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Form of workThe Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff "for fit" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.
BASIC FUNCTION:
The Fine Arts Workshop Technician will work in the Chadwick A. Boseman College ofFine Arts with specialist knowledge, skills and experience of particular materials such as paint, wood, metal, textiles, ceramics, or audio-visual. They will work with a range of specialties such as: painting, fashion, ceramics and will be based within a central workshop where they will engage with students from across a range of arts disciplines. A large part of the role will be student facing, where they will be responsible for demonstrating the use of specialist tools, software, techniques and equipment to the students.
SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY:
Responsible for orienting and training others, and assigning and reviewing their work. May also be responsible for acting in a "lead" or "senior" capacity over other positions performing essentially the same work, or related technical tasks and reporting to a higher level on a formal basis. They will mainly work without direct supervision and determine the priority of their own work. The position will involve making decisions on a variety of both complex and routine issues relating to their duties and responsibilities.
NATURE AND SCOPE:
Internal contacts include administrators, faculty, students and staff of the department and the University at large. External contacts include consultants, vendors, representatives from other colleges and universities, visitors and the general public.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Co-operatively plan and oversee all aspects of the day-to-day operations and studios of the Fine Arts workshop and work areas.
Supervise and instruct undergraduate, graduate and academic staff in the training and guidance, safe operation and use of all power and hand tools in the workshop and general workshop skills.
Assist faculty and instructional staff with demonstrations pertaining to course projects.
Assist students through a multidisciplinary approach on the choice of materials, techniques and equipment used to complete their project.
The technician will be required to anticipate demand within the workshop and ensure that Health and Safety procedures are adhered to by all workshop users.
Provide health and safety training on equipment and tools for all staff, students and visitors within the workshop area, including keeping detailed records of training.
Keep up to date with developments in Health and Safety legislation as well as assessing safety in the workshop, managing risk assessments, maintaining accident/incident records; and advising on equipment manual handling.
Organize the maintenance and upkeep of all mechanical equipment, including inventory, cleaning, and carrying out minor repairs, organize servicing and larger repairs of equipment.
Identify maintenance requests to be contracted out.
Exercises fiscal responsibility in the purchase, use and replacement of materials, tools, and equipment.
Ensures the security and maintenance of the department tool room.
Oversee the Fine Arts Workshop building, repairing and maintaining of studio and exhibition spaces.
Performs related duties as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Occasional heavy lifting is required.
Occasional ladder work is required.
Regular use of stationary and portable power tools.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
There are seven program areas that will access the workshop: Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, and Interior Design. The student body comprises of undergraduate [BA] and graduate [MA and Ph.D.].
A solid understanding of Woodworking techniques, metal work and construction of various and sometimes complex product design and art installations.
Familiar with safe operation and maintenance of workshop equipment and tools.
Competent at planning, designing, setting up, and installation of Art and Design Degree exhibition shows and studio spaces in conjunction with faculty and staff.
The position requires that the technician use their knowledge, experience and initiative to resolve routine and sometimes complex non-standard technical queries and problems raised by students, faculty, staff and other technical team colleagues.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Advanced degree or knowledge in more than one relevant discipline or 3 years' experience in a workshop environment.
Knowledge of woodworking, metalworking, casting, design, fabrication techniques, Ceramic glazes (keep mixed and usable), and Ceramic kilns.
IT skills, CAD and 3D modeling techniques and related software.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; interpersonal skills, possessing an inquisitive mind, with an ability to solve problems in a practical and efficient manner.
Expected to be highly efficient and have a good rapport with students and faculty.
Well-developed communication skills to enable the identification and understanding of students and faculty requirements.
Clear understanding of health and safety law and implications of non-compliance on others.
As the nature of the research work is constantly changing, skills must be updated and new one's learned. Course work/projects present ever-changing activities and challenges to the position.
Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.
