Manager, Metalsmithing Instructional Lab

Johnson County Community College•Overland Park, KS

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Metalsmithing Instructional Lab Manager supports JCCC mission by overseeing the daily operations of the Metalsmithing Studio, providing advanced technical and instructional support to students and faculty. This position coordinates studio activities, supervises Studio Arts Technicians, manages inventory, maintains equipment, and ensures compliance with safety and OSHA standards. Serving as the primary point of contact for the Metals Area, the incumbent supports curriculum delivery, open studio access, and leads training and oversight of studio technicians while contributing to the ongoing development of metalsmithing facilities and processes.

Requirements

Master of Fine Arts degree in Metalsmithing, Jewelry/Metals, Sculpture, Studio Art, or a closely related fine arts field.
Ability to obtain and maintain institutional safety training certifications as required (e.g., OSHA, Hazard Communication, Chemical Safety, Equipment Safety).
Minimum of 3–5 years of professional or academic experience working in a metalsmithing, sculpture, or studio arts environment.
Demonstrated experience providing technical instruction, mentoring, or instructional support in a studio or lab setting.
Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting metalsmithing and sculpture equipment and tools.
Experience working with safety protocols, chemical handling, and hazard mitigation in a studio environment.

Nice To Haves

First Aid/CPR/AED Certification.
Hazardous Materials Handling or Chemical Safety certification.
Experience in a college, university, or continuing education setting.
Experience managing inventory, procurement, budgets, or vendor relationships.
Experience training or supervising staff, technicians, or student workers.
Experience coordinating studio operations, open labs, or shared instructional facilities.
Experience supporting multiple faculty and disciplines within a fine arts department.

Responsibilities

Provide specialized mentoring, tutoring, and technical instruction in metalsmithing during Open Studio hours.
Guide students on assignments and demonstrate metalsmithing techniques and processes.
Provide individualized technical assistance for student projects, addressing conceptual development, fabrication methods, safety, and multi-step processes.
Support faculty instruction by assisting professors and students during scheduled classes with tutoring, technical process advising, machinery, kilns, metal casting operations, and troubleshooting.
Teach at least one section of a discipline specific course in the Fall and Spring Terms.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the Metals Area for faculty, staff, administration, and the Fine Arts Department.
Supervise, train and support studio arts technicians and lab staff on equipment use, safety procedures, and maintenance.
Coordinate scheduling, postings, and communication for studio technicians in the Metals Studio.
Participate in hiring search committees for adjunct faculty, studio technicians, and undraped models.
Coordinate scheduling and communication for undraped models supporting Drawing and Painting courses.
Collaborate with faculty to support cross-area studio needs and operations.
Ensure strict adherence to safety procedures in the Metals and Sculpture Studios.
Guide and assist students in proper use of PPE, tools, chemicals, machines, torches, and equipment.
Develop and implement safety procedures in compliance with OSHA guidelines.
Compile and submit Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals and materials to the institutional Hazmat system.
Coordinate with custodial services and the HAZMAT manager for proper chemical handling and disposal.
Conduct routine safety checks and ensure equipment is maintained in safe working condition.
Track, maintain, and manage inventory of specialized metalsmithing tools, equipment, and supplies.
Ensure timely organization and storage of new equipment and materials.
Research studio specialty tools, supplies, and equipment and recommend purchases and repairs.
Manage vendor relationships, purchasing processes, and credit card reporting.
Create and maintain the bookstore’s master metals inventory list and coordinate partial inventory support for the Sculpture area.
Manage continuing education inventory usage and studio maintenance.
Assist with the Sharon Tiley Metalsmithing Endowment funds, including scholarship commendations, specialty purchases, and visiting artists.
Analyze and resolve routine and non-routine technical, instructional, and operational issues.
Prepare instructional materials and demonstrations for laboratory and studio use.
Research emerging technologies, tools, and techniques in metalsmithing.
Advise on and support the development and expansion of Metals Area processes, equipment, and instructional capabilities.
Maintain, inspect, repair, and troubleshoot metalsmithing and sculpture equipment.
Confirm equipment functionality during checkout/check-in procedures.
Perform routine preventative maintenance to ensure safe and effective studio operations.

Benefits

Health insurance with some employer paid options.
Life insurance & AD&D (employer provided)
Retirement plans (403(b), 457(b), and KPERS)
Employer paid 8% contribution into a 403(b) no match required
Paid time off (vacation, sick, personal, and floating holidays)
14 days of paid holidays
Full tuition reduction for JCCC credit courses (for employee and eligible dependents)
Tuition reimbursement / assistance for non‑JCCC courses for employee
Free access to the Gym on campus for all employees and dependents
Discount to the Hiersteiner Child Development Center