Metal Studio Assistant Manager

Groundworks Art Lab | Boulder, Colorado

Employment type: Part-time hourly up to 20 hours per week, nonexempt

Compensation: $25 per hour

Benefits: n/a

Schedule: Flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends

Are you an experienced metalworker who knows how to keep a busy studio safe, functional, and welcoming?

Groundworks Art Lab is hiring a Metal Studio Assistant Manager to support the daily operations of our Boulder, Colorado studio. This hands-on role combines metal fabrication, welding and equipment knowledge, studio operations, studio administration, instruction, safety oversight, and occasional manager-on-duty responsibilities.

Our mission is to cultivate the artist in each of us through creative collaboration and the study, practice, and advancement of the studio arts. The Metal Studio Assistant Manager helps create a high-quality experience for students participating in classes, workshops, open studios, events, and community programs.

What You’ll Do

• Open, close, clean, organize, and prepare the metal studio

• Maintain and troubleshoot welders, grinders, pneumatic tools, ventilation systems, and other metalworking equipment

• Coordinate outside equipment repairs when necessary

• Track metal, materials, supplies, tools, and consumable inventory

• Teach or assist with metalworking classes, workshops, one-day events, and team-building programs

• Substitute for instructors when needed

• Demonstrate welding, fabrication, blacksmithing, tool use, and safety procedures

• Enforce health, safety, and facility requirements

• Serve as manager-on-duty when the Metal Studio Manager is unavailable

• Direct staff and volunteers, respond to student concerns, and make operational and safety decisions

• Support community art projects, demonstrations, fundraising, and marketing activities

What You’ll Bring

• Demonstrated metalworking experience in areas such as welding, metal fabrication, blacksmithing, or related processes

• Working knowledge of welders, grinders, pneumatic tools, measuring equipment, ventilation, and metalworking safety

• Ability to troubleshoot studio equipment and coordinate maintenance or repairs

• Teaching experience or the ability to clearly demonstrate techniques and safety practices

• Strong communication, organization, and customer-service skills

• Sound judgment and the ability to lead others when serving as manager-on-duty

• Ability to remain calm, focused, and approachable in an active studio

• Ability to pass a criminal background check

Physical and Studio Environment

This active studio position requires regular walking, bending, twisting, reaching, gripping, fine-motor work, and repetitive equipment operation. The position involves regularly lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 25 pounds; frequently handling 26–50 pounds; and occasionally moving heavier items with assistance or equipment.

The metal studio can be loud and hot. Work may include exposure to welding flash, grinders, vibration, dust, gases, fumes, sprays, oils, solvents, sharp materials, and the possibility of cuts or burns. Required personal protective equipment may include safety glasses, gloves, aprons, hearing protection, respirators, face shields, and steel-toed shoes.

If you’re passionate about metalworking and believe art education should be safe, inclusive, accessible, and fun, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and three professional references to apply@groundworksartlab.org