skillfactor-pipeline/skills/kiln-firer/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — kiln firer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-9195.05 (Potters, Manufacturing).

Task statements

• [Core] Press thumbs into centers of revolving clay to form hollows, and press on the inside and outside of emerging clay cylinders with hands and fingers, gradually raising and shaping clay to desired forms and sizes.
• [Core] Adjust wheel speeds according to the feel of the clay as pieces enlarge and walls become thinner.
• [Core] Position balls of clay in centers of potters' wheels, and start motors or pump treadles with feet to revolve wheels.
• [Core] Raise and shape clay into wares, such as vases and pitchers, on revolving wheels, using hands, fingers, and thumbs.
• [Core] Prepare work for sale or exhibition, and maintain relationships with retail, pottery, art, and resource networks that can facilitate sale or exhibition of work.
• [Core] Smooth surfaces of finished pieces, using rubber scrapers and wet sponges.
• [Core] Move pieces from wheels so that they can dry.
• [Core] Pull wires through bases of articles and wheels to separate finished pieces.
• [Core] Examine finished ware for defects and measure dimensions, using rule and thickness gauge.
• [Core] Perform test-fires of pottery to determine how to achieve specific colors and textures.
• [Core] Maintain supplies of tools, equipment, and materials, and order additional supplies as needed.
• [Core] Verify accuracy of shapes and sizes of objects, using calipers and templates.
• [Core] Operate pug mills to blend and extrude clay.
• [Core] Operate gas or electric kilns to fire pottery pieces.
• [Core] Mix and apply glazes to pottery pieces, using tools, such as spray guns.
• [Core] Attach handles to pottery pieces.
• [Core] Pack and ship pottery to stores or galleries for retail sale.
• [Core] Design spaces to display pottery for sale.
• [Supplemental] Design clay forms and molds, and decorations for forms.
• [Supplemental] Operate drying chambers to dry or finish molded ceramic ware.
• [Supplemental] Start machine units and conveyors and observe lights and gauges on panel board to verify operational efficiency.
• [Supplemental] Adjust pressures, temperatures, and trimming tool settings as required.
• [Supplemental] Teach pottery classes.

Detailed work activities

• Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
• Conduct test runs of production equipment.
• Construct distinctive physical objects for artistic, functional, or commercial purposes.
• Design jewelry or decorative objects.
• Develop artistic or design concepts for decoration, exhibition, or commercial purposes.
• Develop professional relationships or networks.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Maneuver workpieces in equipment during production.
• Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.
• Mix ingredients to create specific finishes.
• Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
• Operate heating or drying equipment.
• Operate mixing equipment.
• Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
• Package objects for shipping.
• Position raw materials on processing or production equipment.
• Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
• Send information, materials or documentation.
• Set equipment controls to meet cutting specifications.
• Shape clay or dough to create products.
• Smooth surfaces of objects or equipment.
• Teach classes in area of specialization.