Craft Center Student Instructor

NOTE: Specifically hiring instructors with expertise in the following areas: ceramics, stained glass, printmaking, surfboard shaping, and sewing.

Definition and Purpose

Under the supervision of the Coordinator I – Craft Center, Craft Center Student Instructors teach craft classes in the ASI Craft Center in one or more of the following areas: painting, leatherworking, bicycle repair & maintenance, stained glass, jewelry making, ceramics (wheel throwing), ceramics (handbuilding), surfboard shaping, block printing, and fiber arts (crochet, knitting, embroidery, sewing, macrame). The Instructor is responsible for developing class content, supervising class participants, leading instructional sessions, and maintaining studio safety and cleanliness.

ASI is committed to supporting the aspirations of the University Learning Objectives. Our employees are expected to make reasoned decisions based on ethics, respect for diversity, and an awareness of issues of sustainability. Additionally, they will work productively as individuals and in groups while communicating effectively.

Requirements

Educational Requirements and Qualifying Experience

• Must be a currently enrolled student at Cal Poly with a minimum of 6 units. Graduate students must carry 4 units at Cal Poly.
• Must have expertise in a particular craft within one or more of the Craft Center areas (painting, leatherworking, bicycle repair & maintenance, stained glass, jewelry making, ceramics, surfboard shaping, block printing, or fiber arts).
• Ability to be highly organized and have good planning skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Extensive knowledge of classes being taught.
• Understanding of current trends in area of expertise.
• Previous experience in supervising and meeting participants in an instructional environment.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds, specific needs, or limitations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise class participants.
• Lead instructional sessions/classes.

Instructor Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach a minimum of two craft classes each quarter, while fulfilling class schedule requirements.
• Prepare studio space before class and clean up studio space after class.
• Keep studio equipment in clean, usable working order.
• Prioritize and contribute to overall studio safety. · Report any needed changes or problems to the appropriate Craft Center staff member.
• Provide assistance to co-workers as needed to ensure that all have the necessary supplies and tools to run their classes.
• Repair equipment, or report broken equipment to the appropriate Craft Center staff member if the repair is beyond the instructor’s level of expertise.
• In collaboration with other area instructors, assist in keeping an inventory of all area supplies and inform appropriate staff of any shortages.
• Propose area additions and/or improvements and provide additional information as needed.
• Possess knowledge of the raw materials used in each class to plan for supply reordering.
• Play an active role in maintaining class minimum enrollments.
• Communicate with appropriate staff regarding any issues pertaining to each craft area, classes, or the Craft Center.
• Maintain familiarity with evacuation plan for work area.
• Attend all mandatory meetings, workshops, and retreats.
• Instruct participants in general safety practices with all tools and equipment in their craft area.
• Maintain and model safe practices at all times.
• Maintain prompt hours and follow absence procedures.
• Maintain a working relationship with staff and co-workers.
• Adhere to and enforce all ASI departmental policies and procedures.
• Foster student development and leadership.
• Develop individual lesson plans.

Frontline Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain a clean, welcoming environment for all visitors and staff members.
• Provide quality customer service to all staff members and visitors.
• Enforce safety compliance measures per the Craft Center policies and procedures.
• Provide positive public relations, program promotion and policy education to staff and visitors.
• Assist with supply and material inventory and ordering.
• Maintain knowledge of all current activities and upcoming events within ASI.
• Follow attendance procedures.
• Attend all mandatory meetings, workshops, and retreats.
• Maintain familiarity with the evacuation plan for work area.
• Maintain knowledge of ASI’s webpage and web registration program to troubleshoot customer questions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specialized Duties and Responsibilities

• Open and close work areas per procedural expectations.
• Knowledge and oversight of safe operations and practices of all tools in all studios
• Explain and enforce Craft Center user policies and procedures to visitors.
• Compile pre-course packets for all instructors to include surveys, rosters, and instructions.
• Understand all programs, services, and amenities within ASI.
• Facilitate and coordinate Studio Safety Orientation tours.
• Ensure that all lost and found items are tracked according to facility policy.
• Special projects as assigned.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in ASI policy as a condition of their employment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Period of Employment

Employment with this organization is of an "at will" nature, which means that the employee may resign at any time and ASI may discharge the employee at any time with or without cause.

Benefits

Compensation and Hours

• Hourly Starting Rate: $17.90 per hour for instruction time, $16.90 for meetings, studio maintenance time, and preparation time; maximum 20 hours per week.
• Hourly Pay Range: $17.90 per hour - $17.90 per hour for instruction time, $16.90 per hour - $16.90 per hour for meetings, studio maintenance time, and preparation time

Position may require working late nights, weekends, and holidays.

Position requires a minimum of two consecutive terms of work availability.

The Associated Students, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Date revised: 01/27/2026