Third Degree Glass Factory in St. Louis, Missouri, is looking for part-time production glassblowers! Come join our twenty-two year old glass arts and event space as we embark on making retail production glassware from our beautiful studio. Third Degree Glass Factory is at the center of the Delmar Maker District in St Louis, an exciting neighborhood with several maker and art spaces, restaurants and bars, and other amenities. Third Degree exists to create amazing experiences with glass, and is hungry for new talent, excitement, and energy!
Our production glass shifts run 32 hours a week, with three full shifts of production as well as a mixed day for prototyping and production, equipment maintenance and coldworking. Production glassblowers will primarily be making mold-blown glasswares, although the product mix will contain a range of different techniques and processes. The more experienced and capable the shop, the more complex the production tasks may be, up to and including custom glass pieces to satisfy our customs clients. Our production glassworkers will also be expected to assist – or demonstrate – glass during our monthly Third Friday events.
Remuneration will range from $15/hr to $23/hr depending on experience and capacity coming in. After an initial probationary period, additional benefits will accrue, including insurance, PTO, complementary studio rental time, discounts on purchases, and other benefits.
About You
We are looking for part-time gaffer and part-time assistant candidates. Glassworking is hot, hard, and heavy work – but a rewarding artform and skill that unlocks incredible opportunities for art and self-expression!
Gaffer applicants will have 2-3 years of glassblowing experience, ideally in a factory (but regular glassblowing employment or experience in a studio, art glass, or educational setting can suffice). The most important thing is adaptability and coachability! We pride ourselves on our professional and pleasant working environment. Wages will be industry- and locally-competitive, and the gaffer will captain a small shop of assistants and trainees. Leadership potential and communication capacities are a must! Gaffers will be expected to train assistants to production rhythm and pacing, and work alongside and report to the Creative Director for production training and scheduling, glass throughput, and production needs. After probation, Gaffers will receive a free studio rental block per week for their own art practice.
Glassblowing Assistant applicants will come in with curiosity, a willingness to learn, and willingness to work hard in an environment that is fast-paced, hot, and manually engaged. Some familiarity with glassblowing terms, equipment, skills, and basics are desired, but Assistants will learn necessary glass handling skills on the job, and have the opportunity to advance in standing and pay as experience and skill are built. As skills and capacities are unlocked, and training levels achieved, Assistants will gain access to their own studio time to hone their skills and art.
Applicants should possess the following qualifications:Intermediate to advanced glassblowing skills, ideally 2+ years of professional hot glass experience
Must be able to produce paperweights, cups, ornaments, bowls, vases and other basic objects with ease
Experience or familiarity with mold-blowing and production glass
Strong work ethic and coachability
Open, positive and friendly personality
Leadership capacity and personal responsibility
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Keeping the studio in proper working order
Daily and weekly cleaning and upkeep of the studio and equipment
Be informed and knowledgeable of all process, rules, regulations, standard operating procedures
Adhere to all safety policies and procedures
Safely operate general glassblowing equipment
Must be able to work scheduled days which includes all Third Friday events