Art Technician, Multidisciplinary, Department of Art, Faculty of Arts

Position Overview

The Department of Art in the Faculty of Arts is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Art Technician, Multidisciplinary.

This position reports to the Manager, Administrative Operations, and will oversee the utilization and operation of various workspaces in the Department, and will be primarily responsible for the printmaking facilities, the metal shop, the foundry and the ceramics areas. In conjunction with other technical staff, the incumbent will be called upon to assist in the operation, oversight and maintenance of other workshops and general art spaces as time permits. 

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Primarily accountable for monitoring safe practice and conditions within the Printmaking, Metal Shop, Foundry and Ceramics facilities: The incumbent will also regularly inspect Painting, Drawing and other facilities
• Accountable for following government regulations and University and Departmental policies regarding the safe use, storage, labelling, cataloguing, documentation (Safety Data Sheets) and proper, regular disposal of all chemicals and waste in areas under their supervision
• Provide general, area-specific and process-based safety training to all studio users under their supervision
• Accountable for the development, documentation, implementation and enforcement of policies and procedures that enhance safe usage of area facilities, equipment and processes
• Produce and maintain safety signage, and safe operating procedures placards in areas under their supervision
• Primarily accountable for maintaining a safe, efficient and clean work environment for all users of the Printmaking, Metalworking and Ceramics facilities
• Regular maintenance and repair of all equipment under their supervision
• Oversee and facilitate the use of the Departmental spaces including the undergraduate studios, classrooms, woodshop, plaster / wax room, photography darkrooms and processing rooms, photography studio space, storage areas, spray booths and chemical storage, metal foundry, gallery spaces, and graduate student studios in collaboration with the other Departmental technicians
• Manipulation of spaces in the Art Department in collaboration with the Workshop Technician
• Monitor and request any repairs and maintenance of the building infrastructure from Facilities Management and Development. The Multidisciplinary Technician will be one of the Facilities Management contacts for the Department of Art
• Accountable for the creation and presentation of group and individual technical training and demonstrations on processes and equipment in the areas under their supervision
• Responsible for providing in-depth technical advice and consultations to students and faculty in support of their teaching and research
• Responsible for consulting with faculty members and students about their material needs. The incumbent will research, purchase, prepare, establish pricing, inventory and resell or otherwise distribute class supplies to students and instructors in areas under their supervision
• Responsible for design and fabrication of various fixtures for the Department students and faculty
• Accountable for supervising undergraduate student casual assistants and Graduate Assistantship Non-Teaching postings assigned to the shops

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in a studio practice
• Equivalent education, training and/or work experience will be considered, such as a Master of Fine Arts degree, a trade ticket, or industry experience
• Knowledgeable about historical and contemporary techniques in Art and keep informed of new developments. The Art Technician should possess an in-depth knowledge in one or both of the following in-order to safely instruct students and faculty on the use the shop facilities
• Metalwork: Possess an in-depth knowledge of metal fabrication; processes and machinery including oxy-acetylene and MIG welding, metal casting
• Printmaking: Knowledgeable in the techniques and equipment of historical and contemporary printmaking including etching, lithography, intaglio, and serigraphy including photographic and digital applications
• Familiar with Mac and PC computing able to accomplish tasks that include communication, cataloguing and word processing
• The incumbent will be required to have University of Calgary safety training and maintain certification in First Aid, WHMIS, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, Respirator Fit Testing and others as needed
• Demonstrate highly developed interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills and have the ability to work effectively and harmoniously with a variety of faculty, students, staff and representatives from outside agencies and the general public in group and individual settings. The incumbent must be a fast learner, an excellent collaborator, flexible, approachable, and able to exercise patience and sound judgement
• Knowledgeable about and committed to best safety practices in all aspects of the position for students, faculty, staff and themselves

The following qualifications are considered to be assets:

• Ceramics: Basic knowledge of ceramics, the machinery and equipment involved in the safe execution of these facilities
• Mould Making: Knowledge of the art applications of mould making processes and materials from traditional plaster, clay, wax, and concrete to new synthetics such as silicone, urethane, resins and new augmented concretes
• Woodworking and Plastics: Basic knowledge of fabrication, processes and machinery
• Basic knowledge of the practices of Painting, Drawing, Photography (traditional and digital), Mixed-media, Gallery Practice and Installation
• Basic knowledge of contemporary multi-media practice, digital design, digital fabrication (3D printing), and CNC manufacturing technologies

Application Deadline: July 21, 2020

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase II.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Arts visit Careers in the Faculty of Arts.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.