Research Technician, Lazarus Center Wood Shop (Temporary)

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Job Title: Research Technician, Lazarus Center Wood Shop - Temporary

Department: Fabrication Studios

Division:  Academic Affairs

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to (Position Title): Studio Manager, Lazarus Center Wood Shop

Work Schedule: Part-time, 20 hours per week | regular business hours, evenings, and weekends

Grade: 4

Hourly Rate: $20.22 - $24.73 (where a candidate falls within the range is based on years of experience and internal equity)     

The Temporary Research Technician, Lazarus Center (FLIV) Woodshop assists with the general operational functions of the FLIV Woodshop with a particular focus on the advancement of safety, equipment, and facilities in the shop.  Under the guidance of the Studio Manager, this position provides technical expertise to students and faculty through curricular engagement and co-curricular initiatives. The FLIV Woodshop is a campus-wide resource open to all MICA students (undergraduate, graduate, and open studies students).

** Temporary position from January – May 2027 **

** Part-time - 20 hours per week, evenings and one weekend day **

Summary of Essential Functions:

• Supervise student homework access to the FLIV Woodshop and support fall and spring instruction.
• Assist with the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the FLIV Woodshop, ensuring that all equipment operates effectively and safely, the facilities are clean and efficient, and supplies are stocked and available.
• Support Undergraduate and Graduate students regarding related processes of the FLIV Woodshop.
• Provide assistance to the FLIV Woodshop Studio Manager.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

•  Provide technical support to students in the FLIV Woodshop.
• Communicate, maintain, and enforce a safety program that complies with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), OSHA standards, and best practices within the FLIV Woodshop. 
• Enforce studio policies and demonstrate the safe and appropriate use of equipment, tools, materials, techniques, and processes in the FLIV Woodshop.
• Provide assistance and guidance to any FLIV Woodshop student workers (student technicians and/or work-study)
• Assist with monitoring and maintaining all tools and equipment in the FLIV Woodshop.  Ensure tools and equipment are operating with the highest level of functionality and safety.
• Assist with the management and organization of the physical departmental space and operation of equipment.
• Contribute to tutorials for processes and techniques used in the FLIV Woodshop.
• Help maintain supplies for the FLIV Woodshop by communicating with the Studio Manager.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Practical working experience with woodworking processes and techniques for hand tools, power tools, and stationary machinery.
• Good mechanical sensibility.
• Strong listening and organizational skills, ability to communicate professionally both orally and in writing. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Drive 

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor, Fine Art or a four-year degree with experience working in a wood shop
• 1+ years’ experience in intermediate or advanced woodworking
• 1+ years’ experience operating table saws, jointers, and planers
• Required to lift, pull and carry up to 45 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years’ experience in intermediate or advanced woodworking
• 2+ years’ experience operating table saws, jointers, and planers
• 1+ years’ experience working as a technician in a wood shop, preferably in an academic environment
• Experience working with the following machinery: table saws, preferably Saw Stop, jointers, planers, band saws and re-sawing, lathes, router tables, stationary sanders, and miter saws
• Skills in traditional hand tools and edge sharpening
• Skills in hand-held power tools
• Knowledge of basic construction techniques, cold connections related to woodworking, and hardware

Reporting to this position:

• No direct reports

Conditions of Employment: 

• Candidate must successfully complete a full background check
• Required to work evenings and weekends
• Required to perform deep cleaning and disinfecting of shop equipment and tools

Applicant Instructions:

Submit  PDF document to include:

• Resume
• Cover Letter (1 page single spaced, 12pt) – qualifications, experience, what interests you about this position?
• Portfolio of Related Work – link to a website (preferred) or 3-5 images of woodworking-related projects.

Please format the PDF document for screen resolution and viewing.  No physical media are requested nor will be returned.

Physical demands and work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 
• Work environment: While performing the duties of the job, the noise level in the work environment is usually minimal. but ear protection may be required at times.
• Required training: Handbook orientation, Anti-Harassment, Hazard Communication, Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention, COVID – 19 Cleaning and Personal Protection Equipment. 

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam-era, or otherwise). Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.

Applicants must apply online for each job in which they are interested. You will not be considered for any job for which you have not specifically applied. We do not accept applications via email, U.S. mail, or fax. Successful candidates for any staff or faculty positions will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

MICA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 410-225-2363.