Photo and Stage Specialist I — part-time

ArtCenter College of Design is searching for an experienced Photo and Stage Specialist I — part-time to join our team.

The salary range for this position: $25.00 - 30.00

Final salary is based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.

About ArtCenter
Founded in 1930 and located in Pasadena, California, ArtCenter College of Design is a global leader in art and design education and has had an international reputation for its rigorous, transdisciplinary curriculum, faculty of professionals, strong ties to industry, and commitment to socially responsible design. ArtCenter is a private nonprofit fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Every position at ArtCenter plays an important part in carrying out the cultural values, goals, strategic vision, and mission of the College. This includes upholding and cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Reporting to the Manager, Photo Labs, Photo and Stage Specialist works across both traditional and digital photo technologies and provides supervision of Photo Stages. This position uses imaging software (Photoshop, Lightroom) and utilizes calibration equipment and software for the maintenance of all digital systems (input, output and monitors). Responsibilities include the maintenance, troubleshooting, and potential repair of all electro and photomechanical systems (Chromira, Hostert, Bessler, Devere, Kreonite, Imocon and Mole) and ensuring on-stage safety through keen supervision.

This is an on-site part-time position, 15–18 hours per week depending on department needs, including Saturdays. Primarily during the fall term through the beginning of the summer term, based on departmental needs.

Essential Functions

Photo Labs — 65%

• Ensure a consistent quality of processing and digital imaging equipment
• Maintain photo and related equipment including troubleshooting and repair of all electro and photomechanical systems
• Maintain a productive and safe learning environment for students

Photo Stage – 30%

• Oversee and manage the Stage area with minimal oversight after school hours
• Open and close the Photo Stage on Saturdays during the term to facilitate student work on projects and assignments
• Maintain regular order and ensure compliance with safety protocols
• Foster an optimum learning atmosphere by supporting and guiding students in their projects
• Address any challenges that arise during class sessions, ensuring a positive and productive experience for all participants

Marginal (Non-essential) Job Functions — 5%

• Maintain memberships and active involvement in applicable professional organizations
• Other duties as assigned

• AA certificate or a minimum of two years of equivalent experience in photography, photo, lab or electromechanical repair
• Must have extensive understanding of both traditional and digital photo technologies and prior experience with stage, lighting and grip equipment
• Digital—experience using imaging software; familiarity with calibration equipment and software for maintenance of digital systems
• Photo Stage 1—familiarity with tungsten and strobe lighting, grip equipment and its maintenance
• Strong communication skills are essential to interact effectively with and support all variety of clients including students, faculty and staff
• Knowledge and experience in traditional B/W and Color photographic practices, i.e. papers and chemicals and their characteristics, mixing, storing, and the strategic deployment of chemistry in a lab facility
• Ability to enforce and implement policies and procedures
• Ability to work well in an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment within ArtCenter’s diverse communities. A commitment to and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within ArtCenter’s diverse communities
• Ability to handle all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of ArtCenter business

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Prior experience in higher education
• Knowledge of art and design education

Physical Requirements and Working Environment

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

This is an on-site part-time position, 15–18 hours per week depending on department needs, including Saturdays. Primarily during the Fall term through the beginning of the summer term, based on departmental needs.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard photo lab setting with frequent interruptions and distractions; extended periods of time using photo equipment, chemicals viewing computer monitor; interactions with other individuals. Due to the nature of the work environment, there is regular exposure to fumes, chemicals, dust, and noise.

Physical:

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an shop setting; to stand or walk for prolonged periods of time; including, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, squatting, and twisting; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight (50 pounds, or team-lift up to 100 pounds); to operate office and shop equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Regular and consistent attendance are required for most positions.

Vision: Must be able to have the visual capacity to perform activities such as preparing and reading reports, viewing a computer terminal and other normal office work with or without correction.

Hearing: Must be able to communicate effectively in the course of normal office communication or exchange ideas with or without correction.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this job; they do not purport to describe all functions. Employees may be assigned other duties, and the essential functions may be changed from time to time as necessary.

Diversity Statement
ArtCenter is fully committed to fostering a culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion, access and belonging not only in vision but in practice. Our path forward is predicated on our belief that multiple points of view, life experiences, ethnicities, cultures and belief systems are essential to academic and creative excellence. We strive to learn more about difference while respecting the rich diversity in our world, attending to important questions about racial injustice and decolonizing our curriculum. Our campus environment must be vigilant in supporting the full participation of students, faculty, and staff of every race, color, ethnicity, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, socioeconomic status and political viewpoint.

Equal Opportunity Employer
ArtCenter is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against its employees or applicants on the basis of race (including hair texture and protective hairstyle), color, religion (includes religious dress and grooming practices), sex/gender (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and/or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition (genetic characteristics, cancer, or a record or history of cancer), military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, disability (mental and physical, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, and genetic characteristics), genetic information, request for family care or medical leave, age (over 40), criminal background (Fair Chance Act), reproductive health decision-making, off-duty and off-premises cannabis use, or any other actual or perceived characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity is extended to all persons in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including without limitation, recruitment, hiring, upgrading, learning and professional development, promotion, compensation, benefits, leave of absence, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall and termination. This commitment applies to all persons involved in the operations of ArtCenter and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of ArtCenter. Applicants who wish to request an accommodation for a disability may contact the Office of Employee Experience and Engagement at (626) 396-2470.

Applicant Rights (Prior Cannabis Use)
ArtCenter will not request information from an applicant relating to the applicant’s prior use of cannabis. ArtCenter will not use information obtained from a criminal history about an applicant or employee’s prior cannabis use, unless ArtCenter is permitted to consider that information under applicable law.

Employment At-Will
All employment with ArtCenter is for an unspecified term and is “at-will.” Employees are free to resign at any time, with or without reason, and with or without prior notice. Similarly, ArtCenter has the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without prior notice. This “at-will” employment, which includes the College’s right to transfer, discipline, demote, or change the conditions of employment with or without cause and with or without prior notice, cannot be modified, amended or waived by any oral or implied agreement, and may be modified or altered only by an express individualized written employment agreement signed by both the employee and the College president

ArtCenter Employees have a Mandatory Duty to Report
All employees who know or have reason to know of allegations or acts that violate ArtCenter’s Title IX Policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking shall promptly inform the Director, Title IX Compliance and Programs or designee, or the Associate Dean of Students or designee. Faculty, who have a mandatory duty to report, are required to disclose all information including the names of the parties, even where the person has requested their name remain confidential.

Pursuant to the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), all employees who know of or have reason to suspect child abuse or neglect involving alleged victims under age 18 shall promptly inform local law enforcement or the county welfare department.