Technology Specialist I/Printmaking and Book Shop Technician (Part-Time) - Sam Fox - College of Art

Position Summary
The Printmaking and Book Studio Shop Technician supports teaching and student activity and is a student-facing role. The technician works in consultation with the Printmaking and Book Arts Area Coordinators and reports to the Sam Fox School Manager of Maintenance and Facilities to manage and maintain the shop facilities, equipment, materials and supplies. This position requires strong skills in establishing and maintaining effective cooperative relations with students, faculty, staff, and vendors; instructional skill with the ability to teach a range of media in printmaking, letterpress, and book arts; and ability to manage budgets. This position requires technical knowledge and expertise in printmaking (digital printing, intaglio, silkscreen, lithography and relief); technical knowledge and expertise in letterpress printing and bookbinding; strong knowledge of computer software applications, equipment, and digital filmmaking and printing methods integral to digital printmaking and book arts processes.
This is a part-time, 10-month position, working 20 hours per week.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Instruction and Training

• Provide individual and group instruction/guidance in the use of shop tools, materials, and processes. Lead cross-departmental workshops/demonstrations for student groups and recruitment events (WIAD, AIGA, Office of Socially Engaged Practice, Admissions).
• Develop student training and workshops specific to equipment/materials/techniques as identified by a studio or class (Fox Fridays, Foundations).
• Work individually with students to help them learn skills and techniques needed to successfully undertake academic and co-curricular projects.
• Learn new practices outside the School and offer related training to keep faculty and students current with emerging practices.
• Work in partnership with faculty, develop and implement student training and workshops specific to Printmaking and Book Art equipment, materials, techniques, technology identified by a studio or class or identified as a broader academic need across the curriculum. (Fox Friday, Architecture, University College).

• Maintain, order and inventory all expendable supplies for general Print Shop and Book Studio operation and six to seven classes per semester.
• Machine preventive maintenance and repair, routine maintenance, specialized cleaning and machine repair, or arranging service for all shop equipment in both the printmaking shops and book arts studio.

• Oversee Printmaking area budget and Book Arts Studio budget in consultation with Area Coordinators including inventorying/ordering/purchasing all studio tools, supplies, materials; manage the sale of supplies to students; oversee deposits from sales; research new materials and prepare order requisitions; research and prepare Annual Equipment Replacement requests; maintain and document all budget related records; make approved equipment purchases.

• Serve as the EPA/EHS Compliance Liaison including maintaining proper health and safety standards; manage and schedule collection and disposal of hazardous waste; knowledge of and regular handling or working with hazardous materials; ensure security and safety of the studio and equipment; supervise and instruct students regarding safe and proper use of equipment; ensure studio is kept to fire code specifications; coordinate campus EHS inspections and area response to inspection reports if necessary. Implement and evolve safety protocols as directed.

• Coordinate the smooth functioning of Printmaking Shops and Book Arts Studios including hiring, training and managing 14-15 student monitors each semester; establish procedures and schedule for shop cleanliness and cooperative maintenance; coordinate with University facilities to schedule maintenance and repairs on plumbing, electrical, and other infrastructure issues.  

• Maintain digital labs and printers; perform routine maintenance on computers and peripherals; maintain wide-format, laser, and inkjet printers; coordinate with Sam Fox School IT department on repairs and updates.

• Prepare Print Shop and Book Studio spaces for move out and pre-orientation, to ensure that the department’s studios and facilities are ready for upcoming academic cycles. Deliver orientations to students and faculty for specific technology, tool usage, and techniques in the both studios. (e.g. Risograph and Screen-printing facilities; proper use of the guillotine cutter, general shop use and safety orientations.)  Maintain, update, and distributes shop policy and procedures for both studios.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• MFA in Printmaking and/or Book Arts.
• Background in printmaking and letter press.
• Competency in printmaking in book arts practices.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of standards in safe shop operation.
• Ability to prepare purchase orders for parts and materials.
• Great interpersonal skills.
• Computer skills.
• Ability to be patient and responsive to students.
• Flexibility to cope with unexpected situations.
• Ability to work independently to maintain an excellent facility in safety and operations.
• Ability to maintain and operate within budget.
• Ability to work collaboratively with architecture, art, and design faculty.
• Basic First Aid knowledge.
• Ability to perform physical work.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor degree in related field and two years of shop technician or equivalent experience. 

Grade
G09-H

Salary Range
$22.25 - $34.45 / Hourly

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

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