Paw Studio Ceramic Artist

We’re Gateway Services part of North America's largest provider of pet aftercare services. Our Guelph facility is an inclusive home to a warm, friendly crew, who take pride in the meaningful work they do.

We’re committed to our mission to exceed our clients’ expectations in a responsible, caring, and ethical way - and we’re looking for a full-time Operations Team Member who feels the same. You’ll work with a close-knit team you know you can depend on, one that provides comprehensive aftercare services that include cremation, grief support, and memorials.

Our team members are explorers, glass artists, car enthusiasts, parents, theme park fanatics, dog agility trainers, students, and moviegoers - and they love the work-life balance afforded at Gateways Services. We value the effort you put in and provide opportunities for growth within our organization.

**Paw Print Artist**

The Paw Print Artist will work under general supervision to create or coordinate specifically the creation of ceramic paw prints. This individual will use their knowledge and tools to develop the commercially successful design for the paw print creation. The Ceramic Artist will also load kilns, glaze, decorate and fire the ceramic paw prints.

**What you’ll do**
- No matter the task, you’ll prioritize quality, safety, and ethics
- Operate ceramic production machines such as, but not limited to, pug mill, mixing equipment and kilns to process clay and manufacture paw print products or other products designed by the company.
- Position raw materials on processing or production equipment.
- Shape clay to create products and smooth surfaces of finished pieces using a variety of tools.
- Examine finished ware for defects and ensure that it meets the company’s standards.
- Perform test-fires of pottery to determine how to achieve specific colors and potentially textures.
- Operate drying chambers to dry or finish molded pieces and load and unload kiln.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
- Help to maintain supplies of tools, equipment, materials as needed, may be required to order them.
- Use of Paws-e-Track software (barcode scanning) to maintain accurate accounts of all orders.
- Verify accuracy of shapes and sizes of all prints and ensure they meet the high-quality standards of the company.
- Keep a clean and tidy work area on a daily basis.
- Participate in training and cross training, improvement initiatives including health and safety and quality improvement.

**Why you’re a great fit**
- Have a passion for art and solid design/conceptual skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- You like working with people and feel comfortable maintaining relationships with colleagues.
- You commit to working in a safe environment - training will be provided.
- Solutions come easy to you - problem-solving and quick thinking are your thing.
- Punctuality and accountability are important to you.
- You’re able to work independently or as part of a team.
- You have a strong attention to detail and enjoy making things right.

**Your work environment will include**
- Frequent standing, bending, lifting, and carrying.
- Certain PPE is required for different tasks, but we’ll provide that for you (steel-toe boots, safety glasses/goggles/ half face respirator, ect.)
- Overtime and weekend work may be available during busier times
- Working in varying temperatures - the area near the retorts can be very warm, while packaging areas are more of a controlled climate

**What you can expect from us**
- Competitive pay
- Medical and dental insurance
- Supportive management and administrative teams
- The potential for career growth within our organization
- Free, on-demand continuing education courses
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid holidays and time off

Gateway Services Inc. and our brands are committed to providing accessible employment practices and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Our employees are our greatest asset and each employee's cultural differences, life experiences, self-expression, and unique capabilities are what build our company culture and success. If you require accommodation due to disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources.