Join Our Team!

 
 

We’re looking for an awesome new shop tech to join our staff!

About Firehouse Glass:

Firehouse Glass has been a part of Vancouver’s growing downtown since 1999 when Greg Lueck and Rebecca Seymour introduced a premier glass art facility in the local community.  Over the last two decades, Firehouse has been a trailblazer in reviving Downtown Vancouver’s and establishing The Arts District.  Read our full story on our website!

Firehouse provides world class glassblowing education, live demos to the public, a reliable studio for local artists, and a great place to explore the wonders of glass art!  Our facility offers fully equipped space for glassblowing, lamp/torch/flame working, and fusing mediums.  It’s also part of our mission to teach others about glass and have private lessons in each of these areas available.   Our gallery (open Saturdays 11am-3pm) features the creations of the artists who work out of our shop.   Our facility is open to renters 7 days a week. 

Position Overview:

As Shop Technician & Gallery Attendant you’ll be responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations of the facilities, in partnership with the Lead Shop Technician, Shop Technician(s), and General Manager.  This position requires availability for main shifts on Wednesdays, some Sundays, and one Saturday per month.  We also need periodic evening coverage.  Please only apply if you have availability on those days.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Shop Technician Major Activities:

  • Work with the Lead Shop Technician and Shop Technician(s) to make sure operations are covered on a day-to-day basis (we typically look at the schedule on a weekly basis and divide and concur) 

  • Cover “light ups” (start equipment in advance so it can get warm for renters and ensure the studio is set up) and assist Lead Shop Tech in daily coverage for studio rental (9a-10p, 7 days a week)

  • Ensure all scheduled renters have what they need – light up / set up in advance of scheduled arrival as appropriate to hot shop, warm shop, or cold shop.  Complete orientation with new renters.  Close up and ensure cleanliness standards are enforced.  Ensure renters pay before they / you leave. 

  • Charge (load fresh glass into) the furnace as assigned to you (weekly need / scheduling would be discussed with Lead Shop Tech)

  • Help haul batch (glass in raw form in 50lb bags) and complete supply runs as needed

  • Manage physical facilities by ensuring all studios are functional, maintained, and clean.  Maintain appearance of public space.  Communicate any issues or supply needs to Lead Shop Tech, Manager, or Owner.

  • Assist in the completion of the monthly, bi-annual, and yearly maintenance log (with help from Lead Shop Tech., and other Firehouse Staff)

  • Learn and study Firehouse Glass equipment to support Lead Shop Tech. and Firehouse Team effectively maintain specialty equipment.  

  • Provide alarm and vacation coverage where needed

Gallery Activities (one Saturday per month):

  • When scheduled, open the gallery on Saturdays from 10am-3pm making sure to:

    • Dust, vacuum, mop, and ensure general cleanliness of space

    • Stock shelves as needed

    • Build boxed and ensure packaging supplies are available

    • Communicate any gaps in inventory to Manager

    • Answer any customer questions and let Manager know of any follow ups needed

    • Provide excellent, attentive, and timely customer service

    • Provide point of sale transactions and gift wrapping for customers as needed

  • Work with the Manager to ensure the gallery is adequately stocked for the season  

  • Participate in special events like gallery resets, First Friday events, and Art Fest when asked

  • Provide vacation coverage where needed

What You Bring:

  • Desired 1 year technician, maintenance, engineering, or similar experience

  • Customer service experience or proven track record of working well with others

  • A positive attitude, capable of autonomous work and asking for help when needed 

  • Ability to manage a schedule that may change from day to day

  • Problem solving, time management, delegation, communication

  • Physically able to haul 50lb bags of batch and large oxygen canisters

  • A valid driver’s license and working vehicle 

What You Get:

  • A really neat work environment with a bunch of creative people in Downtown Vancouver

  • If you’re a glass worker (or become one, with your awesome new job): Opportunity to showcase your work in our gallery.  Eligible to be part of the monthly First Friday Demo rotation.  Killer exchange rate for hours worked paid out in shop rental. Use of the cold shop equipment and other studio spaces. 

  • An opportunity to do some fun projects on a historic building from 1906 – if that’s your thing!

  • We provide training on glass equipment and shop maintenance, plus you will be working with other more experienced technicians providing endless opportunities for learning

  • This is an Independent Contractor (1099) position where hours are based on demand and team availability.  You may be asked to cover vacations or time off for the Lead Shop Tech.  We’d also do our best to work with a student whose classes may change every few months.  This position can be reasonably flexible, but we know we have a need for Wednesday, some evenings, and weekend coverage. 

  • Firehouse “Shifts” look different than other places, allowing ample time to run personal errands, attend class, or work on homework in between responsibilities.  However, we do have specific time slots that require coverage everyday if we have renters coming in (8am-9am, 12:30-1:30pm, 5-6pm “light ups” for most renters and close up at 10pm for new renters).

  • We expect this position to fulfill 10-15 hours per week

Eligibility:

  • Must be willing to submit to a background check upon hire

  • Must submit 3 references

  • Please only apply if you are available Wednesdays, some evenings, and some weekends

To Apply:

  • Please send your resume to info@firehouseglass.com