Specialty Instructor- Clay & Ceramics

 Benefit type: Part time, non benefited

Benefits available: For a full description of our benefits, please click here.

About the job:

Bend Park & Recreation District is seeking experienced ceramics instructors to teach engaging classes for youth and adults. We welcome instructors with expertise in wheel throwing, hand building, sculpture, glazing, firing techniques, and other clay-based art forms. Instructors should be passionate about fostering creativity while providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Our Art Instructors plan and instruct specialized classes and activities. they develop lesson plans, prepare materials, instruct class and monitor participants.

A day in the life:

 Duties may include but are not limited to the following:   

• Instructs assigned classes, programs and activities.
• Plans, organizes and implements curriculum based upon overall program objectives and guidelines.
• Oversees the safety, comfort and progress of participants.
• Develops rapport with participants and responds to questions, concerns, etc.
• Collaborates with Coordinator/Management staff to develop, plan and schedule classes.
• Communicates with staff regarding facility, equipment and supply needs.
• Sets up, take down, clean-up after class as required.
• Addresses program specific risk management/safety issues.
• Facilitates inclusion of special needs participants in program.
• Manages accidents and incidents according to procedures.
• Acts as a mandatory reporter and complies with mandatory reporting guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Schedule and Hours:  

Work schedule will be determined together with the Arts and Enrichment Supervisor, based on both classroom and instructor availability for Fall and Winter Programming. 

What you'll need for success:

Strong Knowledge of:

• Recreational activity for which providing instruction and/or supervision;
• Theory, principle and practices for specialized area; and
• Curriculum and effective teaching methods for area of assignment

Skill and Ability to:

• Demonstrate competency in specialized area; 
• Communicate effectively with a diverse group of people; 
• Effectively prepare and present lessons to a variety of audiences taking into consideration age, abilities and levels;  
• Effectively handling disruptions, conflicts, and responding to problems addressing customer service concerns, and emergency situations as they arise; and
• Work cooperatively with others and create a positive, constructive relationship with staff and customers. 

What we’re looking for:

SPECIALTY INSTRUCTOR Required Experience & Training:

1. High School diploma or equivalent; college coursework or vocations training with emphasis in related field preferred; AND
2. Two (2) years of professional level experience in area of specialty area; OR
3. Some teaching experience required.
4. Any satisfactory combination of experience and training.

License and certifications:

1. Some positions may require possession of or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire a valid First Aid/CPR certification.

2. Some positions may require possession of, or ability to obtain valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days with an acceptable driving history as defined by district driving policy.

Supervision Received:

Works under the supervision of the Arts and Enrichment Supervisor.

Supervision Exercised:

Exercises supervision of any volunteer classroom assistants.

Working Conditions:

• Depending upon job assignment, duties may be performed either indoors or outdoors, which may include working in extreme weather conditions.
• Work schedule generally requires weekday hours with occasional weekends and holidays. 
• Ability to walk and stand for sustained period of time with frequent climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting.
• The flow of work and character of duties involve normal mental and visual attention much or all of the time. 
• Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds unassisted, pushing, pulling, and kneeling in order to store, set-up, and clean-up equipment and supplies. 
• Exposure to large crowds, uncooperative or difficult individuals, exposure to illness, and periods of continuous demand. 

Selection Process:

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training and willingness to learn the skills required for the position. An offer of employment is contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by Bend Park & Recreation District policies, including a background check and a driving history review when driving is required for position. 

Veteran Preference Status

Under Oregon law, veterans who meet minimum qualifications for a position may be eligible for employment preference. To qualify for veterans’ preference, you must submit required documentation prior to the closing date of the recruitment. Veterans’ preference cannot be awarded without required documentation. Beginning January 1, 2026, certain preferences will also apply to current and former members of the Oregon National Guard. For more information on if you qualify for veterans’ preference visit https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/veterans-preference.aspx

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Bend Park and Recreation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Bend Park & Recreation District Core Competencies:

All positions with Bend Park and Recreation District are subject to district and position competencies. Below is a list of the most critical competencies for this position. Additional competencies are required for the position and may change based on district needs. A complete list of the competencies is available from Human Resources.