The Chesapeake Arts Center is growing! We are always looking for capable, hard-working and fun individuals who are passionate about our mission. Please see the opportunities below and apply today.
CAC’s mission is to cultivate and deliver innovative arts and education programs that inspire joy, creativity and collaboration within our community. At CAC, we encourage and promote open-minded thinking and honest dialogue and utilize the arts as a catalyst for cross-cultural collaborations that celebrate and embrace our community’s rich diversity. We also believe in providing equal opportunity to all qualified persons in our recruitment and hiring practices.
MakerSpace Technician
The Chesapeake Arts Center (CAC) is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic maker to join our team as a MakerSpace Technician for our Open Studio program.
The Michael Stanley MakerSpace integrates STEM and the ARTS by providing an environment that supports the development of hands-on skills, design, and critical thinking. Our space aims to bring all the above disciplines together to facilitate a community for art, entrepreneurship, and making. The MakerSpace includes spaces for a variety of disciplines, including a woodshop, screen printing studio, a laser and vinyl cutting lab, and 3D printing lab.
The MakerSpace serves a diverse population of users, from children to adults, from beginners to advanced makers — including students, teachers, hobbyists, and retirees — and is open to the public during Open Studio hours.
-
This employee will supervise the MakerSpace during Open Studio hours, responsible for supervising members, maintaining equipment and facilities, and instructing safety trainings on various machinery. The Technician will report any Open Studio issues or needs as well as the status of ongoing tasks and projects directly to the MakerSpace Manager, who oversees day-to-day operations of the space. Previous experience and roficiency in one or more areas of making is expected. The applicant must complete all basic safety courses and demonstrate proficiency prior to working Open Studio hours alone.
-
Reporting directly to the MakerSpace Manager on day-to-day tasks, projects, Open Studio operations, and material/maintenance needs.
Maintaining MakerSpace equipment and facilities, including cleaning, organizing, upgrading, and repair.
Ensuring Open Studio adherence to safety standard policies.
Supervising Open Studio members utilizing the MakerSpace.
Logging Open Studio attendance and managing member check-in/check-out.
Providing assistance and advice to Open Studio members (not making the projects for them).
Instructing safety trainings on a variety of machinery.
Mastering safety and basic maintenance on all equipment in the MakerSpace.
Manufacturing internal/external jobs for CAC events and activities (fabricating laser cut projects, screen printing t-shirts, etc.).
Using internal systems (Canvas) to register students for memberships and classes.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work expected for this position and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
-
High school diploma.
Expertise in, or ability and motivation to learn woodworking tools and equipment, including but not limited to: a variety of saws and sanders, planer, jointer, bandsaw, etc.
Familiarity with or ability and motivation to learn digital fabrication machinery, including: laser cutter, vinyl cutter, and 3D printer(s).
Adherence to strict safety standards regarding all machinery and physical space.
Experience collaborating and working in a team-driven environment.
Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
Ability to problem solve while staying organized, completing MakerSpace tasks, and taking accountability.
-
Previous experience in mechanical design, fabrication, prototyping, and/or troubleshooting various equipment (e.g. bandsaw, laser cutter, etc.).
Experience in graphic design and 3D modeling software (e.g., Illustrator, Inkscape, Fusion 360,
Solidworks, OpenSCAD, SketchUp).
Personal artistic/maker practice valued.
Passion for involvement with the local maker/artist community.
Interest in working in the non-profit sector is strongly desirable.
-
Hourly rate of $20/hr.
Flexible scheduling, 6–12 hrs weekly.
Access to the MakerSpace and all equipment to facilitate your personal work.
Free safety trainings in all MakerSpace areas (woodshop, screen printing, digital fabrication, 3D printing).
Participation in an active and engaged creative community.
Opportunities to propose and teach your own catalog courses and workshops.
Access to Adobe CC Suite.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume, cover letter, with the subject line “MAKERSPACE TECHNICIAN” to jobs@chesapeakearts.org. The position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please.
Ceramics Instructor
The CAC Ceramics Department provides a creative and supportive environment that fosters the development of hands-on ceramics skills and artistic expression. Our Ceramics Program features a kiln room, glaze room, and three studio classrooms—one dedicated to hand-building and two for wheel throwing and handbuilding.
We serve a diverse community of students, from children to adults, and from beginners to intermediate makers.
-
CAC is seeking part-time, contract-based Ceramics Instructors for adult students specializing in:
Handbuilding Pottery
Wheel Throwing
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong experience in clay techniques, teaching, and safe studio practices. They should be able to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for beginners and intermediate students alike.
This position reports to the Ceramics Chair.
-
Instruction:
Teach fundamental handbuilding techniques (coil, slab, pinch) and/or wheel-throwing methods in a clear, organized, and supportive manner.
Technical Guidance:
Provide instruction in wedging, forming, glazing, decorating, and finishing techniques.
Studio Management:
Ensure the studio is cleaned and reset after each class. Instruct students in proper cleanup procedures and shared studio etiquette.
Curriculum Development:
Develop lesson plans appropriate for beginner to intermediate students. Collaborate with the Ceramics Chair to plan semester-based courses.
Student Support:
Offer constructive feedback, encourage artistic exploration, and promote proper body mechanics to prevent injury. Foster an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment.
Safety Adherence:
Enforce all studio rules and safety protocols.
Communication & Preparation:
Communicate regularly with the Ceramics Chair regarding equipment, materials, and class needs. Prepare materials and demonstrations in advance of each class.
-
Experience with ceramic techniques (wheel throwing and/or handbuilding)
— Knowledge of handbuilding fundamentals (coil, slab, pinch), and/or Wheel-throwing techniques
— Clay principles and basic glazing practices
Previous teaching or workshop experience preferred
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Reliable, professional, and respectful
Commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming studio environment
-
Experience teaching or mentoring in a community studio setting
Familiarity with multiple ceramic disciplines
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Active personal artistic or maker practice
Interest in engaging with the local arts community
Experience working within a nonprofit arts organization
-
Summer 2026 Session
1–3 classes per week
2-hour evening classes
Monday–Thursday between 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Fall and Winter/Spring Semesters
CAC is looking for an instructor to start this summer, but for most semesters classes are typically 2 hours long and scheduled within the following time blocks:
Weekdays (Mon–Thurs): 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Weekends (Sat–Sun): 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
(CAC is closed on Fridays.)
—————————————————-
Compensation
$35 per instructional hour
Additional $15 planning stipend per class (covers preparation, material setup, and cleanup)
How to Apply:
Please send your resume, cover letter, and 4-8 images of your work, with the subject line “Ceramics Instructor” to jobs@chesapeakearts.org. The position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please.
Kids Ceramics Instructor:
Saturday Morning Kids Clay Instructor
-
We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Kid's Ceramics Instructor to join our team! This position focuses on teaching wheel throwing and/or handbuilding to children ages 6 to 12 in a fun and supportive environment.
-
Experience teaching clay to children
Positive, patient, and engaging teaching style
Availability Saturday morning classes 10:30am-12:00pm, potential for more hours
Starting January 2026
-
Pay: $35 an hour
How to Apply: For more information or to apply, please send your resume and a brief cover letter with the subject line “Kids Ceramics Instructor” to jobs@chesapeakearts.org. Position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please.
Wood Shop Instructor for Adults
-
We're seeking an experienced and passionate wood shop instructor to join our team! As a lead instructor, you'll teach a range of courses, from six-week workshops such as beginning woodworking, to shorter sessions focused on specific projects like cutting boards and bandsaw boxes.
-
The ideal candidate will bring expertise in wood shop equipment operation and safety, a portfolio showcasing their skills, and a genuine enthusiasm for mentoring students.
-
Our classes are intimate, with 4-8 students, and are scheduled on weekday evenings and weekends, with flexible scheduling options available.
Compensation: $35 an hour
How to Apply:
Please email jobs@chesapeakearts.org your resume and cover letter with either a link to your website or images of your work. Position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please.
Instructors - Ongoing
CAC seeks Teaching Artists, for both in-person classes and workshops. Please send your resume and cover letter with either a link to your website or images of your work to jobs@chesapeakearts.org. CAC is currently look for instructors that work in the following disciplines:
Camp & After School Programming (Students ages 5-14)
Dance - All types; Guest Artists welcome to apply
Visual Arts – Fiber Arts, Art Classes for Elementary- High School Aged Students, and Anime & Manga
Digital – Animation, Digital Photography, Computer Programming, Graphic Design, and Adobe CC Suite Instruction
Theater – Play-writing, Improv, Musical Theatre
Music – Beginning instruments for group classes, Choir, and Musical theater
MakerSpace – Screen Printing and Sewing