Technician (Central Shop)

Division: Operations | Department: Central Shop | Reports to: Central Shop Manager | Updated: September 2026 | Worker type: Full‑time, 9‑months | Pay type: Non‑exempt

Essential Functional Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, and operate studio/shop equipment; report needed equipment repairs and perform preventive maintenance; ensure a clean and functional studio/shop environment.
• Assist the manager on shop operations and communicate areas of concern.
• Install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair specialized equipment and systems.
• Assist faculty with demonstrations and classroom instruction.
• Support the enforcement of studio protocols.
• Maintain KCAI’s studio infrastructure to ensure a safe, uninterrupted, high‑quality educational environment.
• Maintain and update preventative‑maintenance schedules and task lists.
• Complete routine maintenance tasks.
• Train and assist with supervision of student workers.
• Maintain and regularly check safety equipment (e.g., eyewash stations, chemical storage) to ensure compliance with institutional and OSHA standards.
• Assist in fabrication and maintenance of shop fixtures and jigs.
• Assist patrons with creating and editing CNC files.
• Set up and operate a CNC router.
• Assist with the Small Metal Studio.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications

• Working knowledge of woodworking, metal fabrication, welding, foundry and casting, ceramics, kiln operations, fiber arts, textile production, material processing, machinery and tool maintenance, shop safety and compliance, first‑year technical instruction, cross‑disciplinary fabrication, and studio operations.
• Knowledge of a wide range of materials, tools, and processes.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate policies, procedures, information, ideas, and instructions effectively to diverse audiences.
• Ability to present information and respond to questions from faculty, visiting artists, technicians, students, and the public.
• Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to solve practical problems and manage concrete variables.
• Capacity to communicate positively and effectively.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, organization, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong work ethic and high standards for work quality.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
• Proficiency with attention to detail in welding, woodworking, fabricating, and mechanical tasks.

Required Experience/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience using and training on woodworking and metalworking equipment.

Preferred Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in art/design or a related field and/or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience working in an academic environment.
• Experience working across disciplines.
• Safety/OSHA certifications.

Pay

$20 per hour (non‑exempt).

Schedule

Full‑time, 9‑month appointment.