Art Studio Technician
Job Description:
PRIMARY PURPOSE/GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the direction of the Art Department, the Art Studio Technician will oversee and maintain the operation of the Scripps Art Studios. Working cooperatively, they will attend to the daily management, operation, and administration of the studio art facilities. This includes ceramics, sculpture, painting, drawing, book arts, printmaking, digital art, digital fabrication, video and photography. They will provide direct hands-on support to undergraduate students and faculty alike. The ideal candidate is willing to learn new skills and gain knowledge related to both existing and new equipment.
The Art Studio Technician supports facilities in which 26 courses are offered a year, each servicing 16-24 students.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
This information is intended to be a descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position. The list of essential functions below does not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent in this position. Perform other duties as assigned.
Art Studio Management
- Perform routine maintenance on equipment and liaise with facilities staff on required and preventative maintenance. Advise faculty on equipment upgrades, replacements, and repairs.
- Partner with art faculty to instruct and advise students regarding technical and creative aspects of artwork design and execution.
- Provide technical expertise in the safe use of various departmental equipment to faculty, staff and students.
- Provide demonstrations, supervise students, and monitor facilities in and out of class times.
- Train and manage student employees with guidance from faculty.
- Assist faculty with contacting outside vendors and overseeing their work when their services are required (i.e. kiln, printer or other specialized equipment repair).
- Provide recommendations and implement, as approved, policies and procedures to help improve and ensure efficient and safe operations.
- Regularly update art studio operating manuals with studio guidelines and relevant learning resources for installed equipment.
- Identify, research, evaluate, and present recommendations on new, existing, and alternative technology, equipment, hardware, and software including availability, features, upgrades, specifications, and prices. Assist faculty in identifying new, expansive approaches and techniques.
- Assist faculty and students with student art gallery installations as needed.
- Coordinate with the Facilities Department to ensure studios are properly maintained.
- Maintain inventory, manage ordering of consumable supplies and material, and assist with equipment booking/check out system.
Safety and Compliance
- Manage equipment safety and chemical operations. This includes teaching, training, and demonstrating the safe use of equipment and chemicals in compliance with accreditation standards, safety and environmental regulations, and other applicable requirements.
- Coordinate with the Safety Operations Specialist to ensure compliance with all workplace, chemical, and safety requirements.
- Evaluate studio equipment on a regular basis. Ensure that all hoods, exhaust fans, and other safety equipment are functioning properly.
- Manage the safety of art studios and take prompt appropriate action when unsafe conditions, practices, or equipment are reported and/or observed.
- Conduct and verify that all art department personnel and students have completed applicable safety training.
- Manage the use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Revise and implement the chemical hygiene plan and emergency response plan. Regularly conduct audits of safety procedures and response plans.
- Obtain and maintain all licenses and permits necessary for instruction.
- Prepare and maintain safety data sheets.
- Active support for the College’s Principles of Community and Principles of Diversity in the performance of job duties.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The successful candidate will possess the knowledge, skills and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
- Manage multiple projects and work assignments effectively and successfully.
- Knowledge of the use and maintenance of art studio facilities and equipment including photography, ceramics, book arts, digital art, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and video.
- Ability to interact with a diverse faculty, staff, and student population.
- Knowledge of Cal/OSHA requirements and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) principles relating to chemical storage and disposal as it relates to workplace compliance.
- Maintain working knowledge of equipment for woodworking (including stationery and hand tools), ceramics, photography, printmaking, video, book arts and digital art (including digital fabrication).
- Ability to operate, troubleshoot and maintain electronic and computer assisted equipment.
- Possess interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
- Must have excellent and effective oral and written communication skills.
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or any combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability.
Previous experience working in the fine arts including photography, ceramics, painting, etc. is preferred.
LICENSES / CERTIFICATES:
Preferred Licenses and Certificates:
Current/unexpired training in the following:
- 8-hour Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT)
One or more of the following:
- 2-day Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
- 8-hour RCRA Hazardous Waste Annual Refresher
- 2-day California Hazardous Waste Management
- 8-hour California Hazardous Waste Management Annual Refresher
Current knowledge of Cal/OSHA and California Department of Toxic Substances (DTSC) requirements relating to chemical storage and disposal as it relates to workplace compliance.
If applicant does not possess any of the above certifications or work experience, training will be provided.
OTHER:
HOURS & CLASSIFICATION AND STATUS:
This is a regular, full-time, benefits-eligible, 12-month, non-exempt position.
The hours for this position will be based on the classroom schedule and needs of the department. Hours may vary due to needs of the College or department.
Hourly rate range: $32.00 -$35.00. The hourly rate of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Supervises student employees.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate.
Physical and Mental Requirements:
Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans.
Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal parameters. Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file. Ability to move about. Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs, for example to lift or move office supplies, files, books and packages.
At-Will Employment:
Regular employment at the College is for no specified period of time; conditions and status of employment (hours, pay, title, duties, etc.) are subject to change at any time. Scripps College is an At-Will employer. Employees, and likewise the College, are free to end the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice or cause, unless otherwise prohibited by law.
With the goal of providing the safest campus possible for our community, the College is requiring faculty and staff to provide proof of their original COVID-19 vaccination series within two weeks of hire date. The original COVID-19 vaccination series may include two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson. Exemptions for documented medical reasons or a sincerely held religious belief may be requested.