Olander Earthworks is hiring!

Olander Earthworks LLC

30-40 Hours per Week (4-5 Days a Week, Mon-Fri)

Job Description:

Olander Earthworks is a busy artisanal manufacturing studio located in NE Portland.  We’re looking for a dynamic, energetic Production Assistant to join our team. If you find satisfaction in detailed manual processes, and a job well done, you’ll feel at home with us.

We’re hoping for a reliable, self-motivated team player who is looking to settle down for a few years and grow with a talented, creative collaborative. We are seeking an excellent communicator, who brings positive, solution-based, team-building energy, and takes pride in working efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Casting experience is strongly preferred and some background in sculptural processes/techniques is ideal but not necessary to apply. 

We do require at least one year of working in a production environment. We will train the right applicant who demonstrates an aptitude and enjoyment for active handiwork similar to the qualities sought in a professional kitchen; following established recipes and nuanced processes, staying nimble to particular daily needs, and time-conscious multitasking are equally relevant to this position. This work would be a great fit for someone who loves the energy and pace of a restaurant environment.  

This is a physical position that occasionally requires lifting up to 55 pounds and frequently involves lifting, holding, and pouring up to 5-10 pounds during regular processes. Most of the day will be spent on your feet. This position will first require training in casting, which will remain a primary daily focus, but we will also cross-train to support other stations. This is a hybrid position that will balance other studio needs, such as fulfillment, finishing work, woodwork, and general studio maintenance and preparations. 

We’re looking for a person with: 

• A strong eye for detail and a desire to create consistent, timely production results based on our pre-set metrics. 

• An ability to take direction/constructive criticism in stride.

• A desire to maintain a clean, organized communal studio space on a daily basis. We’re looking for someone who will take ownership of tasks and exhibit the ability and interest in seeing the big picture.  

• Enthusiasm to skill-share and learn with others as we collectively work to create the best results we can.

• The ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with a variety of personalities.

• The ability to avoid siloed conversations and always work with team goals in mind.

• A high level of initiative and follow-through. 

• A knack for following and streamlining systems. 

• The ability to gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty and integrity.

• A passion for small business, creativity, and handmade goods. 

Despite the detail-oriented nature of this position, we strive to maintain a light, creative, and fun atmosphere listening to music, podcasts and chatting, as long as the work gets done and space is held for important communication. 

If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you! Please send a resume, cover letter, a link to examples of your artwork or work you’ve helped create (if you have it), as well as two work references, to info@olanderearthworks.com. The position is open until filled, but we will start reviewing applications immediately. After a candidate interviews, tours, and meets our team, we believe in the benefit of a paid working interview of 1-3 days, to determine a mutual fit. There will be up to a three-month introductory period of $20/hr. Then, after training/production metrics are met and additional studio responsibilities are successfully taken on, pay will move to $21/hr, with further compensation based on growth and merit.