Studio Assistant (Part-Time)

DATE POSTED: June 2024

JOB TITLE: Studio Assistant (Part-Time)

DEPARTMENT: BFA Photography & Video

REPORTS TO: Studio Manager & Assistant Studio Managers

COMPENSATION: $21.00 per hour

WEEKLY SCHEDULE: Part-Time, 14-21 hours per week, and may include nights and/or weekends

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Part-Time Studio Assistant will work closely with Studio Managers and Hub staff to maintain successful daily operations of the departmental facilities, including studios, darkrooms, and Equipment Hub. They will provide assistance and technical support to photography students and faculty in regard to equipment and facility usage. They ensure equipment and facilities are maintained in good working order. They provide support for department exhibitions, programs and projects, and the overall mission.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Open and/or shut down photography facilities as scheduled

• Assist students and faculty with troubleshooting and/or proper use of photographic equipment and accessories and studio equipment

• Check out photography and video equipment for students and faculty using the FileMaker database

• Check-in equipment and ensure items are returned in working order

• Research, troubleshoot, and perform routine equipment checks & general maintenance:

• All camera formats (analog/digital, still/video)

• Lighting and grip equipment

• Studio accessories

• Audio

• Communicate departmental policies and procedures to students and faculty, regarding equipment sign-out, gallery reservations, studio booking, and general facility use

• Maintain B&W Darkroom and Alternative Process darkroom: ensure cleanliness and safety, monitor, and replenish chemistry and consumables, align enlargers, maintain equipment, and silver recovery unit

• Ensure that the conditions of the studios, darkrooms, and equipment areas are kept neat, clean, orderly, and properly functioning at all times

• Receive, verify, and stock consumable deliveries such as seamless, batteries, chemistry, etc.

• Maintain department FileMaker database with current and accurate information, adding new equipment as necessary

• Perform daily and seasonal facility maintenance and repair

• Troubleshoot emergencies and report any major issues to a manager on duty

• Train, mentor, and supervise student workers

• Train new hires with day-to-day departmental policies and procedures

• Provide support for department initiatives as requested, including but not limited to preparing and installing department exhibitions, documenting departmental publications, and participating in special events such as Open House, Accepted Students Day, and Freshman Orientation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in photography or a related field

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills are a must

• Strong initiative and work ethic, ability to think creatively and work independently

• Advanced knowledge of photography equipment (digital and analog) and related studio equipment

• Ability to troubleshoot technical and/or mechanical issues with cameras and photo studio equipment

• Intermediate knowledge of studio lighting

• Experience with high-end digital capture using a variety of cameras and digital backs and related software (Capture One & Lightroom)

• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues when shooting tethered

• Experience with video and audio systems, including any related grip and stabilizing equipment

• Knowledge of printing software and troubleshooting issues with large format printers preferred

WORKING AT SVA

School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for more than seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprising over 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and over 41,000 alumni from 128 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For more information about the College's 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Click here to learn what it's like to work at SVA.

The School of Visual Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Diversity and inclusion is a core principle of the College. SVA enjoys a community that represents a significant number of historically underrepresented communities, ethnic and religious backgrounds, gender identities, diverse abilities, and foreign countries, and all are encouraged to apply.