Technical Specialist, Animation

SUMMARY

This is a full-time unionized staff position in a mixed platform-computing animation environment. The School of Film/Video encourages highly motivated students with an independent and experimental approach towards their discipline. Facilities are used for teaching purposes, as well as the creation of innovative, non-conventional forms of film and video making

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provide advanced and specialized facility and workflow technical expertise to support faculty, students and staff at the School of Film/Video.
• Analyze, diagnose and resolve hardware, software and network performance challenges within computer animation labs, classrooms, stop motion production facility, multimedia lab, digital imaging/compositing lab and other animation facilities.
• Consult with animation faculty, staff, and students to ensure that digital workflows, facilities management plans, schedules and policies are meeting the technical and administrative needs of the program.
• Configure, test, and maintain Mac and Windows workstations.
• Configure, test, and maintain the render farm.
• Assist students in using digital animation systems, workflows and software, including input and output to film projection and video display devices.
• Supervise, train, and schedule student workers who assist in maintaining the labs and animation equipment.
• Assist in the creation, testing and deployment of animation laboratory client computer installation packages, including preparation of application–specific system image deployment packages.
• Provide end-user technical documentation.
• Coordinate operations with other Institute and School IT admin support staff.
• Coordinate with the School of Art Print Lab on 3D printing workflows for animation.
• Plan and coordinate with the School of Film/Video Chief Video Engineer and Equipment Supervisor to provide technical support for still frame/video acquisition, video display, film and print hardware in and out devices.
• Develop, analyze and update digital workflows to assist in preparing year-end screenings, including preparation of technical guidelines and procedures for student’s digital submissions.
• Develop, maintain, and update relevant web information on the School of Film/Video technical resource website.
• Analyze and implement security related procedures including regular animation application patches and updates.
• Maintain compliance with CalArts IT and the School of Film/Video’s lab and safety policies and promote standards for security conscious awareness and behavior.
• Attend regular technical meetings within the School of Film/Video and the Institute.
• Attend sponsored classes and maintain relationships with company representatives in order to keep abreast of technological advances in the field.
• Advise management on future growth of the animation labs and facilities and provide consultation on the design, development and maintenance of animation areas used by the School.
• Perform other duties as directed.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Expertise with current Mac and Windows operating systems and ability to master new versions as needed.
• Extensive knowledge of animation workflows including 2D, 3D, and stop motion animation systems.
• Some knowledge of stereoscopic 3D motion capture systems.
• Some knowledge of 3D printing for animation.
• Some knowledge of VR/AR/XR production.
• Excellent technical and communication skills with supervisory experience.
• Ability to manage time efficiently with the ability to work under pressure handling multiple duties at the same time.
• Ability to work independently using own initiative.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google and Adobe applications.
• Critical thinking skills required.

EDUCATION:

Undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience in related field.

EXPERIENCE:

• Some experience with analog and digital video input/output hardware.
• Extensive experience with 3D software such as Maya and/or Cinema 4D.
• Extensive experience using editing, compositing, and image processing software such as Adobe After Effects, Premiere and Photoshop.
• Experience with 2K/4K digital workflows and 16mm and 35mm filmmaking desirable.
• Two years relevant experience in digital technical support preferably in an academic environment.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The terms and working conditions of this position are subject to the collective bargaining agreement between CalArts and CWA, Local 9003. In the event of a conflict between this posting and the collective bargaining agreement, the collective bargaining agreement shall prevail.

This position is available immediately. If you are interested, please follow the link to Interfolio below:

Technical Specialist, Animation - ID:137107

Salary

$31.87 an hour

California Institute of the Arts shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

CalArts has a multidisciplinary approach to its studies of the arts through six schools: Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music and Theater. CalArts encourages students to explore and recognize the complexity of the many aspects of the arts. It is supported by a distinguished faculty of practicing artists and provides its Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts students with the hands-on training and exposure necessary for an artist's growth. CalArts was founded in 1961 and opened in 1969 as the first institution of higher learning in the United States specifically for students interested in the pursuit of degrees in all areas of visual and performing arts.