Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Hot Shop Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Hot Shop Technician is the technical heart of a glassblowing studio, a role that blends mechanical expertise with an appreciation for the artistic process. This individual is fundamentally responsible for the safe and efficient operation of all hot shop equipment, from the primary furnace to the smallest hand tool. They are the go-to problem-solver, ensuring that the demanding, high-temperature environment remains stable and reliable for artists, students, and staff. This position requires a proactive mindset, a deep understanding of combustion and refractory systems, and a commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and productive creative space. More than just a maintenance role, the Hot Shop Technician is a key enabler of artistic creation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Glassblowing Apprentice or Assistant
Ceramics or Kiln Technician
Welding and Fabrication Technician
Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

Advancement To:

Hot Shop Manager or Studio Manager
Studio Technical Director
Custom Glassblowing Equipment Fabricator
Independent Studio Owner/Operator

Lateral Moves:

Foundry Technician
Museum or Gallery Exhibition Preparator
Scientific Glassblowing Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute the comprehensive daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance and operational checks of all hot shop furnaces, glory holes, and annealers to ensure uninterrupted studio function.
Diligently monitor, troubleshoot, and repair complex combustion systems, including gas burners, safety valves, blowers, and regulators, to maintain optimal temperatures and safe operations.
Perform advanced diagnostics and repairs on electronic temperature control systems, including the calibration and replacement of pyrometers and thermocouples.
⚫︎ Manage the complete lifecycle of glass batch, from meticulously weighing and mixing raw materials to charging the furnace, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality molten glass.
Expertly fabricate, weld, and repair a wide variety of studio equipment and metal tools, such as blowpipes, punties, jacks, and shears, to support the needs of studio users.
Oversee the programming and execution of annealer cycles, ensuring all glassware undergoes the correct cooling process to prevent thermal shock and ensure structural integrity.
Conduct regular, thorough safety inspections of the entire hot shop facility, identifying and rectifying potential hazards related to equipment, materials, and infrastructure.
Maintain a detailed and accurate inventory of essential raw materials, consumables, and spare parts, placing orders as needed to prevent any shortages or operational downtime.
Lead and participate in major equipment projects, including the planning and execution of furnace drains, minor repairs, and complete furnace or glory hole rebuilds.
Manage the safe handling, storage, and changeover of compressed gases, such as propane and oxygen, in strict accordance with safety protocols and regulations.
Develop, document, and implement a robust preventative maintenance schedule for all studio machinery to minimize unexpected failures and extend equipment lifespan.
Provide direct, hands-on technical support and guidance to artists, students, and renters, assisting with equipment setup and troubleshooting during their studio time.
Maintain impeccable cleanliness and organization throughout the hot shop, garage, and related storage areas to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
Document all maintenance, repairs, and equipment modifications in a detailed logbook, creating a comprehensive history for future troubleshooting and planning.
Respond swiftly and effectively to any equipment emergencies or failures, working to diagnose the problem and restore functionality with minimal disruption to the studio schedule.
Operate a forklift and other heavy equipment for the purpose of moving materials, tools, and equipment safely and efficiently.
Research, source, and evaluate new tools, technologies, and materials that could improve the studio's efficiency, safety, or creative capabilities.
Ensure the studio's operations remain in full compliance with all local, state, and federal safety standards, including OSHA and environmental regulations.
Assist in the design and fabrication of custom jigs, molds, or other specialized apparatus as required by visiting artists or for unique studio projects.
Train new technicians, studio assistants, and authorized users on the proper and safe operation of studio equipment and adherence to all safety protocols.

Secondary Functions

Provide assistance or instruction during introductory glassblowing classes, demonstrations, or public-facing studio events.
Contribute to strategic discussions regarding the studio's long-term equipment needs, capital improvements, and operational budget planning.
Collaborate with the studio management team to optimize studio scheduling, balancing rental time, classes, and necessary maintenance periods.
Participate actively in regular team meetings, contributing ideas and feedback to foster a positive, collaborative, and safety-conscious studio culture.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Furnace & Kiln Systems: Deep, practical knowledge of building, maintaining, and repairing glass furnaces, annealers, and glory holes, including refractory brickwork and casting.
Combustion Systems Expertise: Proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing natural gas and propane burner systems, safety shut-off valves, and air-fuel mixture controls.
Welding & Metal Fabrication: Strong MIG and/or TIG welding and metal fabrication skills for repairing and building studio tools and equipment.
Mechanical Aptitude: A comprehensive ability to diagnose and repair mechanical systems, including blowers, motors, and other machinery.
Electrical Troubleshooting: The ability to safely diagnose and resolve basic electrical issues, including familiarity with control circuits, relays, and wiring.
Pipefitting & Plumbing: Competency in working with both high and low-pressure gas and air plumbing systems.
Temperature Control Systems: Familiarity with calibrating and maintaining digital and analog temperature controllers, pyrometers, and thermocouples.
Materials Knowledge: Understanding of the properties of refractory materials, different types of glass batch, and various metals used in the studio.
Safety Protocol Management: In-depth knowledge of OSHA guidelines and best practices for industrial and hot shop environments.
Forklift Operation: Certified or have the ability to become certified to operate a forklift for material and equipment handling.

Soft Skills

Proactive Problem-Solving: An innate ability to anticipate issues and develop practical, effective solutions before they become critical problems.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all tasks, from safety checks to delicate equipment repairs.
Independent Judgment: The capacity to work autonomously, prioritize tasks effectively, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Clear Communication: Ability to clearly explain complex technical issues to non-technical artists and staff.
Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to the dynamic and often unpredictable demands of a busy creative studio.
Safety-First Mindset: An unwavering commitment to personal and collective safety in a high-hazard environment.
Patience & Composure: The ability to remain calm and methodical when troubleshooting urgent and complex equipment failures.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by significant hands-on experience or vocational training.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a concentration in Glass, or a degree/certification from a relevant trade or technical school.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Glass Art / Sculpture
Industrial Arts / Maintenance
Welding & Fabrication Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

A minimum of 3-5 years of direct, hands-on experience working as a technician or assistant in a professional glassblowing studio.

Preferred:

5+ years of dedicated hot shop technical experience, including direct involvement in at least one major furnace rebuild or a similar large-scale equipment project.