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Visual Arts Technical Specialist

Employer
Smith College
Location
Massachusetts, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Jun 2, 2021
Art Job Description

Job Summary

Responsible for technical assistance in art studio operations, including equipment management and inventory control. Administer the health and safety program for the Art Department and provide guidelines and procedures for the program. Work with the college’s Manager of Inventory and Regulatory Affairs to ensure compliance. Train and supervise student assistants in Photography, Printmaking, and Typography. Participate in cross-team projects.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

This is a 35 hour per week, 41 weeks per year position.

Essential Functions

Printmaking Studio Operations and Technical Support (45%):

Monitor Printmaking and Typography studio operations. Assist students with printmaking processes, ensuring proper equipment usage. Maintain, repair, or coordinate the repair of studio equipment, including motorized proof presses, Vandercook presses, and etching presses. Assist students with proper use of solvents and other printmaking chemistry. Create technical documentation for facility and equipment use and maintenance. Assist faculty with testing and implementing new processes and techniques. Manage inventories of Printmaking and Typography studios and replenish supplies biannually. Work collaboratively with the Visual Arts Digital Specialist to configure, calibrate, and maintain computing systems within Printmaking and Typography. Maintain organization of storage areas in Printmaking and Typography.

Printmaking Studio Operations and Technical Support (45%):

Direct the Health and Safety Program for the Art Department. Manage mandated Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Coordinate Hazardous Waste pick up and perform weekly Hazardous Waste Satellite Accumulation area inspections. Maintain accurate records of all inspections. Attend annual safety training. Develop and implement Safety Training for Studio Art students, staff, and faculty, including: written protocols, conducting students, staff, and faculty training sessions, and record keeping. Routinely check, maintain, and replenish first aid kits as needed. Work with the Manager of Inventory and Regulatory Affairs and other college safety compliance staff. Submit, track, and facilitate building work orders and repairs.

Photography Lab Support (10%):

Coordinate with Art Department Faculty to monitor and maintain traditional photography darkroom, including student support as time permits. Manage supply inventories, including darkroom chemistry. Maintain and repair darkroom enlargers, timers, easels, and other related equipment. Maintain organization of storage areas for Photography. Coordinate with Visual Arts Digital Specialist the overall maintenance and anticipated use of the traditional photographic darkroom.

Exhibition Assistance (10%):

Provide general project and exhibition consultation and support for student exhibitions during the academic year. Coordinate with Visual Arts Faculty to support interdisciplinary projects according to availability and expertise.

Training and Supervision (5%):

Train and supervise student assistants in Printmaking, Typography, and Photography. Consult with Art Department faculty on tasks for student assistants that will best support the curriculum in these studios.
Maintain professional skills by attending conferences and workshops. Perform other duties as required.

Other Functions

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Bachelor’s degree in art or related discipline plus a minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proven experience working well with diverse groups and evidence of ability to learn new technologies.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Skills

Experience working with both traditional and digital printmaking methods and equipment. Knowledge of photographic darkroom methods and ability to coordinate with department faculty and staff to support and maintain darkroom lab equipment. Working knowledge of computer workflows and design software necessary to assist faculty and students in the required duties. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and patron service skills. Must be team-oriented, flexible, and able to work collaboratively in a rapidly changing environment.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . You may combine your resume and cover letter into a single file or attach multiple files to your application, but BE SURE you have provided all attachments BEFORE SUBMITTING your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

June 14, 2021

Compensation Grade:

Grade L Non-exempt

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Smith College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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