Studio Art Technician for Photography and Digital Labs
Northeastern University
Application
Details
Posted: 27-Nov-24
Location: Oakland, California
Type: Part-time
Internal Number: 5830888
Studio Art Technician for Photography and Digital Labs
About the Opportunity
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Job Summary: Under the direction of the Director of Makerspaces, Oakland, Office of the Provost, the Studio Art Technician for Photography and Digital Labs manages the Oakland campus photography studios and digital photography infrastructure as well as Web Checkout for Makerspaces Oakland. This position will work closely with faculty and students across the Northeastern Oakland campus. The ideal candidate will have at least three years of experience with manual and digital photographic processes, darkroom management, chemical management, digital fine art printing (large and small format), and a firm understanding of both manual and digital cameras.
The Studio Art Technician selects, purchases and receives supplies; coordinates maintenance of digital lab inventory related to photography, and darkroom maintenance. They monitor material and equipment maintenance budgets and are responsible for creating an annual budget for the studio in collaboration with their manager. They are expected to work within that budget to acquire new resources, repair existing resources, and report expenses monthly. They are expected to maintain excellent relationships with existing vendors and establish new relationships with new vendors as needed. They order and accept delivery of new or replacement resources on an ongoing basis. They maintain an equipment cage and photo labs; and oversee faculty and student use of facilities. They provide proper training on equipment, fine art printing, and lab safety. They will also develop standard operating procedures and documentation for their spaces. The incumbent works with a high level of autonomy, responsibility, confidentiality, discretion, and initiative, through an equity lens.
Qualifications:
Preferred Education and Work Experience:
Master's degree in Art Practice, Photography, Graphic Design, Architecture or other related field with 3-5 years of relevant experience
Knowledges:
Art terminology and techniques related to these studio areas
Extensive and demonstrable knowledge of the following computer programs using a Mac platform: ((Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Bridge), Camera RAW))
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Proper and safe use of traditional photographic chemistry
Safety policies, practices and procedures as required by the University
Web Checkout lending platform
Proficiency in additional technologies including the Microsoft platform, Koralia, Supersaas, Concur, Wordpress, Figma, the Adobe Creative Suite, and other design software. The incumbent is not expected to have expertise in all technologies, but the willingness to learn new technologies and become a subject matter expert on said technology is crucial.
Abilities:
Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with students, faculty and staff within a diverse and multicultural environment
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and responsibility
Ability to be courteous, responsive, efficient, and professional with students, colleagues, and external constituents
Strong professional ethics and discretion with an attitude of respect for all persons in the University community
Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with others in an anti-sexist, multicultural Antiracist setting
Skills:
Communicate clearly and effectively
Receive and follow through on detailed oral and/or written instructions
Plan, prioritize, organize and anticipate the needs of assigned studio areas
Understand technical terminology related to the assigned studio areas
Explain relevant techniques and procedures to students and faculty
Train students, faculty, and staff in safe work practices
Work independently and take initiative
Maintain a clean and organized work environment
Observe health and safety regulations related to hazardous materials and waste disposal
Practice consistent attention to detail
Physical Abilities
Ability to lift moderately heavy objects
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
Dexterity of hands to operate various laboratory equipment and to handle chemicals safely
Hazards
Hazardous and toxic materials
Key Responsibilities:
Maintenance of Digital Lab and Darkroom & Waste Management (50%)
Maintain stock of digital and analog photographic supplies (ink, archival paper, printer heads, darkroom chemistry, etc.); maintain printer functionality; train student workers in digital and analog printing practices; log lab bills for printing costs; maintain budget for photography labs; maintain functionality of enlargers in darkroom; train student, faculty, staff and studio assistants to print in darkroom; ensure both labs are tidy and safety policies are being practiced by all students, faculty, and staff. Monitor photo chemistry waste, as well as paint waste in painting building; coordinate with Chemical Hygiene Dept. to dispose of all waste in a timely and safe manner.
Equipment Cage and Checkouts (20%)
Develop check out and return policies for photographic equipment (digital cameras, film cameras, lighting kits, tripods, etc.) with constituents across campus; manage all equipment check out and returns to students, faculty, and staff; organize equipment cage and maintain inventory; make repairs to equipment as needed . Utilize Web Checkout platform for equipment checkout across campus.
Curricular, Co-curricular and Research Support (15%)
Assist faculty with curriculum development; give demonstrations of photo equipment and lab technology in courses; troubleshoot classroom AV equipment (projectors, computers, etc.) in the computer lab. Develop trainings, workshops, and tutorials; coordinate research support with faculty and students; manage the studio calendar; delegate student staff support of ongoing curricular and research activities in the studios.
Human Resource Management (10%)
Support the hire and training of a rotating team of student staff, manage the staff calendar, lead staff meetings, delegate work to appropriate staff resources.
Events & Campus Support (5%)
Work with College and University stakeholders to support special events on campus.
The hourly rate for this position is $33.27.
Position Type
General Administration
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.
Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in the heart of Boston. Northeastern is a leader in worldwide experiential learning, urban engagement, and interdisciplinary research that meets global and societal needs. Our broad mix of experience-based education programs?our signature cooperative education program, as well as student research, service learning, and global learning?build the connections that enable students to transform their lives. The University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools.