KCAD Student Photography Lab Tech (Student Position)

Location: Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Advertised salary: $13.99 per hour

Number of positions available: 2

Application deadline: December 12, 2026

About the Role

You will be working in the Digital Lab, the Lighting Studio, and Film/Print Darkrooms at Kendall College of Art & Design.

Requirements

• One year of experience in digital and film photography with a working knowledge of SLR and DSLR camera equipment and darkroom/inkjet printing processes.
• Good communication skills: must be able to answer student questions and explain photographic methods clearly.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of photography students and faculty in a courteous and professional manner.
• Must be reliable, punctual, and able to work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Monitor computers, scanners, and printer use during open lab hours.
• Set up printers (nozzle checks, print head cleanings when needed, etc.).
• Monitor the lab (computers, printers, scanners) during open lab hours, informing students of proper use of equipment and lab etiquette.
• Clean up at end of lab hours; organize workstations with required supplies, power down printers, and return tools to proper storage areas.
• Monitor use of specialized equipment such as Epson film scanners and printers.
• Work with photo faculty to inventory supplies, paper, and inks to be ordered; keep notes of needed equipment repair or replacement; organize work and storage spaces.
• Set up darkroom (mix chemicals, fill trays, put out tongs, print washers, safelights, etc.).
• Monitor the photo lab (darkroom, classroom, and studio) during open lab hours, informing students of proper use of equipment and lab etiquette.
• Clean up at end of lab hours; organize drawers and workstations with required supplies, and return tools to proper storage areas.
• Dispose of used chemicals according to safe use and silver recovery guidelines.
• Monitor use of specialized equipment such as studio lights and backdrops, dry mount press, mat cutters, and equipment checkout.
• Perform minor maintenance of equipment and supplies such as replacement of enlarger bulbs and studio bulbs.
• Work with photo faculty to inventory supplies and chemicals to be ordered; keep notes of needed equipment repair or replacement; organize work and storage spaces.