Machine Shop Department Head

Our mission: 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. In addition to supporting working and emerging artists and art students, The Crucible is increasingly focused on supporting career pathways into the arts and the industrial trades, and on supporting access to our programs, for BIPOC youth and families, especially those from West Oakland. 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: Department Heads are the leaders of their department. They collaborate with the Programs team on faculty recruitment, retention, and scheduling, as well as on class planning, new courses, and curriculum development. They will advise studio technicians on inventory and maintenance requirements. 

They are responsible for making sure that their department feels welcoming, safe, and inclusive of everyone interested in learning. We look to them to develop students who are interested, into skilled artists, and help those students move into teaching roles when applicable. Department heads are the 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, as well as new classes. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Work closely with Faculty Coordinator, Programs staff, and Director of Programs to plan and schedule classes and fill them with available faculty 
• Manage the ordering for upcoming classes, and with Studio to store and manage inventory for classes 
• Hold an hour long department meeting quarterly 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 
• Create and offer equitable TA and teaching opportunities 
• Work collaboratively with other departments on ways to improve systems, coordinate energy and equipment usage, and support artists and learners 
• Develop and maintain area procedures and standards in partnership with studio crew ? Send out a bimonthly email to department members updating them on department news ?Attend faculty meetings
• Relay facility or equipment problems that could impact classes to studio and programs teams 
• Evaluate/observe new instructors and TAs 
• Offer training to develop teaching assistants in your department 
• Develop programming and curriculum in advance for new classes and workshops 
• Teach in your department on an active basis

•  Five years of experience working as a manual/CNC machinist, must have significant manual experience during that time, 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 
• Strong commitment to teaching, curriculum design and development, and collaboration ?Proficiency with Google suite tools 
•  Able to perform routine maintenance on lathes and mills (oiling, cleaning, tramming, etc.) ? 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 

Pay: We pay $30.00 an hour for a Department Head role. Occasionally, we can offer faculty teaching at higher rates, typically to participate in a time-limited grant-funded project where we have raised more money for higher faculty salaries. 

Non-cash benefits: Faculty members who have worked within the previous 6 months receive access to the woodworking department studio when classes are not in session and maintenance is not scheduled. Faculty also have access to free tuition (though materials and studio fees must be paid.) Some prerequisites apply. 

This is an hourly, part-time position based in Oakland, California. The Crucible is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all persons, especially those who bring the benefits of diversity to the organization. Women, people of color, people who identify as LGBTQIA, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

To Apply: Please apply by clicking the “Work With Us” link on our thecrucible.org webpage