"Art Studio Technician"

The Art Studio Technician provides vital operational, technical, and administrative support to the departments of Art & Art History (AAH) and Media & Communication Studies (MCS). This role ensures the smooth functioning of the Ritter Building studio classrooms and facilities, maintaining a safe, well-equipped, and accessible learning environment for students and faculty. This position also supports APEX programming and professional development opportunities, acting as a mentor to students and modeling creative practice.

In collaboration with the Office of Academic Affairs, Environmental Health & Safety, and Facilities, the Art Studio Technician oversees equipment upkeep, enforces safety protocols, supports curricular and co-curricular programming, and assists with administrative tasks for both departments.

Specific Responsibilities:

Studio Technician Responsibilities – Art & Art History (AAH) and Media and Communications Studies (MCS)

• Maintain and manage studio classrooms across the Ritter Building in printmaking, darkroom and digital photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, and graphic design, oversee Mac Labs and Podcast Studio
• Oversee and implement safety protocols and procedures in all studio spaces, including woodshop, spray booth, darkroom, kiln, and chemical handling
• Monitor and address risk and environmental hazards in collaboration with the Senior Director of Facilities, and the Senior Director of IT and Risk Management.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and repairs, including communication with external vendors and contractors
• Oversee proper storage, mixing, and disposal of hazardous materials and chemical waste
• Track and manage inventory, supply orders, and specialized materials for all studio areas, make purchases where necessary for supplies both office and studio related
• Collect and process course fees and coordinate material reimbursements for courses such as Studio Practice and Capstone
• Supervise and support Student Studio Assistants and TAs, coordinating weekly task lists, website updates, and faculty support projects
• Assist faculty in course preparation including model scheduling, equipment setup, and student access to restricted materials
• Provide open studio hours and hands-on technical support for students working independently
• Oversee equipment check-out systems (e.g., tripods, cameras, drawing kits) and lab access (e.g., photo studio, computer labs)
• Support student exhibitions, including the Annual Student Exhibition, liaising with Berman Museum staff for installation needs, and projects, such as the Campus Newspaper (the Grizzly) and Student Podcast

APEX Programming & Student Engagement

The Studio Technician plays a vital role in supporting students’ creative and professional development by maintaining a safe, well-equipped, and accessible studio environment. This position includes regular interaction with students and offers mentorship in skill-building and professional practices. An individual with an MFA is especially well-positioned to model pathways for living a creative life—drawing on their graduate education, ongoing studio practice, and active engagement in the art world. Key responsibilities include studio upkeep, ensuring safety protocols, and maintaining open studio hours for student access and support.

Other Duties:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job responsibilities and activities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice. Job descriptions will be audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Art, Design, Media, or related field required; MFA or equivalent creative professional experience strongly preferred
• Experience with studio practices across multiple media, including photography, sculpture, painting, and printmaking preferred.
• Familiarity with environmental health and safety protocols in creative studio environments preferred.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Experience supervising student workers or volunteers preferred.
• Proficient with tools and equipment used in visual arts and digital media preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and digital printing workflows preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and respond flexibly to changing needs.
• High degree of discretion in handling confidential information.