Technical Assistant III (Wood, Metal, Laser and CNC Technician)

Title: Technical Assistant III (Wood, Metal, Laser and CNC Technician)

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Humanities & Fine Arts

Department: Art

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

Oversees and maintains the wood/metal/CNC/Laser facilities and its equipment in a safe, functional condition. Orders and/or fabricates appropriate supplies and equipment. Provides technical supervision and training to faculty, teaching assistants, and students in the Department of Art to ensure proper and safe working procedures. Oversees teaching assistants and work-study employees as required. Logs trainings, and maintains compliance with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards and works closely with EHS staff.

Essential Functions

Maintains the wood and metal shop facility and its equipment in a safe, functional condition. Assures availability of required safety devices to protect against accidents and health hazards. The shop area comprises of 2 main studios, 1 office, 2 storage areas, 1 assembly/lecture studio, 1 small machining room and 1 room with CNC and laser cutter.

Maintains compliance with EHS standards and works closely with EHS staff.

Calibrates, maintains and repairs wood and metal shop equipment as necessary. Monitors the dust-collection system. If needed, contracts with Physical Plant or outside vendors for major repairs.

Designs, fabricates, builds, and installs specialized wood and metal shop equipment. If needed, contracts with Physical Plant or outside vendors for installation of major equipment.

Trains faculty, teaching assistants, student employees, and students in all of the Department's programs, in a classroom setting or individually, regarding safe shop practices and techniques. Keeps a detailed log of all trainings.

Assists students and faculty in the design, execution, and troubleshooting of custom projects.

Functionally supervises graduate teaching assistants and directly supervises undergraduate student employees as required.

Demonstrates methods and techniques to sculpture, printmaking, and painting students during classes, as requested by faculty and under their direct supervision.

Conducts two non-credit workshops per semester for students on subjects suited to research interests such as framing, art installation, exhibition design, crate fabrication, and stretcher building.

Develops shop area budget by preparing detailed lists of equipment and supplies needed; solicits bids from suppliers; acquires needed materials; reconciles budget and wood and metal shop requirements with Department administrators.

Provides technical and safety support to the metals and welding studio (Studio Arts Building, rooms 148, 148A-D), as required.

Provides technical and safety support to the CNC and laser cutter. Maintains and regularly cleans the CNC and laser cutter machines.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

A minimum of two (2) years-experience with a wide variety of contemporary powered woodworking and metalworking equipment.

Completion of a course of study in wood sculpture, metal sculpture or similar program, or a record of work as an artist using wood/metal and wood/metal working tools.

Knowledge of woodworking and metal working methods and standard analog woodshop and metal shop tools and equipment including but not limited to table saw, chop saw, lathe, planer, welders, torches, plasma cutters, band saws, and shears.

Experience in installing, adjusting, repairing, and/or modifying woodworking and metal working equipment.

Working knowledge of hand tools and sharpening.

Working knowledge of different types of wood, metals and other materials as well as sources of supply.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge in use, maintenance, and repair of digital fabrication equipment including CNC router and laser cutter is preferred.

Knowledge of Adobe and 3D software (such as Rhyno) is preferred.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a laboratory or healthcare setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday; between 8:00am-5:00pm based on department needs.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: USA/MTA Grade 15

Classified Step Scale

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.