Art, Architecture + Art History Facilities Assistant

Position Title & Department:

4794

As the liberal arts heart of the University of San Diego, the College of Arts and Sciences is filled with students who are versatile and multi-talented. No matter their major, graduates from the college are equipped with transferable skills that benefit them wherever their professional and personal ambitions lead.

Founded in 1949, the college has a rich history of providing the core curriculum for every undergraduate USD student, a tradition that continues today. By offering 29 majors, 37 minors and 3 graduate programs, the college is where undergraduate students begin and graduate students refine their paths towards academic excellence and personal achievement.

The University of San Diego, a contemporary and engaged Contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.

Assists the Department of Art + Architecture + Art History (AA+AH) Facilities Manager in all aspects of the maintenance, management, and technical advising of DAA+AH studios, shops, labs, and equipment, especially pertaining to audio-visual, digital fabrication, and print media.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Art + Architecture + Art History (AA+AH) Facilities Assistant will provide assistance to the AA+AH Facilities Manager in the general maintenance and care of all DAA+AH studios, shops, labs, and equipment. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ensure, on a daily basis, that all studios, shops, and labs are cleaned, organized, and left in safe working condition, with special attention to the architecture, video, photo, and printmaking studios.
• Periodically confirm ongoing operation of lab computers and software and report to the Art + Architecture Facilities Manager in the case that any department equipment is inoperable or not operating at full capacity.
• Works closely with the DAA+AH Facilities Manager and faculty with special attention to AV/digital and print-related labs (Architecture, Printmaking, Photo, Video) to ensure the studios stay clean and organized and stocked with all necessary supplies and all printing equipment is functional.
• Management of AV equipment, inventory, and checkout system: maintain up-to-date equipment inventory; ensure equipment is properly maintained and conduct minor repairs.
• Procurement and maintenance of AV and printmaking equipment, related supplies and consumables: work with Facilities Manager to regularly assess, update and procure AV and digital fabrication equipment, inks, supplies and consumables as related to printers, photography and printmaking.
• Support, Advising and Lab Training: develop and conduct training sessions for proper equipment operation and safety; provide ongoing support and AV/printing/digital fabrication assistance to faculty and students in classrooms, for presentations, projects and exhibitions, visiting speakers, etc.
• Liaison with ITS: collaborate with ITS department to troubleshoot technical issues in the labs/classrooms; assist Facilities Manager with requests for new software and equipment.
• Assist and advise students and faculty with 2D and 3D digital design projects.
• Maintenance, Scheduling and Management of Printers: Oversee regularly scheduled maintenance and operation of both large and small format printers; coordinate training sessions and manage the schedule to accommodate student and faculty printing.
• Maintain regularly scheduled "shop" or "lab" hours in which students can access particular studios and shops outside of class times.
• Works with the DAA+AH Facilities Manager to facilitate the proper disposal of hazardous waste according to state and local law in the Darkroom and the Printmaking Studio.
• Coordinate with students on the production of large-volume prints and plots during mid-reviews and final reviews.
• Assist the DAA+AH Facilities Manager in the execution of special projects

Special Conditions of Employment:

Effective June 1, 2023, based on CDC guidance, the University strongly encourages all campus members to stay up to date with Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.  For more regarding information USD's COVID-19 protocols, please visit sandiego.edu/onward.

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA in Art or Architecture, BArch or BFA in Art or related area.
• Minimum one year experience required as an Art or Architecture student with studio work or extensive exposure to technical studio work.

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to prioritize tasks, set and meet deadlines, problem-solve, and make basic decisions.
• Knowledge of the repair and maintenance of tools, equipment, computers, hardware and software, services and resources, and machinery in each of the different facilities, especially in relation to digital and analog video, photography, and digital fabrication; knowledge of 2D and 3D design software.
• Familiarity with post-production standards and technologies.
• Familiarity with health and safety practices and precautions applicable to art and architecture studios.
• Background in traditional and contemporary art and architecture design-making processes.
• Understanding of contemporary art and architecture practices and theory is desirable.
• The position requires an eagerness to acquire a working knowledge of new applications and procedures as they may arise.

$20.00 - $25.00 per hour; Retirement Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a retirement contribution given to you by the University. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view more information: USD: Human Resources: Retirement Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position.  Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

20 Hours per week

Closing date: Open until filled

Note: External job postings will be up for at least five days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.
The University of San Diego is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the campus community.
The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.