Print Media Technician

University of British Columbia•Vancouver, BC

3d•CA$5,770 - CA$6,270•Onsite

About The Position

The Print Media Technician oversees daily operations of the Print Media Research Centre (PRC) & Undergraduate Studios for the Department of Art History, Visual Art & Theory (AHVA). Major responsibilities include: performance of highly skilled technical tasks requiring education, training and experience in the field of printmaking; working collaboratively with other staff to support delivery of the arts curriculum with an emphasis on printmaking studio and digital lab support and oversight. Crossover and current knowledge among the various media of printmaking is important along with an understanding of printmaking techniques and equipment maintenance that minimizes the usage of toxic chemicals, solvents, and inks; and current/historic knowledge of digital and graphic art applications, IT developments, equipment and maintenance. The department is housed in several buildings at UBC Point Grey campus: the Frederic Lasserre Building, Auditorium Annex A, Wesbrook, B.C. Binning Studios, Dorothy Somerset Studios, and the Audain Art Centre. Based in the Audain Art Centre, the Print Media Technician interacts frequently with Visual Art (VISA) faculty, sessional lecturers, staff, graduate and undergraduate students. The Print Media Technician also liaises with staff from other university departments, such as Building Operations and Risk Management.

Requirements

Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Nice To Haves

Fine art and / or printmaking specialization preferred.
Extensive practical and theoretical knowledge of: lithography; intaglio and photo-intaglio; screenprinting; relief including wood and linocut; collagraphy; monoprint; and digital imaging including production and photographic procedures.
Demonstrates ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
Ability to exercise sound judgment.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with faculty, staff and students.
Ability to interpret and explain practices and procedures.
Ability to coordinate and oversee the work of others as required.
Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
Ability to supervise an instructional and learning environment to ensure safety and efficiency.
Knowledge of studio art theory and practice recommended.

Responsibilities

Overseeing the day to day operation of the Print Media Research Centre, and VISA Undergraduate Studios at the Audain Art Centre.
Delivers in-class demonstrations and assists faculty and students in traditional and innovative printmaking techniques and procedures. The major Print media techniques covered are: relief, monoprint, intaglio (including etching, aquatint and photo-etching), collagraph, silkscreen, digital printing and creation (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign), letterpress, book binding, 3D printing, and laser engraving
Oversees and implements safety procedures for the printmaking studio in consultation and coordination with AHVA staff and the Local Safety Team. Tasks Include: monitoring potential risks and hazards on a constant basis to ensure a safe studio environment; safely and effectively utilizing printmaking techniques within the studio, and minimizing the use of toxic chemicals, inks, and solvents whenever possible.
Manages scheduled use of equipment and supplies used by printmaking faculty and graduate students and supervises distribution and return of all printmaking equipment.
Maintains printmaking equipment and arranges repairs as and when necessary.
Alerts Campus Security, Administration and/or Facilities Management immediately of core building concerns and/or security issues in the areas overseen.
Prepares budgets for Print Media Research Centre & VISA undergraduate studios in collaboration with colleagues and Faculty and on approval of the Administrator and Head.
Procures approved budgeted items, tracks expenditures and cost recoveries, and meets periodically to review actuals with the Administrator.
Receives and safely stores supplies and equipment, ensuring availability for distribution as required.
Prepares receipts for supplies sold to students.
Reconciles Purchase card transactions for Printmaking and undergraduate studio areas, according to established procedures, and submits to the department administrator.
General troubleshooting and maintenance of the PRC digital lab for smooth daily performance.
Liaises with other technicians, faculty and staff to ensure effective development and coordination of departmental IT strategy.
Researches new materials and approaches to procedures tailored to our facility and programs, while taking into consideration evolving safe working practices and environmental concerns.
Remains current with developments in digital and graphic technologies generally and with particular emphasis on print media applications.
Provides graphic design support for departmental PR initiatives such as exhibitions and other events.
Liaises with other university departments as required.
Performs other related duties that may arise.