Visual Arts Technician
About The Position
The Visual Arts Technician supports the educational mission of the Visual Arts Department by collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to cultivate safe, inclusive, and well-functioning studio environments that foster teaching, learning, and creative practice. The position provides support to the Visual Arts program with specialized expertise in woodworking and coordinating woodshop operations while assisting in coordinating the day-to-day operation of shared studio facilities, the managing and maintenance of technical resources and equipment, and fabrication needs across the department. The technician supervises student employees, provides technical demonstrations and mentorship, assists with exhibitions and installations, and supports faculty instruction and independent student work through collaborative problem-solving and technical guidance. The position also administers the Lending Library, a department initiative extending student artwork into the broader campus community. Department Overview: Housed in the Bryant Arts Center, the Visual Arts program at Denison University offers B.A. and B.F.A. degrees rooted in a studio-based, interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum. Students engage in rigorous creative practice across 2D, 3D, and digital/time-based media while grounding their work in art history, critical theory, and contemporary cultural contexts. The program emphasizes hands-on mentorship, visual literacy, independent thesis projects, and active participation in campus exhibitions.
Requirements
- 1-3 years of demonstrated professional experience supporting studio facilities, woodworking shops, fabrication laboratories, or comparable creative or technical environments.
- Demonstrated commitment to maintaining safe, organized, and inclusive studio environments.
Nice To Haves
- M.F.A in Visual Arts or Studio Arts
- Three (3) or more years of professional experience supporting studio facilities, fabrication shops, makerspaces, or comparable educational or creative environments.
- Experience with ceramics is a plus.
- OSHA 10- or OSHA 30-Hour certification, or comparable safety training.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the daily operation, organization, maintenance, and continual improvement of Visual Arts studios, workspaces, storage areas, equipment, and shared facilities to support teaching, student learning, and creative research.
- Collaborate with faculty to support course needs through technical demonstrations, equipment orientation, clay mixing and material preparation, troubleshooting, and guidance for students during classes and independent studio work.
- Inspect, maintain, repair, and coordinate servicing of studio equipment and specialized tools; implement safety protocols, maintain safety documentation, and train students and student employees in the safe operation of equipment and facilities.
- Manage inventories of equipment, tools, consumable materials, and supplies; coordinate purchasing, vendor relationships, equipment repairs, and budget tracking for studio operations.
- Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise student employees while mentoring students in the responsible use of studio resources, equipment, and professional studio practices.
- Assist faculty and students with exhibition preparation, gallery installation, special events, visiting artists, and other departmental initiatives that support the academic and public mission of the Visual Arts Department.
Benefits
- Comprehensive healthcare plan
- 403(b) retirement savings with 10% contribution from Denison for eligible positions
- Starting at 10 vacation days
- 9 paid holidays
- Campus closure from Christmas to New Years
- Free parking and gym membership
- Free classes for employees
- Full tuition coverage for dependents
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
