Production Potter
Job Title: Production Potter
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Employment Type: Hourly / Full-Time (In-Person)
Date posted: 5/7/25
About Rookwood:
Founded in 1880, Rookwood is a heritage ceramics company rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and community. Every piece that leaves the studio carries over a century of tradition, made by artists who value quality and innovation in equal measure.
Position Overview:
Rookwood is seeking a skilled and creatively minded Production Potter to join its studio team. This is a full-time, in-person role based in Cincinnati, requiring 40 hours per week on site. The Production Potter plays a key role in producing one-of-a-kind collections, custom pieces, and new product lines. From interpreting historic forms to developing contemporary designs, this role offers the opportunity to contribute both technically and creatively.
The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and brings a refined sense of form, surface, and detail to their work. This includes experience in carving, adding relief elements, and enhancing forms through surface manipulation. The role also includes public-facing responsibilities such as live throwing demonstrations during events.
Key Responsibilities:
- Produce ceramic forms using hand-throwing techniques according to production and design standards
- Collaborate with design and development teams on new product concepts and special collections
- Apply carving, relief, and surface design techniques to enhance thrown forms
- Maintain consistency, efficiency, and craftsmanship in daily production
- Participate in public-facing events, including live throwing demonstrations and guest interaction
- Maintain a clean and organized workspace and equipment
Work collaboratively within the studio while managing personal workflow and deadlines - Stay open to feedback, experimentation, and creative growth
Requirements:
- Proficient in hand-throwing techniques with production-level experience
- Skilled in carving, relief work, and surface embellishment on thrown forms
- Strong attention to detail and ability to reproduce consistent forms
- Physically able to meet the demands of full-time studio work (lifting, wedging, standing/sitting for long periods)
- Comfortable engaging with the public during events and demos
- Must be available to work on-site in Cincinnati, 40 hours per week
- Team-oriented, with a flexible and open-minded approach to creative collaboration
- Must submit a portfolio of work and complete an in-person competency demonstration as part of the hiring process
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience in a production pottery studio or ceramics manufacturing setting
Familiarity with both historic and modern ceramic forms
Passion for ceramic history, surface techniques, and product innovation
To apply, please submit your resume and portfolio of work to marketing@rookwood.com with "Production Potter Application" as the subject line.