Research Technician, Fox Wood Shop (PT/AY)

General purpose

The Fox Wood Shop Research Technician assists with the general operations of the Fox Wood Shop Studio with a particular focus on the advancement of safety, equipment, and facilities in the shop. Under the guidance of the Studio Manager, this position provides technical expertise to students and faculty through curricular engagement and co-curricular initiatives, supports research in the studio; and has access to the facility to pursue individual research outside of work hours. The Fox Wood Shop is a campus-wide resource open to all MICA students (undergraduate, graduate, and open studies students).

Summary of Essential Functions

• Supervise student homework access to the Fox Wood Shop and support fall and spring instruction.
• Assist with the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Fox Wood Shop, ensuring that all equipment operates effectively and safely, the facilities are clean and efficient, and supplies are stocked and available.
• Serve as an educational resource, and support Undergraduate and Graduate students regarding related processes of the Fox Wood Shop.
• Provide assistance to Fabrication Studios full-time staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to students in the Fox Wood Shop.
• Communicate, maintain, and enforce a safety program that complies with Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), OSHA standards, modeling safe studio practices, and ensuring general safety.
• Enforce studio policies and demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of equipment, tools, materials, techniques, and processes in the Fox Wood Shop.
• Contribute to tutorials for processes and techniques used in the Fox Wood Shop.
• Assist with monitoring and maintaining equipment in the Fox Wood Shop.
• Provide assistance and guidance to any Fox Wood Shop student workers (student technicians and/or work-study).
• Help maintain supplies for the Fox Wood Shop by communicating with the Studio Manager.
• Share research to enhance the Fox Wood Shop and classes held therein.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Practical working experience with woodworking processes and techniques for hand tools, power tools, and stationary machinery.
• Good mechanical sensibility.
• Ability to assess and trouble-shoot mechanical fabrication tools and equipment.
• Strong listening and organizational skills, ability to communicate professionally both orally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of students, faculty, and staff.

Minimum qualifications

• BFA or a four-year degree with experience working in a wood shop.
• 1+ years experience in intermediate or advanced woodworking.
• 1+ years experience operating table saws, jointers, and other common woodworking tools.
• Required to lift, pull and carry, up to 45 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in intermediate or advanced woodworking.
• 2+ years experience operating table saws, jointers, and planers.
• 1+ years experience working in a wood shop, preferably in an academic environment.
• Proficiency working with the following machinery: table saws, preferably Saw Stop, jointers, planers, band saws and re-sawing, lathes, router tables, stationary sanders, miter saws, and hand-held power tools.
• Skills in traditional hand tools and edge sharpening.
• Knowledge of basic construction techniques, cold connections related to woodworking, and hardware.
• Knowledge of material finishing and finishes.
• Experience with metalworking a plus.
• Skills in Adobe Suite, and hand/computer drafting a plus.