Digital Photography Lab Manager II

Florida International University (FIU) is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in Miami, FIU offers over 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields, including National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars, and MacArthur Genius Fellows. As a Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health, and technology and innovation, housing the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment.

About the role

Oversees and manages the Digital and Film Photography lab for the Department of Art + Art History. Maintains equipment, lab space, and inventory levels while serving as the safety officer and liaison with FIU Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for the digital and film lab facilities. Coordinates day-to-day operations, repairs, and maintenance of equipment in both film and digital labs. Provides supervision and support for faculty and student use of machinery, tools, and equipment. Assists with managing additional department spaces as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day management of the digital and film photography lab, including reporting facility deficiencies to Facilities Work Management and the CARTA Director of Operations (e.g., entries/exits, lighting, equipment safety, cleanliness).
• Serve as safety officer and liaison with FIU Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), implementing health, life, and safety policies in accordance with FIU EHS guidelines.
• Complete annual EHS Lab Self Audit for digital and film photography labs; assist with audits for other department spaces as needed.
• Develop equipment use procedures, provide safety trainings, and maintain safety training logs.
• Provide technical assistance, conduct equipment demonstrations, and lead in-class trainings for faculty, staff, and students.
• Supervise Student Safety Officers, manage schedules, and maintain a master calendar for lab use; track usage statistics and optimize space utilization.
• Perform regular maintenance on digital printers and computers (e.g., OS and software updates); report needed software updates before each semester.
• Coordinate and manage software licenses, requisitions, invoicing, and university-wide internal forms; serve as liaison to PantherTech.
• Operate and maintain the Color Processor, Black & White Enlargers, Color Enlargers, and chemical solutions (e.g., mix chemistry, stock solutions, regulate temperature, adjust pumps, water pressure, and dryer temperature).
• Conduct quarterly inventory and maintain stock of machinery parts and materials; coordinate with department purchaser for orders.
• Create, administer, and manage a small equipment and tool checkout system; perform preventive maintenance and troubleshoot malfunctions.
• Develop a system for reporting tool and equipment issues for timely resolution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Two to three years of experience supervising labs at a college or university (desired).
• Ability to work with cleaning chemicals, liquid/solid waste, and soiled materials.
• Flexibility to work hours as needed.

Pay

$36,000 - $37,875

Schedule

9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Working Conditions

• Film developing environment.
• Pre-employment requirements include a research-expanded background check.