Studio Art Technician For Photography And Digital Labs

About The Opportunity

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Dean of Mills College and the Media Studios Organization’s Media Center Manager, the Studio Art Technician for Photography and Digital Labs manages the Oakland campus photography studios and digital photography infrastructure. This position will work closely with constituents from Mills College @ Northeastern Arts and Visual Culture faculty and students, as well as work with constituents from Northeastern’s College of Arts, Media & Design. This is a part-time, in-person position (20 hours per week). 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 incumbent 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; maintain an equipment cage and photo labs; and oversees faculty and student use of facilities. They provide proper training on equipment, fine art printing, and lab safety. The 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:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Art Practice, Photography, Graphic Design, Architecture or other related field with 3-5 years of relevant experience

Knowledge Of

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Extensive and demonstrable knowledge of the following computer programs using a Mac platform:
• Proper and safe use of traditional photographic chemistry
• Safety policies, practices and procedures as required by the University
• Art terminology and techniques related to these studio areas
• Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Bridge), Camera RAW

Abilities

• Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with others in an anti-sexist, multicultural Antiracist setting
• Ability to be courteous, responsive, efficient, and professional with students, colleagues, and external constituents
• Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with students, faculty and staff within a diverse and multicultural environment
• Strong professional ethics and discretion with an attitude of respect for all persons in the University community
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and responsibility

Skills

• Explain relevant techniques and procedures to students and faculty
• Maintain a clean and organized work environment
• Practice consistent attention to detail
• Observe health and safety regulations related to hazardous materials and waste disposal
• Work independently and take initiative
• Receive and follow through on detailed oral and/or written instructions
• Plan, prioritize, organize and anticipate the needs of assigned studio areas
• Train students, faculty, and staff in safe work practices
• Understand technical terminology related to the assigned studio areas
• Communicate clearly and effectively

Physical Abilities

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects
• 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 (60%)

Maintain stock of digital and analog photographic supplies (ink, archival paper, printer heads, darkroom chemistry, etc.); maintain printer functionality; train teaching assistants in digital printing practices; log lab bills for printing costs; maintain functionality of enlargers in darkroom; train teaching assistants to print in darkroom; ensure both labs are tidy and safety policies are being practiced by all students, faculty, and staff.

Equipment Cage and Checkouts (20%)

Develop check out and return policies for photographic equipment (digital cameras, film cameras, lighting kits, tripods, etc.) with photography faculty and program head; manage all equipment check out and returns to students, faculty, and staff; organize equipment cage and maintain inventory; make repairs to equipment as needed.

Classroom and Teaching (10%)

Assist photography faculty with curriculum development; give demonstrations of photo equipment and lab technology in courses; troubleshoot classroom AV equipment (projectors, computers, etc.).

Waste Management (10%)

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

Position Type

Temporary

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.