Job Postings

Stained Glass Specialist – Stern Glass Works

a clear stained glass rondel with a design of a lamp
a clear stained glass window in a room with floral wallpaper and a chandelier

Stern Glass Works is a community resource for Copper Foil Stained Glass/Lead Channel Stained Glass restoration, repair, and commission. Located in SE Oak Park, IL just minutes from the Frank Lloyd Wright Studio and Home, we have the honor of being surrounded by stunning homes, public spaces, and business that boast historic glass panels, light fixtures and more. The Stained Glass Specialist would take on the restoration of many of these historic panels in need of repair as well as the construction of new builds both in historic and contemporary styles designed by Stern Glass Works.

The Stained Glass Specialist’s role will utilize creative problem solving skills, lead channel construction method, copper foil construction method, time-management and communication skills.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

  • General Glass Ability
    • Skillful in using a glass cutter (traditional or pistol-grip), running pliers and grozing
    • Knowledgable on use of ring saw, table top grinders, and flexible shaft rotary tools.
    • Comfortable cutting both smooth and textured glass
  • Lead Channel Stained Glass Restoration
    • Previous experience working with lead channel stained glass
    • Deconstruction skills
      • create a rubbing/pattern from original before deconstruction
      • remove old lead/cement
    • Repair/Build skills
      • Precise patterns
      • Glass cutting and grinding
      • Old lead prep
      • Cutting and placing new lead
      •  Soldering
      •  Cementing
      • Precision sizing
    • Finishing Skills
      • Cleaning cement
      •  Patina
      • Polish
  • Copper Foil Stained Glass Restoration
    • Previous experience working with copper foil stained glass
    • Deconstruction skills
      • Create a rubbing/pattern from original before deconstruction
      • Remove broken glass, solder, and foil and any other necessary pieces
      • Clean intact glass/solder
    • Repair/Build SkillsPrecise patterns
      • Glass cutting and grinding
      • Foiling
      • Soldering
      • Cleaning
      • Precision sizing
    • Finishing Skills
      •  Patina
      • Polish
  • New Construction
    • Lead channel or copper foil technique
    • Provided pattern
    • Provided glass selection
  • Physical:
    • Able to work while sitting, standing, crouching
    • Can get up and down from the floor/work on the floor when needed
    • Is able to lift 50 lbs to move objects/materials.
    • Willing to wear a mask/glasses when necessary for PPE
  • Age / Education
    • 18 yrs or older
    • Training in stained glass
      • Does not need to be traditional academic. We are open to all types of training
      • Proof of experience
      • Portfolio of related works/jobs

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Timely review for estimated labor hours for incoming job proposals
  2. Restoration of both lead channel and copper foil panels/objects
  3. Manage time to maintain projected project hours and deadlines
  4. Clear communication, updates and team reviews
  5. Be a team player
  6. Maintain studio work space

BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF THE STUDIO:

  • $25-$45 per hour pay based on experience
  • 30-40 hrs a month
  • Flexible work schedule within project deadlines
  • Opportunity for job growth within the studio with corresponding pay increases
  • 3 hours a week of scheduled studio access
    • Stained Glass, Kiln-Formed Glass & Cold Shop
  • Employee discounts: classes, supplies and kiln firings

https://www.sternglassworks.com/specialistapp