Traveling Glassblowing Instructor and Demonstrator

IKONIC ART PARTY LLC

Traveling Glassblowing Instructor and Demonstrator

Palatine, IL
Part Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Benefits:

    Paid time off

    Free uniforms

    Help or transport service

    Opportunity for advancement

    Training & development

    Traveling Glassblowing Instructor - Ikonic Glass

    WHO WE ARE

    Ikonic Glass is a traveling glassblowing company that brings live, hands-on lampworking workshops to festivals, markets, and events across the country. We teach beginner-level borosilicate glassblowing to the public — real workshops, real fire, real people experiencing glass for the first time.

    We are a small but growing team of artists, teachers, performers, and operators building meaningful public experiences through live events. We are not a pipe company. We are not a bro crew. We care deeply about safety, professionalism, showmanship, and the 20-minute experience we create for every student who steps up to the torch — or stops to watch.

    ABOUT THIS ROLE

    As a Traveling Glassblowing Instructor with Ikonic Glass, you will lead live torch-based workshops for small groups at fairs and events across the country. You will guide students through their first experience with glass in a fast-paced, highly public environment that combines teaching, performance, hospitality, and operational teamwork.

    This role is repetitive by design. You will teach the same beginner-level class up to 24 times per day while maintaining strong energy, professionalism, and guest focus from the first class to the last.

    You should expect:

    Long days on your feet in outdoor environments

    Frequent interaction with the public

    Repetitive teaching using a structured curriculum

    Travel ranging from single weekends to multi-week runs

    Physical setup and teardown work, including lifting 40+ lbs

    A team-oriented environment where reliability and consistency matter

    If that sounds like your kind of work, keep reading.

    WHAT YOU’LL DO

    Teach beginner-level borosilicate glassblowing using our structured curriculum

    Lead safety orientations before each class

    Create a safe, encouraging, and memorable experience for every student

    Perform public demonstrations and engage with crowds throughout the event

    Set up and break down the mobile workshop booth and equipment

    Assemble, inspect, and safely operate propane/oxygen systems and torch equipment

    Maintain a clean, organized, and professional workspace

    Coordinate class flow and readiness with front-end staff

    Package and organize completed student pieces for pickup

    Assist with check-in, checkout, POS responsibilities, and guest support throughout the event

    Track tools, equipment, and consumables using our inventory system

    Travel to events across the U.S. as scheduled

    WHAT MAKES SOMEONE GREAT HERE

    Desired Experience

    Minimum 2 years of borosilicate flameworking experience

    Comfortable working with torch systems, propane/oxygen equipment, and PPE

    Prior teaching, instructional, hospitality, or public-facing experience preferred

    Event, festival, restaurant, or high-volume service experience is a strong plus

    The Traits That Matter Most

    Reliable — you show up on time and follow through

    Coachable — you can follow systems and take direction well

    Guest-focused — you bring patience, warmth, and professionalism to every interaction

    Emotionally steady — you stay composed under pressure and high volume

    Team-oriented — you contribute to the group, not just your own performance

    Engaging and high-energy — you communicate clearly and connect with people quickly

    Adaptable — you handle changing conditions and unexpected problems calmly

    Safety-serious — you do not cut corners with fire, tanks, or safety procedures

    Restaurant and line-cook experience translates well to this role. If you have thrived in loud, fast-paced, repetitive, team-based environments, you may already have many of the skills this job requires.

    THIS ROLE IS PROBABLY NOT FOR YOU IF

    You are looking for a quiet studio environment or significant creative autonomy

    You dislike repetitive teaching or structured curriculum

    You are uncomfortable speaking and performing in front of crowds

    You are not open to extended travel or time away from home

    You prefer highly flexible schedules or working independently

    You struggle in physically demanding, fast-paced environments

    COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

    $25/hour for instruction during events

    Reduced rate for training, onboarding, setup, and teardown

    Lodging provided during travel (hotel, Airbnb, or camping, depending on the event)

    Flight stipend offered when needed

    All required tools, safety equipment, and teaching materials provided

    OSHA and safety training included during onboarding

    Advancement opportunities as the company grows

    EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

    Seasonal W2 position with potential for continued or expanded work based on performance

    Onboarding begins: (Date)

    Background check required

    OSHA training required during onboarding

    Must be able to regularly lift and carry 40+ lbs

    Role involves sustained outdoor physical activity in varying weather conditions

    Tell us about your torch experience, teaching or public-facing background, availability, and what draws you to this opportunity.

    We read every application carefully and respond to every candidate we move forward with.

    We are not just hiring workers. We are building a team.