Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community? ACAD is looking for an innovative Educational Art Technician, Ceramics who is excited to contribute to a creative learning environment and provide support to our faculty and guidance to our students in Ceramics.
This position normally has an annual recurring start of late August to end of May and regular hours of work are 35 hours per week.
Why ACAD?
A leading centre of education and research since 1926, ACAD energizes art and design in Canada and internationally. We engage the world, create possibilities, and connect with brilliant minds in all corners of the globe. Above all, we are passionate about art and design and the people who create it. Calgary is our home base – a vibrant, cosmopolitan urban centre, a safe and friendly atmosphere, and outstanding potential for adventure in nearby mountain parks. We hope you will join us at ACAD (where creativity matters).
About the School of Craft + Emerging Media, Ceramics Program
In the Ceramics program students explore the role of function, sculptural approaches, emerging technologies, historical precedents, and contemporary practice within a comprehensive, studio-based and theoretical program of study.
>>Click here to find out more about SCEM, Ceramics Program
The Opportunity
(Competition #1718-SE-AP-06)
Reporting to the Manager, Academic Administration and accountable to the Chair of the School of Craft + Emerging Media and working with the Lead Educational Art Technician, the incumbent provides general supervision and oversight of the facility, equipment, processes and materials to ensure safe and effective instructional support during class time and ensures standard operating practices are followed to support student studio practice during general facility access hours.
Primary duties/responsibilities include:
- Conducts demonstrations, training and orientation for faculty, students and staff on standard operating practices for the uses of equipment, processes and materials handling, including daily clean-up and equipment/materials storage
- Advises students with respect to program-related technology, equipment, processes and materials to meet curricular objectives; provides guidance and support for the installation of student work
- Works in consultation with the Health and Safety Officer and other Educational Art Technicians to maintain current and consistent documentation of hazard assessments and standard operating practices
- Prepares and maintains program spaces including classrooms, studios, workshops and monitors facility users to ensure appropriate health and safety practices are followed
- Maintains materials and equipment inventory, performs preventative maintenance and repair as necessary
The successful candidate will have:
- A Four (4) Year Diploma or Baccalaureate Degree in fine art with a relevant subject area specialization
- A Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years’ experience as a practicing artist or technician, with knowledge of relevant studio practices and experience in training students
- A Current Standard First Aid certification and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS training). Proficiency with ceramic technologies, including 3D modelling, printing and decal printing is preferred
- Demonstrated proficiency with electric and gas kin operation (reduction, oxidation and soda), hand building and wheel techniques, glaze technology, studio and equipment maintenance, clay reconditioning, slip casting and mold making
- Demonstrated experience with wood and metal fabrication
- Demonstrated experience with art installation and preparatory techniques
- Excellent communication skills with ability to provide constructive support, guidance and mentorship to students, faculty and staff
- Demonstrated ability to promote home studio etiquette, best practice and conflict management
- Excellent organization and planning skills, meeting multiple deadlines and commitments
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite applications.
- Comfortable and able to work safely at heights
Working Conditions
- Works in a studio environment which includes contact with hazardous equipment and materials. Heavy lifting of up to 50lbs is required regularly. Personal protective equipment is required for operation of certain equipment and processes. Standing and/or sitting for lengthy periods. Occasionally works in an office environment.
As a member of the AUPE bargaining unit (Local 071/006), this regular recurring position falls under a classification 7 (seven). The starting annual salary is $59,244 – 63,468 dependent upon skills, education and experience, and is pro-rated based on actual hours worked.
