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.
Ikonic Glass
At Ikonic Glass, we’re passionate about sharing the joy of glassblowing with as many people as possible. Co-founded by Nick and Konrad, our mobile studio travels to festivals, private events, and workshops, offering a welcoming and hands-on experience for anyone curious about this unique art form. We believe that creativity should be accessible to everyone, no matter your skill level or age.
Our mission is simple: to introduce as many people as we can to the art of glassblowing, helping them create something they can take home and be proud of. We take great care in making sure everything we do follows strict safety standards, ensuring a fun and safe environment for all our students. Whether it's a kid excited to learn or an adult looking to try something new, our workshops are designed to make the experience approachable, memorable, and fun.