Painting & Drawing Materials Technician
About SAIC
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is a leading institution that educates influential artists, designers, and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago, SAIC offers a graduate program ranked among the top four in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. It provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design, along with access to the Art Institute of Chicago Museum and state-of-the-art facilities.
SAIC fosters a diverse community where experimentation and the study of historical and cultural discourses are prioritized. The Materials StudioLab is the central hub for painting materials and technical study, offering a pigment library and a historic materials archive.
About The Department
The Department of Painting and Drawing at SAIC supports a wide range of conceptual and material approaches to art-making. The Materials StudioLab is a key resource for students interested in painting techniques and materials.
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Painting & Drawing Facilities, this role involves maintaining the Painting & Drawing Department's facilities, specifically the Materials & Techniques StudioLab. The responsibilities include providing technical support, managing student employees, coordinating schedules, ensuring safety standards, and supporting curricular needs.
Responsibilities
- Hire, train, supervise, and lead student employees working in the PTDW StudioLab.
- Submit work authorizations and approve timesheets.
- Coordinate student worker schedules to maintain open lab hours and enforce safety practices.
- Support PTDW Department facilities, focusing on StudioLab upkeep and daily functionality.
- Maintain safety standards and oversee the enforcement of safe material handling and studio conduct.
- Manage StudioLab materials inventory and recommend purchases for class demonstrations.
- Create and maintain content for StudioLab social media sites.
- Learn, understand, and perform necessary recipes and procedures to prepare materials for faculty demonstrations and student use.
- Coordinate with faculty to ensure equipment and materials are prepared for class demonstrations.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in visual art or BFA preferred.
- One to two years of relevant experience in a visual arts studio, university art department, or similar environment.
- Knowledgeable about material and chemical safety issues in contemporary painting.
- Strong communication and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
- Physical requirements: must be able to lift 40 lbs, stand 70% and sit 30%, and work occasional evening and weekend hours.
Compensation & Benefits
The expected hiring range is $45,000 - $53,690. Benefits include PTO, health insurance, retirement plans, and more. For complete details, visit the Art Institute of Chicago's career page at artic.edu/employment.
Application Instructions
To apply, submit your resume and cover letter to apply_help@artic.edu. For reasonable accommodation requests, contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.