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Technical Assistant III, Furniture Design

Employer
Rhode Island School of Design
Location
Rhode Island, United States
Salary
Salary Not Specified
Date posted
Sep 14, 2022

Job Details



Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Technical Assistant III to join its Furniture department. Furniture Design at RISD offers an intensive immersion in materials research and exploration in the process of making furniture and objects. Students investigate some of the most important questions facing designers today—from how to take advantage of changing technologies and new materials, to how to respond to variable economic conditions and evolving lifestyles.

With a commitment to centering inclusivity, diversity and equity in executing key responsibilities, the Technical Assistant III is a highly valuable member of the Furniture community providing training to faculty and students in the safe and proper use, care, storage, and as appropriate disposal of machinery, general equipment, safety equipment, and supplies/materials. Provides inclusive and accessible advice and guidance on the technical and conceptual parameters of student projects. Identifies, researches, evaluates, and presents recommendations on new and existing technology, equipment and features for use in the Department of Furniture Design workshops. Maintains and repairs complicated and diverse technical equipment required in the department and or work with outside vendors to arrange for more complicated repairs. In consultation with the Department Head, develops policies and procedures to ensure safety for all shop use and equitable access of the facility and equipment. Assists with departmental research, projects and exhibitions.

We seek a culturally competent candidate who will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Essential Functions
  • Advise, train, guide and assist all relevant students & staff in the proper and safe use of machinery, tools, equipment, supplies and materials available in the Furniture Design workshops.

  • Proactively work with faculty to understand and support the technical needs of the educational curriculum.

  • Provide guidance to students on technical and conceptual parameters of academic projects in an inclusive and accessible manner.

  • Ensure the shop is fully operational at all times, which includes and is not limited to: ordering supplies and maintaining proper inventory levels; performing both scheduled and preventive repairs to machinery and equipment (such as lubrication or cleaning); developing equipment maintenance procedures; coordinating schedules for multi-use rooms; and handling the physical setup of tools, materials, and spaces for classes.

  • Hire, train, schedule and supervise student monitors to ensure a high quality of work, an emphasis on safety, and an educational environment of respect and inclusion.

  • Train student workers to handle, maintain, and operate machinery and equipment and to adhere to shop policies and protocols, enforcing such policies when necessary; schedule student workers so the shop is fully staffed.

  • Identify, research, evaluate, and test the machines, equipment and tools, suggesting improvements where necessary.

  • Assist the Department Head with planning, completing paperwork, monitoring department expenditures, and obtain quotes regarding Capital Funding requests.

  • Coordinate with RISD’s Environmental Health & Safety Department to implement best safety practices, systems & standards. Report all incidents.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience
  • Must be able to work in and support a diverse and culturally inclusive environment.

  • Expertise with CAD and CAM software and proficiency running digital fabrication equipment.

  • Ability to be proactive, to anticipate needs of a diverse group of students and faculty, and to meet and balance a wide variety of needs and demands.

  • Knowledge of best practices related to personal and environmental health and safety in a workshop setting.

  • Excellent interpersonal communications skills.

  • Four to six years practical experience with woodworking machinery and tools, 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC router, plastic forming tools and machinery, sewing machines, miscellaneous powered and non-powered tools, etc. in a prototyping, production, or educational setting.

  • Bachelor’s degree in appropriate discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Union:

Yes; Technical Association

Work Schedule:

40 hours per week; 12 months per year

Employment Status:

Full-time; Non-exempt

Grade:

03/CT-TU

Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (required)

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

For internal use only - Job Family:

Technician

Company

RISD

RISD is a college and museum founded in 1877 in Providence, RI. Today 2,620 students engage in 44 full-time bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, supported by a committed faculty and worldwide network of more than 31,000 alumni.

By cultivating expansive and elastic thinking, RISD equips artists, designers and scholars to generate and challenge the ideas that shape our world.

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