Printmaking Technician

December 6th, 2014 6:58 pm:

Printmaking Technician – Fine Arts – Pratt Institute

POSITION SUMMARY
Under moderate supervision and with moderate latitude for independent judgement the technician oversees and supervises all printmaking classrooms and facilities for the Fine Arts Department.

POSITION DUTIES
• Maintain, manage and improve printshop as a clean, functional, well- organized and safe working environment.
• Assist instructors in EPA compliance and technical aspects of shop policy. Train all new faculty in EPA compliance and shop policy.
• Communicate with Facilities Management regarding electric, plumbing and structural repairs to the shop.
• Communicate with EPA consultant regarding changes in EPA policy, questions with proper hazardous waste disposal and emergency protocol logistics.
• Assist students with questions regarding print processes executed in the shop, including but not limited to: Lithography (Stone, Photo Plate, Ball Grained Plate and Pronto Plate): Intaglio (Line Etch, Aquatint, Sugar Lift, Image-On, Soft Ground Processes): Screenprint, Relief Printing (Wood Block, Linoleum, Collagraph); Letterpress (Typesetting, Polymer Plate Making, Pressure Printing); and Digital Printing (Film Output, Halftone Conversion, Large Format Photo Output).
• Hire, schedule, supervise and train work study and graduate assistants in the Printmaking Department. Maintain and track work study budget.
• Maintain inventory of shop materials, and research and procure materials for instructors as requested. Purchase and keep records of all materials used in the printshop. Replace lost and damaged tools and supplies as needed.
• Maintain good financial standing with all vendors by ensuring that bills are paid on time. Aid communication between the Pratt Accounting Department and specialty vendors, (Graphic Chemical, Letterpress Things, Boxcar Press, Victory Factory, etc.)
• Work with technicians in the digital output lab regarding proper film output. Instruct faculty and students regarding proper film output protocol.
• Maintain all equipment and make repairs when needed. Locate and contact outside technical assistance when necessary. Equipment includes: Nu Arc TriLight Exposure Unit, Nu Arc Flip-top Exposure Unit, Ideal Platemaker, Vandercook Universal 3 Printing Press, Vandercook No 4 Printing Press, Vandercook No 1 Proofing Press, Chandler & Price Platen Press, Kranzel 2000 Pressure Washer, Kranzel 1622 Pressure Washer, Charles Brand Litho Press(es), Charles Brand Relief Press(es), Laser Cutter and various power tools.
• Train students, faculty and staff on use of new equipment and procedures.
• Work cooperatively with instructors in support of their courses (i.e., help set up for classes; help identify and select appropriate materials; and obtain materials at various locations, which involves occasional off campus trips to vendors).
• Build equipment and furniture as needed in support of curriculum.
• Rig and move presses as needed.
• Make arrangements for procuring, rigging and relocating donated equipment.
• Report any hazardous and dangerous conditions or accidents in the shops; ensure that proper actions are taken to correct these conditions.
• Research and plan improvements for the print facilities to be executed during summer recess.
• Research, procure and test new and/or non-toxic printmaking methods and materials.
• Maintain classrooms and studios, including end of semester clean-up, painting, etc.
• Perform all other related duties as required.

This is a Grade AA Local 153 union position with a minimum salary of $39,275.67

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
A BFA is required.

Experience:
Applicants must have a minimum of five years’ shop tech experience in a higher education institution or independent print studio. Knowledge of Lithography (photo plate, stone and pronto plate), Intaglio, Relief, Letterpress, Screenprint, digital film output, and large format digital printmaking is required. Background in art and design and sensitivity to art and design issues from an aesthetic and practical standpoint is also required. Teaching experience in higher education a plus.

Skills:
• Must have knowledge of print processes, equipment, materials, shop safety and EPA standards.
• Knowledge of common computer software: the Creative Suite (specifically Illustrator and Photoshop) for film output, large format printing and use of a laser cutter also required.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with faculty, technicians and students; and to organize, manage, and multi-task in a dynamic work environment essential.

TO APPLY
Please submit a resume and cover letter along with the names and contact information for three professional references.

PRATT INSTITUTE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND RECOGNIZES AND VALUES THE BENEFITS OF A DIVERSE WORKFORCE