O*NET Career Intelligence

Potters, Manufacturing

SOC 51-9195.05

Operate production machines such as pug mill, jigger machine, or potter's wheel to process clay in manufacture of ceramic, pottery and stoneware products.

Zone 3 Production

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Green

Top Skills 8

Operation Monitoring

3.4

Critical Thinking

3.1

Monitoring

3.1

Operation and Control

3.1

Active Listening

3.0

Reading Comprehension

2.9

Speaking

2.9

Social Perceptiveness

2.9

Knowledge Areas 8

Production and Processing

4.0

Fine Arts

3.8

Sales and Marketing

3.5

Design

3.3

Customer and Personal Service

3.3

Mechanical

3.1

Administration and Management

3.1

Chemistry

3.1

Key Tasks

1Press 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.

2Adjust wheel speeds according to the feel of the clay as pieces enlarge and walls become thinner.

3Mix and apply glazes, and load glazed pieces into kilns for firing.

4Position balls of clay in centers of potters' wheels, and start motors or pump treadles with feet to revolve wheels.

5Raise and shape clay into wares such as vases and pitchers, on revolving wheels, using hands, fingers, and thumbs.