Studio Art Technician

Studio Art Technician

R00033066
Poughkeepsie, NY

Department
Art

Job Family
Staff - Union

Vassar College is deeply committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees by promoting an environment of transparency and respect for differences. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications of a posting. If you need to request an accommodation to fully participate in the search process, please contact careers@vassar.edu.

Position Summary:

The Studio Technician supports the creative and technical needs of the Studio Art Program, working closely with faculty across disciplines. This role enables the safe, effective, and resourceful use of studio spaces, tools, and materials while fostering a learning environment grounded in best practices for health, safety, and artistic exploration. Based in the Doubleday Sculpture Studio, the Studio Art Technician engages in a wide range of responsibilities and projects supporting the multidisciplinary work of Vassar's Studio Art Program.
This is a full time (37.5 hours per week), in person, CWA Union position for the full year.

Responsibilities:

• Assist and advise students in the execution of their art projects across a variety of media, ranging from teaching technical skills to conceptual project development.
• Demonstrate technical skills including woodworking, casting, metalworking, basic construction, and ceramics.
• Evaluate student readiness to use specialized equipment and ensure adherence to safe operating procedures.
• Organize and maintain the Studio Art Program classrooms and work spaces.
• Engage in a wide range of organizational projects for the Studio Art Program, including building furniture and walls, for all studio art classrooms and studios.
• Maintain student studios and oversee proper use of studio spaces.
• Support Studio Art Faculty by working closely with students and flagging any concerns to the faculty.
• Oversee and maintain the Sculpture Studio, including maintaining woodshop tools, welding shop, and casting and ceramics facilities.
• Procure tools, equipment, and materials from necessary suppliers, both locally and online, as needed for class curricula.
• Oversee and maintain the Analog Photo Lab, including mixing developing chemicals, ensuring chemical safety protocols are followed.
• Support the Printmaking Studio, including supply management, handling chemicals, press use and maintenance, process setups, and plate preparation.
• Support Painting classes by helping students with stretcher building, technical support for projects in diverse media, and assisting in material preparation for class use.
• Give workshops to Vassar students on specific art-making techniques, safety demonstrations, both in and out of designated class times, inclusive of applicable regulatory guidelines and maintain acknowledgement records.
• Assist faculty in managing student Studio Art Assistant employees with maintaining studio spaces, classrooms and department needs.
• Hold regular studio hours to assist students with projects.
• Monitor and service tools and equipment ensuring ongoing performance and safety.
• Facilitate the transportation, display, and storage of student artworks.
• Support students and faculty in installation and deinstallation of all class shows across campus locations.
• Reconcile purchases and manage expense reporting through Workday.
• Manage Studio Art waste and recycling, including specialized recycling items.
• Manage hazardous waste in accordance with applicable regulations, including oversight of Satellite Accumulation Areas, completion of safety checklists, and coordination of waste removal.
• Serve as Departmental Safety Representative under the guidance of the Vassar College Director of Environmental Health & Safety.
• Assist with student field trips, including driving Vassar vehicles.
• Liaise between Facilities Operations and the faculty.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Proficiency in sculpture techniques, including woodworking, casting, welding, and ceramics.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain studio tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of applicable guidelines and regulations regarding safety protocols and hazardous material handling.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work closely and collaboratively with students.
• Organizational skills to manage studio operations, inventory, and purchasing.
• Valid Driver's License for at least 2 years.
• Ability to move, position, transport and place objects up to and including 50 pounds.

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Studio Art, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
• Experience with printmaking and tools and materials of running a print shop, and/or the capacity to learn.
• Experience with maintaining an Analog Photo Lab, and/or the capacity to learn.
• Experience with digital fabrication tools and textile techniques, including sewing, and/or the capacity to learn.
• Familiarity with managing academic art studios and supporting faculty.
• Proficiency with purchasing and inventory systems (e.g., Workday).
• Knowledge of chemical safety procedures and documentation.

Compensation:

$24.64 per hour

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To complete your application, you will be required to attach your resume and cover letter. Please submit a single PDF portfolio (max 20 images) demonstrating your expertise as a maker, shop manager, and/or teacher. Include labeled examples of personal fabrications, managed facilities, and/or student projects. Each image should be accompanied by a brief caption providing context.
To apply, visit https://vassar.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Vassar-External/job/Poughkeepsie-NY/Studio-Art-Technician_R00033066-1?jobFamilyGroup=71e2c39500161003e7c4fa7b8078820e&jobFamilyGroup=71e2c39500161003e7c4fed539988210&jobFamilyGroup=71e2c39500161003e7c506cf57a48214.