Production Labs Technician

Pratt Institute provides the creative leaders of tomorrow the professional knowledge and experience to make a better world. A world-class and internationally ranked college with programs in art, design, architecture, liberal arts and sciences, and information studies, Pratt offers nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The Institute’s impact expands beyond its 25-acre residential campus in Brooklyn to cutting-edge facilities throughout the borough, a landmark building and public gallery in Manhattan, as well as an extension campus, Pratt Munson College of Art and Design in Utica, New York. On Governors Island, Pratt is a core partner on the Stony Brook University team selected to develop the New York Climate Exchange, a research and educational hub poised to establish New York City as the global leader for climate change. Another extension of Pratt’s campus is the Research Yard, a 20,000-square-foot facility that brings together the research activities of Pratt Institute under one roof in the Brooklyn Navy Yard (BNY).

Since our founding in 1887, Pratt has upheld the belief that education should be accessible to all who wish to learn. As a community, we define ourselves as standard setters who are: resourceful and collaborative problem solvers, socially responsible and equity-centered creatives, adaptable and resilient global stewards, inquisitive and compassionate community members.

About the role

Pratt Institute is seeking candidates for a full-time Technician position within the School of Design’s Production Labs. Reporting to the Director of Production Labs, the Technician will support the day-to-day operations of the School of Design Shop, a diverse educational fabrication facility serving the School’s curricular need, with occasional support in other labs as needed. The Technician is a highly motivated educator and maker, with expertise in traditional woodworking experience and some experience operating digital rapid prototyping technology, including CNC milling, laser cutting, and 3D printing. The technician will join an interdisciplinary team committed to fostering a safe, innovative, and robust culture of making, and will provide students and faculty with practical technical support that will guide their practice in and beyond their time at Pratt. This is an OPEIU Local 153 Technical Position.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the safe operation, set-up, inspection, and maintenance of equipment and tools, performing troubleshooting relating to the repair and installation for shop equipment and technologies.
• Supervise daily student and faculty work in the shop and its related satellite resources, providing technical guidance and support for faculty teaching in the shop.
• Hire, train, and supervise student employees in the safe handling and basic operation of shop equipment and tools.
• Support the Production Lab’s delivery of non-credit instruction, conducting shop safety certifications and participating in workshop coordination and development.
• Collaborate with the department head in the development and implementation of training materials, procedures, policies, and services to be used by student employees, student users, as well as staff and faculty working in the shop.
• Support the continuous improvement of resources and facilities, performing research and making recommendations to keep current with technological developments within the field.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience required. Preference will be given to candidates with a relevant certificate of fitness or safety license.
• Minimum of five years related experience working in a shop or fabrication environment. Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience working with student employees in a supervisory capacity.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of a wide range of tools and fabrication techniques in wood, metal, plastic, and foam, and expertise in at least one of the following: woodworking, cold forming of metals, plastic modeling and casting, and application of finishes.
• Preference will be given to candidates with some previous experience in rapid prototyping with at least one of the following: laser cutting, CNC milling, 3D printing.
• Preference will be given to candidates with an understanding of health and safety regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population of students and staff, as well as demonstrate intercultural competence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, while also working collaboratively in a team environment.

Schedule

• Occasional weekend work during spring and fall semesters needed.
• Occasional overtime may be required at the end of each semester.

Physical/Environmental Requirements

• Work on Feet: Approximately 75% of the workday. Ability to stand for extended periods while delivering demonstrations and workshops.
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to use hands for fine manual tasks including: threading machines, adjusting settings, changing needles. Ability to lift, carry and move equipment, boxes, and other items, typically up to approximately 20lbs when required.
• Environmental Requirements: Regular work in workshop and studio environment containing machines, other specialist textiles equipment. Exposure to moderate levels of noise generated by multiple machines operating simultaneously. Regular interaction with and exposure to: textile materials, dust, wet laboratory environments including dyes, inks, textile chemicals, cleaning agents. Regular work with pneumatic equipment including air compressors and associated tools in accordance with health and safety procedures.