Residency Arts Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

Bemis Center is seeking a Residency Arts Technician with a deep interest in the creative process, a collaborative spirit, experience working in the arts and with diverse communities. An essential member of the Residency team with a focus on studio practice and safety, the Residency Arts Technician works directly with artists-in-residence to provide educational and technical support as well as assist in material/service sourcing for the research and production of new artwork. By developing educational workshops, the Residency Arts Technician provides and encourages artists-in-residence to explore new forms of production within and beyond their current artistic practice. The Residency Arts Technician is responsible for the general maintenance and upkeep of the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility including its equipment, tools, and components in the ceramics, sculpture, woodshop, and metal-working areas. In addition, this position maintains the resources available to artists-in-residence in Bemis Center’s main facility including computer stations, installation galleries, and live/work studios. Reporting to the Chief Curator and Director of Programs, the Residency Arts Technician works collaboratively with the Residency Program Manager and the Sound Art + Experimental Music Program Technician to support the Residency Program. 

The Residency Arts Technician is a full-time, exempt position requiring the flexibility to work varied hours as needed including some weekends/evenings in support of public programs and alternating with team members to serve as a 24-hour emergency contact. 

This is an opportunity to join an energetic and collegial staff at one of Omaha’s most unique arts organizations. Ideal candidates share our values of creativity, trust, courage, diversity, tolerance, and the open exchange of ideas and worldviews. Applicants of all races, genders, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all other characteristics that make us different are encouraged to apply.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide artists with technical assistance and instruction in woodworking, welding, ceramics, and construction with various materials and tools
• Assist artists with sourcing art materials, equipment, and services
• Assist artists with art projects and/or installations when needed
• Collaborate with Residency team to create appropriate curriculum for bi-monthly workshops and complete reports outlining time allotment, workshop content, and knowledge/skills achieved
• Maintain safe, professional working conditions of all Residency areas, including the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility and residency floors 
• Maintain, rebuild, or replace residency shop equipment/tools
• Recommend repairs and/or replacements regarding Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility to Chief Curator and Director of Programs
• Work with the Building and Safety Manager and Residency Program Manager to ensure facility and safety standards are met
• Assist with organizing and coordinating artist-in-residence interns
• Assist artists with digital media preparation for artist-in-residence public presentations (PowerPoint and QuickTime, etc.)
• Lead tours and orientations of the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility for all artists
• Conduct equipment, tools, and safety orientations for artists, staff, and interns
• Assist the residency sound technician in setting-up and run A/V equipment for all residency public and private events
• Alternate with team members to serve as 24-hour emergency contact for artists-in-residence
• Assist artists with move-in/out of live/work studios
• Address repairs in occupied live/work studios
• Assist in resetting live/work studio spaces following a residency session
• Patch, paint, and repair walls in live/work studios and installation spaces
• Oversee maintenance/repair of residency vehicle and bicycles
• Inventory residency supplies/equipment for residency live/work studios and facilities (toolbox, kitchenware, bedding, etc.)
• Maintain residency furniture, assess the condition, and manage donations with Residency Program Manager
• Perform light carpentry work such as building or installing shelving, tables, pedestals, etc.
• Provide assistance during artist presentations and residency public programs
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS 

• Master of Fine Arts degree from an accredited four-year college with knowledge of contemporary artistic practices
• Minimum 2–3 years experience in developing college-level curriculum and leading art-making demonstrations and workshops
• Minimum of two years experience supervising a woodshop or fabrication studio involving power tools, heavy machinery, and studio art equipment, understanding basic safety and emergency standards for workshop environments
• Strong understanding of OSHA rules and protocol
• Considerable experience in workplace health and safety practices
• Expert knowledge in areas of art fabrication and construction including, but not limited to, wood, metal, ceramic, welding, mold-making, and the use of hand and power tools  
• Ability to repair wheels, kilns, other ceramic and pottery equipment  
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, PowerPoint, QuickTime, and general A/V functions for public programs
• Demonstrated experience in serving a support role to advance the work of practicing visual artists; possess an amiable and professional demeanor at all times
• Communicate clearly with other staff, artists, students, and management 
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
• Ability to have a flexible work schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends
• Understand and promote Bemis Center’s mission in a clear, spirited manner
• A successful reference check
   

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Work is regularly performed in a combination of office and shop environments, sometimes outdoors and/or non-temperature controlled areas, and is regularly exposed to dust, odors, oil, fumes, and noise.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Must be able to talk and hear
• Must be able to stand, walk, use hands to handle and feel
• Must be able to repeatedly lift and carry a minimum of 40 lbs. without assistance, with the ability to lift up to 80 lbs. as necessary with assistance
• Must be able to reach above head and down to the ground while using hand tools, power tools, and other equipment
• Must be able to perform moderate to heavy manual labor
• Must be able to crawl, bend, stretch, and climb while performing routine tasks
• Must be able to work in non-temperature controlled areas throughout the year
• Must be able to drive a motor vehicle

COMPENSATION

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits package provided including medical, paid holidays, and paid time off.