Studio Operations Technician (Art and Design)

Job Description:

Primary Responsibility

The Studio Operations Technician (Art & Design) is primarily responsible for managing all aspects of fine arts studio operations at the Aspen Campus, including but not limited to studio facilities, equipment, materials, safety, and operational coordination, to ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality learning environments. This position plans, oversees, and coordinates the day‑to‑day operation of multiple specialized art studios, collaborates with faculty and department leadership to support instructional needs, and ensures studios are maintained and operated in a manner that supports student success and program sustainability.

The Studio Operations Technician provides functional leadership, guidance, and oversight to students, lab assistants, and authorized studio users involved in studio activities, ensuring proper and safe use of equipment and materials. The position is responsible for coordinating the integration, maintenance, and readiness of studio systems and technical resources—including ceramics, jewelry and metals, and 2D studio equipment—and for supporting consistent studio operations that reflect the values of Colorado Mountain College and promote creative, safe, and inclusive learning environments.

The Studio Operations Technician coordinates studio‑related budgets, inventory management, and allocation of resources, including forecasting material needs and supporting cost‑effective operations in partnership department lead faculty. This role develops schedules and timelines to support instructional activities and studio access and coordinates with facilities, vendors, and campus partners to ensure continuity of operations and timely completion of maintenance and repair work.

Pre-requisites for Position (Qualifications Standards)

Education and experience sufficient for the rigors of the position. Examples may include: A Bachelor’s degree in Studio Arts, Fine Arts, Art Education, Design, or a closely related field and five years of progressively responsible experience in art studio operations, studio management, lab coordination, or technical operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. This position requires the application of judgment, discretion, and independent decision‑making in the management of studio operations and resources.

This position may be assigned up to 12 credits per academic year (not to exceed 6 credits per academic term) of studio instruction, compensated separately through the adjunct teaching process. Instructional assignments are limited to courses for which the incumbent is credentialed or eligible to be credentialed under college and state guidelines. Courses may include but not limited to: Intro to Advanced Ceramics Courses, Intro to Advanced Jewelry and Small Metalwork, and/or Intro to Advanced Printmaking. Teaching responsibilities are secondary to the operational duties of the position and are delivered in alignment with established curriculum, academic standards, and departmental needs.

Preferred Qualifications Include:

• Experience exercising independent judgment in coordinating operations, prioritizing work, and resolving equipment issues.
• Experience working in a higher education or comparable institutional setting.
• Experience supporting multiple studio disciplines or shared instructional facilities.
• Experience with budget coordination, inventory control, or capital equipment planning.
• Experience providing functional guidance or work direction to student employees or lab assistants.
• A Master’s degree (MA or MFA) in Studio Art or Fine Art.

Special Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience managing studio facilities, equipment, materials, and safety practices in one or more fine arts disciplines (e.g., ceramics, jewelry and metals, 2D studios).
• Knowledge of and ability to work with relevant technologies and tools used in studio operations.
• Experience coordinating resources, setting priorities, and supporting instructional environments through planning and problem‑solving.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and campus partners.
• Working knowledge of basic principles and practices of:
  • Budget preparation and administration
  • Basic accounting and purchasing techniques
  • Supervision and training of student workers
  • Risk management, including occupational hazards and standard safety practices

Hiring range = $ 71,366.13 - $79,295.70 annual salary depending upon a combination of education and experience. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Pet insurance, retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, annual & sick time, mental health resources, healthy lifestyle benefits, affordable transitional housing may be available to the successful candidate based on eligibility and availability, relocation if applicable. CMC utilizes a wage progression compensation model that accounts for a candidate’s skill and experience. Although a salary range is listed, salary will be set commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and in compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.

Position anticipated to close on June 5, 2026 or until filled.

This is an onsite position working from the Aspen Campus (255 Sage Way Aspen, CO 81611). The work schedule for this position is Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM with one hour lunch and Fridays 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM with one hour lunch. Adjustments for additional evenings as needed to meet the needs of the students and campus.

Minimum Qualifications:

Essential Duties

Studio Operations & Facilities Management

• Direct and manage the day‑to‑day operations of fine arts studios across multiple disciplines, ensuring facilities are safe, functional, organized, and conducive to instruction and creative work.
• Oversee studio readiness, including scheduling, access, setup, cleanup coordination, and adherence to safety and compliance standards.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for studio operations, coordinating with department leadership, campus facilities, vendors, and external service providers as needed.

Equipment, Safety, and Technical Oversight

• Maintain, monitor, and coordinate the repair and use of specialized studio equipment across ceramics, jewelry and metals, and 2D studios, including kilns, presses, wheels, fabrication and finishing tools, and related systems.
• Establish and enforce studio safety procedures, ensuring compliant use of equipment, materials, and processes.
• Train and guide students, lab assistants, and authorized users in safe and appropriate operation of studio tools and equipment.

Inventory, Budget, and Resource Management

• Manage educational supply inventories and studio materials in collaboration with department leadership.
• Track usage, forecast needs, and support budget planning related to instructional and studio operations.
• Ensure efficient use, storage, and procurement of tools, materials, and supplies.

Coordination and Work Direction

• Provide functional direction and scheduling support to part‑time lab assistants and volunteers, ensuring adequate coverage and operational continuity.
• Coordinate tasks and workflows to support instructional needs, studio maintenance, and special projects.
• Support department leadership with operational planning related to studio use and capacity.

Communication, Compliance, and Collaboration

• Maintain effective verbal and written communication with faculty, students, staff, and campus partners.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with FERPA, safety regulations, and College policies.
• Utilize required technology platforms (e.g., email, Canvas, scheduling and documentation tools) to support operations and instruction.

Technology and Systems Support

• Provide first‑level operational support for studio‑related technologies and digital systems used in fine arts studios, including computers, peripherals, specialized software, and digitally controlled equipment associated with studio instruction and production.
• Support the setup, configuration, and daily operational readiness of technology used in studio environments (e.g., kiln controllers, digital fabrication tools, media and design software, plotting/printing systems, and instructional technology as applicable).
• Troubleshoot and resolve routine technology issues within studios and coordinate with Information Technology and external vendors for advanced technical support, repairs, updates, or replacements as needed.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the art studios and Information Technology to ensure studio technology aligns with instructional, safety, and operational requirements.
• Provide guidance and training to faculty, students, and lab assistants on the appropriate and safe use of studio‑specific technologies and systems.
• Maintain documentation related to studio technology inventory, user access, operational procedures, and known issues.
• Support the evaluation, selection, and implementation of new or replacement studio technologies in collaboration with department leadership and campus partners.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support studio operations, instructional success, and campus needs.

Instructional Support and Teaching (Secondary Responsibility)

• May be asked to teach up to 12 credits per academic year in Studio Arts, primarily in ceramics, with additional instruction in related studio disciplines as assigned.
• Prepare and deliver instruction consistent with established curriculum, syllabi, and academic standards.
• Support student learning by integrating technical expertise, safety instruction, and best practices into hands‑on learning environments.

Supervision Received

This position reports to an Assistant Dean of Instruction or designee.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position will be responsible for supervision of part-time support staff and students.

Special Conditions of Employment

Successful completion of a background check including motor vehicles record report will be required. Incumbents in this position will adhere to all safety and compliance policies of Colorado Mountain College while performing all duties assigned. Travel, evenings, and weekends may be required due to the nature of the position. This is an onsite position at the campus with an altered work schedule of evenings and/or weekend hours. No remote options for this role. Provides support at the front desk where the position will work from.

Working Conditions

This position requires constant sitting, occasional walking, standing and driving; occasional handling objects, pushing/pulling; frequent reaching with hands/arms, and use of finger movements; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling objects up to 50 lbs. Constant written and oral communication and the ability to reason and analyze and perform calculations occasionally. Work is performed using a computer and standard office equipment daily and driving a vehicle occasionally.