Visual Arts Studio Technician

University of Arkansas System • Fort Smith, AR

64d • Onsite

About The Position

The Visual Arts Technical position is an enthusiastic team player willing to work collaboratively and initiate projects. The successful applicant must be detail oriented, organized, highly capable in material and technical skills, and be able to manage multiple projects/problems simultaneously. The Studio Technician will provide support for instructors and students in daytime and evening hours, and will provide full-time staff presence during the Windgate building while evening classes are in session. The Department of Art & Design recognizes the critical role of continued creative practice for the Studio Technician, and will provide opportunities for professional support and development. The Studio Technician will also be provided necessary training and certifications necessary to safely execute their duties. The position reports to the Art & Design Department Head. Position Definition: Full-time, 12-month position. Expectation of regular evening shifts during academic year (12–9pm, Mon-Thurs, 8-5 Friday). Summer Duties to include: Asset, Material, and Equipment Inventories; Annual Inspections; SDS updates; annual facilities maintenance

Requirements

• Master’s degree in visual art or related fields, or B.A./B.F.A. in visual art or related field with record of significant relevant experience.
• Some experience managing studios is required; experience working with students at the college level is strongly preferred.
• The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience as an artist, with excellent hand and mechanical skills; administrative and organizational ability, and versatility to problem solve across areas of the visual arts.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to interact with a variety of personalities at all levels, exercising tact, confidentiality, sound judgment, diplomacy, and flexibility to promote positive working relationships and job effectiveness.
• Excellent technical/material skills in two or more of the following areas: printmaking, woodworking, ceramics, digital photography, digital fabrication
• Ability to demonstrate skills in project management, materials/asset inventory, or staff management.

Responsibilities

• Manage team of student studio assistants
• Provide relevant training, delegation, and oversight
• Coordinate the Department’s Environmental Health and Safety processes, including:
• Manage safety data sheet, hazcom signage, hazmat and disposal procedures, and safety protocols specific to accreditation and AOSH/ADEQ regulations
• Monitor environmental safety conditions, including fire extinguishers, emergency preparedness procedures, eyewash stations, spill kits, and first aid kits, ensuring proper chemical storage
• Monitor studios for hazards, maintain incident logs, and collaborate on required inspections and audits
• Monitor consumables, studio conditions, and equipment specific to the various courses and disciplines, in cooperation with faculty and appropriate support services; such monitoring to include providing assistance in receiving and processing shipments checking out cameras, laptops, and other portable equipment
• Management of digital fabrication, woodshop, and ceramics studios.
• Monitoring computer labs and notifying appropriate personnel when problems arise
• Manage after-hours open studio sessions
• Assist students with technical functions outside of regular course meeting times and ensure the health and safety of students as they engage machines and processes in the studios; Serving as point of contact for after-hours studio and class needs.
• Assist in Department events and programming
• Assist in set-up/tear down for Department events
• Managing installation and physical space needs associated with Artist in Residence Program
• Participate in appropriate Department committee work, such as Department Safety Committee.
• Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and by providing leadership to subordinates.
• Requires consistent on-time attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees