	Operate pug mills to blend and extrude clay. Operate mixing equipment.

	Verify accuracy of shapes and sizes of objects, using calipers and templates. Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.

	Operate jigger machines to form ceramic ware, such as bowls, cups, plates, and saucers.

	Teach pottery classes.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

<< Previous Page

Next Page >>

Interesting Fact

People with higher education levels are more likely to become entrepreneurs.

Did you know...

The MyPlan.com Industry Database provides detailed profiles on 77 different U.S. industries.