Arts & Design Studio Technician

CHESS•Albuquerque, NM

2d•$16 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Arts & Design Studio Technician provides comprehensive technical, operational, and instructional support for arts and design laboratories, including art and ceramics studios. This position supports faculty and students by maintaining studio facilities, equipment, and materials; enforcing safety and compliance standards; and assisting with instructional activities. The Technician also oversees studio operations, inventory, budgets, and work study student employment to ensure a safe, efficient, and well resourced learning environment that supports creative and instructional excellence.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Successful completion of thirty (30) hours of postsecondary coursework
A minimum of nine (9) hours in the specific discipline; content courses must be completed with a grade of B or better
At least 1 year of work experience in ceramics production or a studio environment

Nice To Haves

Associates degree or higher OR currently enrolled in relevant degree program.
Completion of post-secondary chemistry coursework OR willingness to enroll in CHEM 115: Chemistry in Art within probationary period.
Demonstrated proficiency with clay, glazes, slips, stains AND ability to compound materials, design and test new formulations
Experience operating electric and gas kilns, as well as Raku and pit firing processes
Familiarity with OSHA workplace guidelines relating to PPE, ventilation, hazardous materials mitigation in a creative production setting
Possession of OSHA 30hr certification OR willingness to complete OSHA 30hr certification within probationary period

Responsibilities

Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot arts and ceramics studio facilities and equipment, including kilns, printing presses, pug mills, slip casting systems, and related machinery used in instructional environments.
Perform routine and advanced preventive maintenance and repairs on studio equipment; coordinate external service when necessary.
Manage ceramic firing operations, including scheduling, programming, and supervising electric, gas, Raku, test, and pit firing processes to support instructional timelines.
Prepare, compound, test, and maintain availability of studio materials such as clay bodies, glazes, slips, and test tiles to ensure continuous instructional use.
Oversee studio safety and regulatory compliance by enforcing OSHA standards, managing hazardous materials, ensuring proper ventilation, and providing required PPE.
Maintain orderly, clean, and functional studio environments to support safe and efficient instructional operations.
Provide technical support for studio computers, instructional software, and integrated lab technologies.
Manage inventory control, procurement, receiving, storage, and documentation for studio supplies, tools, equipment, and safety materials; verify and consolidate faculty supply requests.
Monitor and manage studio budgets; support procurement processes, cost controls, and fiscal documentation related to equipment and material acquisition.
Support instructional activities by assisting faculty with demonstrations, lab setup, evaluations, and technical consultations.
Instruct and guide students in proper equipment use, studio processes, and safety practices; provide technical troubleshooting during instructional activities.
Hire, train, supervise, and schedule work study and student employees; provide daily operational oversight and performance guidance.
Coordinate studio operations and resource sharing with Arts & Design Studio Technicians across campuses and travel as required to support instructional needs.
Maintain accurate records related to inventory, equipment maintenance, studio operations, and compliance activities.
Perform other job related duties as assigned.