Studio Art Technician for Photography and Digital Labs – Northeastern University

Title of the Job: Studio Art Technician for Photography and Digital Labs

Location: Oakland, CA

Job Description: About the OpportunityThis job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Director of Makerspaces, Oakland, Office of the Provost, the Studio Art Technician for Photography and Digital Labs manages the Oakland campus photography studios and digital photography infrastructure as well as Web Checkout for Makerspaces Oakland. This position will work closely with faculty and students across the Northeastern Oakland campus. 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 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 and are responsible for creating an annual budget for the studio in collaboration with their manager. They are expected to work within that budget to acquire new resources, repair existing resources, and report expenses monthly. They are expected to maintain excellent relationships with existing vendors and establish new relationships with new vendors as needed. They order and accept delivery of new or replacement resources on an ongoing basis. They maintain an equipment cage and photo labs; and oversee faculty and student use of facilities. They provide proper training on equipment, fine art printing, and lab safety. They 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:Master’s degree in Art Practice, Photography, Graphic Design, Architecture or other related field with 3-5 years of relevant experienceKnowledges:Art terminology and techniques related to these studio areasExtensive and demonstrable knowledge of the following computer programs using a Mac platform: ((Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Bridge), Camera RAW))Excellent oral and written communication skillsProper and safe use of traditional photographic chemistrySafety policies, practices and procedures as required by the UniversityWeb Checkout lending platformProficiency in additional technologies including the Microsoft platform, Koralia, Supersaas, Concur, WordPress, Figma, the Adobe Creative Suite, and other design software. The incumbent is not expected to have expertise in all technologies, but the willingness to learn new technologies and become a subject matter expert on said technology is crucial.Abilities:Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with students, faculty and staff within a diverse and multicultural environmentDemonstrated ability to take initiative and responsibilityAbility to be courteous, responsive, efficient, and professional with students, colleagues, and external constituentsStrong professional ethics and discretion with an attitude of respect for all persons in the University communityEstablish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with others in an anti-sexist, multicultural Antiracist settingSkills:Communicate clearly and effectivelyReceive and follow through on detailed oral and/or written instructionsPlan, prioritize, organize and anticipate the needs of assigned studio areasUnderstand technical terminology related to the assigned studio areasExplain relevant techniques and procedures to students and facultyTrain students, faculty, and staff in safe work practicesWork independently and take initiativeMaintain a clean and organized work environmentObserve health and safety regulations related to hazardous materials and waste disposalPractice consistent attention to detailPhysical AbilitiesAbility to lift moderately heavy objectsSitting or standing for extended periods of timeDexterity of hands to operate various laboratory equipment and to handle chemicals safelyHazardsHazardous and toxic materialsKey Responsibilities:Maintenance of Digital Lab and Darkroom & Waste Management (50%)Maintain stock of digital and analog photographic supplies (ink, archival paper, printer heads, darkroom chemistry, etc.); maintain printer functionality; train student workers in digital and analog printing practices; log lab bills for printing costs; maintain budget for photography labs; maintain functionality of enlargers in darkroom; train student, faculty, staff and studio assistants to print in darkroom; ensure both labs are tidy and safety policies are being practiced by all students, faculty, and staff. 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.Equipment Cage and Checkouts (20%)Develop check out and return policies for photographic equipment (digital cameras, film cameras, lighting kits, tripods, etc.) with constituents across campus; manage all equipment check out and returns to students, faculty, and staff; organize equipment cage and maintain inventory; make repairs to equipment as needed . Utilize Web Checkout platform for equipment checkout across campus.Curricular, Co-curricular and Research Support (15%)Assist faculty with curriculum development; give demonstrations of photo equipment and lab technology in courses; troubleshoot classroom AV equipment (projectors, computers, etc.) in the computer lab. Develop trainings, workshops, and tutorials; coordinate research support with faculty and students; manage the studio calendar; delegate student staff support of ongoing curricular and research activities in the studios.Human Resource Management (10%)Support the hire and training of a rotating team of student staff, manage the staff calendar, lead staff meetings, delegate work to appropriate staff resources.Events & Campus Support (5%)Work with College and University stakeholders to support special events on campus.The hourly rate for this position is $33.27.Position TypeGeneral AdministrationAdditional InformationNortheastern 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 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 .

Company Name: Northeastern University

Salary: $33.27 per hour

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