Technical Assistant III, Photography

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Technical Assistant III to join the Photography department. The Photography program encourages original thinking, self-expression, and visualization while teaching the skills of photographic seeing, production, and presentation. Our students are diverse, coming from a wide range of geographic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds, representing all forms of diversity. We seek a culturally competent candidate who will thrive in a campus environment that advances principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

With a commitment to centering inclusivity, diversity, and equity in executing key responsibilities, The Technical Assistant III trains and assists students and faculty on the use of equipment and supplies and provides technical guidance and advice in support of educational courses and academic projects. This position manages, maintains, and repairs the equipment and supplies necessary to operate the RISD Photography department and facilities, notably the equipment cage, analog darkrooms, lighting studio, and Red Eye Gallery. The Technical Assistant III maintains checkout system and makes minor repairs to equipment as required and arranges with outside vendors for repairs that cannot be done in the department. This position also ensures safety of facilities, studios, and environment.

Essential Functions

• Train and assist faculty and students in the proper and safe operation, handling, care and storage of photography equipment and supplies, including training darkroom monitors in environmental protocols for the safe handling, storage, and disposal of darkroom chemicals. Provide inclusive and accessible training and guidance on the use of the equipment/technology in support of the educational process, academic projects and/or design.
• Order and track supplies and maintain appropriate inventory levels. Compile and analyze data on equipment and supply usage to forecast needs. Research, advise, acquire, set up, and manage new, existing, or historical equipment/technologies in support of RISD’s Photography educational curriculum.
• Manage and maintain proper and safe operation of darkroom facilities, including daily cleaning and maintenance, in accordance with current environmental protocols and procedures. Suggest, develop, promote, and implement best safety practices, systems, and standards. Provide feedback to RISD’s Environmental Health & Safety Department.
• Maintain all equipment in a neat and orderly manner. Perform preventative maintenance on equipment as required, such as scheduled lubrication and cleaning, and maintain documentation of the same.
• Make minor repairs to equipment as required and arrange with outside vendors for repairs that cannot be done in the department, and maintain documentation of the same.
• Maintain system to checkout and check-in equipment and supplies in photo cage storage area. Maintain proper inventory controls and tracking for all department equipment stored within the photo cage. Collect fines when abuses of the checkout system become apparent.
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise student employees, including graduate assistants, working in the photo cage, darkroom facilities, lighting studio, and Red Eye Gallery to assure quality and quantity of work with emphasis on safety and to build and foster an environment of respect and inclusion.
• Monitor all rust control filters in facilities. Maintain silver reclamation system and facilitate and coordinate testing with governmental regulatory agencies.
• Research and suggest improvements to, or modification of, of the photo cage, darkroom facilities, lighting studio, Red Eye Gallery, and equipment, tools.

Additional Functions:

• Assist in the development and monitoring of the department budget.
• Perform related assignments as directed by the department head or dean.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• ​Bachelor’s degree in appropriate technical discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four to six years practical experience in the appropriate field with a relation toward the technical productions of fine arts and commercial photography; excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Computer skills (Macintosh and PC), basic knowledge of publishing software such as Adobe Creative Suite, and working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet programs required.
• Experience with inventory management, such as Web Checkout, software required.
• Working knowledge of darkroom and digital printing processes required.
• Experience with the safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals used in the field of photography preferred.
• Must be able to work in and support a diverse and culturally inclusive environment.
• 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.

Union:
Yes; Technical Association

Work Schedule:
40 hours per week

Employment Status:
Full-Time, Non-exempt (hourly)

Grade:
03/CT-TU

Documents Needed to Apply:
Resume
Cover Letter

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.

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Technician