JEWELRY GUILD LEAD FOR PAST LIVES

Do you love lapidary and leadership? Are you skilled at jewelry-making or metalsmithing? Then we need YOU!

Location: Inner S.E. Portland
Type: Volunteer Role with Membership Trade
Time Requirement: 10 hours Monthly

The Jewelry Guild Lead is responsible for supporting and growing the Jewelry Guild at Past Lives Makerspace. This role ensures that members have safe access to jewelry-making equipment, including the fabrication tables, soldering station, lapidary equipment, and (soon) casting setup. The Guild Lead acts as a point of contact for members interested in jewelry, helps organize orientations and classes, and works with the CEO, Operations Director, and other Guild Leads to ensure the guild’s success.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee and coordinate the safe use of Jewelry Guild equipment:

    • Fabrication tables (Fab tables)

    • Soldering station

    • Lapidary equipment

    • Casting equipment (once operational)

  • Approve and support instructors teaching jewelry classes.

  • Ensure safety standards and best practices are followed.

  • Host or coordinate orientations for new members in the Jewelry Guild.

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for member questions, issues, and requests related to jewelry-making.

  • Communicate scheduled classes, orientations, or closures in Discord so members are aware of shop use.

  • Collaborate with staff and other guild leads to plan classes, events, and community showcases.

  • Report repair or maintenance needs to the Repair Manager, who is responsible for equipment upkeep.

Qualifications

  • Experience in jewelry-making, metalsmithing, or related disciplines.

  • Familiarity with jewelry tools and processes (fabrication, soldering, lapidary, casting).

  • Commitment to safe shop practices and ability to train others.

  • Strong communication and organizational skills.

  • Enthusiasm for building community and supporting fellow makers.

This role is well-suited for:

  • Bench jewelers with experience in fabrication and soldering.

  • Lapidary artists skilled in stone cutting, polishing, or cabochon work.

  • Metalsmiths with a background in small-scale metal casting or jewelry design.

  • Professional or teaching jewelers interested in mentoring and community engagement.

  • Multi-disciplinary makers who combine jewelry with ceramics, textiles, or other craft areas.

Compensation

This is a volunteer leadership role that includes a compensated membership to Past Lives Makerspace.

 Apply Today!

Send an email to both dixie@pastlives.space and lee@pastlives.space with:

  • A resume or portfolio (as attachments, not in the email)

  • A brief intro about yourself and why you’re interested in this opportunity

  • Links to your website or social media showcasing your work, if possible

  • Any other professional or volunteer experience you feel is relevant

  • Any questions you have!