Museum Summary
Plimoth Patuxet Museums (PPM) is an outdoor, living history museum that provides powerful, personal encounters with history built on thorough research about the Wampanoag People and the Colonial English community in the 1600s. Today, Plimoth Patuxet provides an engaging and experiential outdoor and indoor learning environment on its main campus; at Mayflower II at State Pier on Plymouth’s waterfront, and at the Plimoth Grist Mill on Town Brook. Our permanent exhibits tell the complex and interwoven stories of two distinct people - English and Wampanoag. The main exhibits are enhanced with an exciting array of special events, public programs and workshops that offer a rich and diverse exploration of the 17th-century.
Plimoth Patuxet is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.
Position Summary
The Potter supplies the Museum’s gift shops and historical sites with handmade 17th-century reproduction pottery. A strong candidate will have experience as a production potter with strong throwing skills on the wheel and experience loading and maintaining electric kilns (the Museum provides on the job training for the specific 17th-century forms/designs).
The ideal candidate will also have good time management skills and be able to communicate and work efficiently in a small studio. The Potter demonstrates pottery-making to guests and answers their questions while meeting production deadlines. The Potter may work behind-the-scenes at times in order to ensure sufficient supply of pottery for the shops, as well as the sites.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Working from 17th-century original objects, written records, and pictorial information, throw, glaze, decorate, and assist in firing reproduction pieces.
Fulfill pottery orders placed by the Director of Retail Operations and Merchandising. Meet deadlines for filling the orders.
Engage guests in conversation in a personable, informative style while demonstrating wheel-thrown pottery-making.
Produce pottery both in front of the public and behind the scenes.
Maintain supplies necessary for daily demonstrations and pottery production; keep records of production and materials used.
Research primary source material (written and pictorial) on Plymouth Colony history, 16th- and 17th-century English and European potters and pottery, with a particular emphasis on the tools, practices, and techniques used by English and Dutch potters during this period.
In partnership with the Education and Public Programs Departments, design and teach participatory workshops and/or lead interactive programs for students and lifelong learners.
Serve as a professional resource in specialized areas that serve Plimoth Patuxet, the museum field, and the wider range of interested individuals and organizations.
As time allows, pursue professional and program development by conducting appropriate research, consulting with experts and peers, and preparing documentation for internal or external publications.
Attend all meetings, training and professional development sessions as requested by supervisor.
Provide a friendly and welcoming presence for all guests and coworkers throughout the Museum
Adhere to the policies of Plimoth Patuxet Museums as outlined in the Museum Employee manual and current job description
Other duties as assigned
This outline description focuses on the primary duties of the position. It is not designed nor intended to include all duties and responsibilities inherent in satisfactory performance of the position. Management reserves the right to revise this job description from time to time as needed.
Required Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Demonstrated experience in wheel throwing, glazing, and decorative techniques
An engaging and creative personality with excellent interpersonal skills
Demonstrated ability to communicate skillfully with a wide range of people from different cultural and social backgrounds and diverse learning styles
Demonstrated ability and sincere interest in working with children
Have a positive attitude and sense of humor
Reliability, dependability and punctuality
Demonstrated ability to make decisions that put safety first.
Fluency in English, strong verbal skills, and ability to communicate clearly and engagingly with guests and colleagues.
Ability to work independently, without direct supervision as well as part of a team
Must be able to read and understand a variety of historical and educational sources.
Education and Experience
High School diploma or equivalent; College courses or degree in ceramics or education strongly preferred.
Experience in wheel throwing, glazing, and decorative techniques required.
Experience and interest in working with the public.
Interest in and appreciation for 17th-century English/European and Indigenous history and traditional crafts and trades.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands outlined here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully the essential functions of the job. There may be significant repetitive motion necessary to accomplish certain tasks. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Should be capable of lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds.
Work sitting and standing for extended periods of time, kneeling, or bent over, and climb stairs.
Utilize and manipulate implements and tools appropriate for 17th-century potters.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Most work is done in a climate-controlled building that is well-lit and well-ventilated.
Work may also be conducted in a behind the scenes studio that may not be climate controlled.
The noise level varies from quiet to loud.
Additional Requirements
The Museum is open 7 days a week April through the end of November. This position requires working at least one weekend day per week as well as several holidays. Typical hours are 9:00am - 5:00pm, five days a week. Flexibility in work hours and days off is required. Depending on the season, this position may include working additional night/weekend hours or days as needed. Whenever working on a holiday is necessary, a manager will inform employees at least one week in advance if they’re expected to work on a holiday.
The Museum may also schedule "all-hands on" days such as Indigenous People's Day/Columbus Day and Thanksgiving. Advance notice will be given for "all-hands on" days.
The Museum respects the religious, and cultural beliefs and practices of all employees. On request, The Museum will strive to make an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available, and does not create an undue hardship on the Museum.
Core Commitments
Whether part-time or full-time, year-round or seasonal, all staff and volunteers at Plimoth Patuxet advance the Museum’s educational mission and strategic goals. They uphold the Museum’s core values and principles in their work and in all of their interactions with the public and with coworkers. This commitment helps to ensure that Plimoth Patuxet's reputation for excellence is maintained and that, as stewards of the Museum, we are helping to create a relevant and sustainable future for Plimoth Patuxet Museums. The core principles that guide us in our work are:
Safety and Comfort
Compassionate Customer Engagement
Professional Excellence
Personal Accountability
Advance a Culture of Philanthropy
Teamwork
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a PDF file of your resume, and cover letter to apply@plimoth.org, or by submitting them by US mail to the following address:
Plimoth Patuxet Museums
Attn: Human Resources
137 Warren Avenue
Plymouth, MA 02360