Studio Technician

Stony Brook University•Town of Brookhaven, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Studio Technician supports photography, printmaking, painting, and related studio facilities within the Department of Art. The position is responsible for analog photography and darkroom operations, technical training of students and faculty, equipment maintenance, health and safety oversight, inventory and booking systems, and operational support for shared studio environments. The technician develops workshops, supports instructional activities, and helps ensure safe and equitable access to specialized facilities and equipment. The position also provides general operational support to printmaking and painting studios, including materials oversight, facility organization, basic equipment maintenance, safety monitoring, and coordination of repairs or specialist servicing when required. The incumbent must have the ability to train and support students and faculty in technical studio processes. The incumbent must have strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Photography, Studio Art, Media Arts, Printmaking, or a related field.
Two (2) years of full-time experience in analog photography and darkroom operations, studio arts technical support, printmaking facilities, higher education arts facilities, community studio environments, or related creative technical settings.
Demonstrated experience managing analog photography facilities and darkroom operations.
Knowledge of studio health and safety protocols, including chemical handling, ventilation procedures, hazardous materials storage, and equipment safety.
Experience supporting shared studio environments and maintaining specialized equipment.
Ability to lift and move studio materials and equipment as required by the position.

Nice To Haves

MFA (foreign equivalent or higher).
Advanced professional experience in photography, printmaking, studio arts, media arts, or related interdisciplinary practice.
Experience working in higher education, arts institutions, or community studio environments.
Experience with both analog and digital photography workflows.
Experience supporting printmaking studios, lighting studios, or interdisciplinary media spaces.
Experience managing equipment checkout systems, inventory systems, or shared technical facilities.
Experience developing and leading technical workshops and safety training sessions.
Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, digital imaging workflows, and camera technologies.
Experience working collaboratively across multiple studio disciplines.

Responsibilities

Manage all aspects of analog photography facilities, including chemistry preparation, enlarger maintenance, ventilation oversight, troubleshooting equipment, scheduling and supervision of open darkroom hours, and ensuring compliance with health and safety procedures.
Develop and deliver hands-on workshops, orientations, and technical training sessions related to darkroom processes, lighting studios, printmaking equipment, studio safety, and materials handling. Provide direct support to students and faculty during classes and open studio periods.
Provide defined technical support for printmaking and painting facilities, including press maintenance, screen preparation, materials oversight, solvent safety, ventilation checks, and coordination of studio access and organization.
Assist with equipment circulation, inventory tracking, maintenance scheduling, booking systems, and preparation of studio facilities and equipment for teaching activities and student use.
Monitor compliance with studio safety protocols, assist with hazardous materials management, maintain safety documentation, coordinate with university safety offices when necessary, and support safe operation of shared studio environments.
Participate in departmental technical planning, communicate with faculty and staff regarding studio operations and equipment needs, attend relevant meetings, and contribute to discussions around evolving technical and instructional infrastructure.
Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.