Foundry Artisan

Title: Foundry Artisan
Employer: The Cosanti Foundation, an Arizona-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Status: Full-Time
Reports to: Foundry Manager
Compensation: $15.50 per hour; benefits include full medical & dental, life insurance, PTO, paid holidays, option of onsite housing at Arcosanti with co-use fee.
Posted: June 10, 2024
Expected Start Date: ASAP

ABOUT THE COSANTI FOUNDATION

Founded in 1965 by Paolo and Colly Soleri , the Cosanti Foundation (TCF) is an Arizona-based nonprofit educational 501(c)(3) organization that operates two world-famous, open-to-the-public locations: Cosanti in Paradise Valley and Arcosanti near Mayer. The Cosanti Foundation also owns and operates the for-profit Cosanti Originals, where we make our world-famous bronze and ceramic wind bells and other artisan items which support our ongoing efforts. Originally established to support Paolo Soleri’s noted architectural and urban planning concepts and research, the Foundation exists to explore the theory of arcology (architecture+ecology). TCF’s current mission is “to inspire a reimagined urbanism that builds resilient and equitable communities sustainably integrated with the natural world.”

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The artisans of the Arcosanti Foundry are responsible for the creation of the iconic Cosanti Originals Windbells and associated bronze and brass merchandise. This is largely achieved through the process of casting molten metal into sand molds, which are crafted by the artisans each day. The resulting bronze pieces are refined and assembled, and then receive a surface treatment to yield the finished product. Each step of the production is accomplished by one or more of the artisans in the foundry.

Foundry artisans are expected to attend work reliably and punctually, working amongst a diverse group of fellow artisans. This type of foundry work is physically demanding, and artisans should expect to perform strenuous tasks such as shoveling sand and lifting heavy equipment repeatedly. The foundry environment is a potentially hazardous one, and artisans are expected to be consistently attentive to any safety directives provided. Many tasks will require teamwork with other staff members. Although the architecture of our workspace famously uses passive solar techniques for regulating temperature, it is an outdoor environment and staff can expect a workplace that varies in temperature as much as the Arizona desert does (below freezing in the winter/ over 100F in the summer).

Primary Duties:

• Cutting, shaping, drilling and assembling brass fin accessories
• Operating bench grinders, angle grinders, drill presses, and air tools
• Applying surface finishes to bells and accessories (i.e. muriatic acid patina, oxy-acetylene torch burnish)
• Packing, designing, and preparing sand molds for casting
• Assembly of bronze bells and parts with copper wire
• Participation in “breakout” of each day’s castings
• Shoveling and sweeping sand
• Regular equipment maintenance
• Tailing and pouring molten metal after 6+ months on the job
• Other duties as may be assigned

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Must be able to work amicably amongst and often in coordination with a diverse group of fellow artisans
• Must be able to diligently follow any/all safety directives provided with regard to the foundry environment and its equipment
• Must be able to reliably work scheduled shifts (this is a full-time 40-hour/week position)
• Ability to effectively communicate orally, in writing, over the phone, and through virtual telecommunications (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)

Experience:

• Knowledge and experience of the sand-casting process are beneficial, but not required
• Previous artistic experience is beneficial, but not required (applicants are encouraged to provide a portfolio of their work.)

Physical Requirements:

• Due to the unique nature of the TCF built environment, ability to ascend/descend stairs and move safely over uneven terrain.
• TCF and CO are committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Thus, we are equally committed to reasonable accommodations, should any of these physical requirements pose a concern. Please let us know if you should require a reasonable accommodation to perform the duties and responsibilities described herein.

TO APPLY
This is an onsite position at Arcosanti in Mayer, AZ., and open to all candidates authorized to work in the US. If this position sounds appealing to you and you would like to learn more about TCF and discuss the opportunity further, please forward your résumé to: apply@arcosanti.org

EEO STATEMENT
The Cosanti Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.