Fiber Technician (9-Month)

POSITION TITLE: Technician

DIVISION: Academic Affairs

DEPARTMENT: Fiber

REPORTS TO: Chair of Fiber

PAY TYPE: Non-Exempt

WORKER TYPE: Full-Time 9-Month

UPDATED: April 2026

PAY: $20.00/hour

The Fiber Technician will report to the Fiber Department Chair for checking and maintaining the fiber equipment and inventory. Acts as the liaison to Plant Services and reports facility problems. Monitors, supervises and coordinates maintenance of equipment and supplies inventory. Provides technical support to Fiber and Fiber-elective students. Maintains spaces and organizes workspace and storage spaces with faculty.

The position will start work 5 business days before classes begin and end 5 business days after classes end each semester (unless official KCAI holidays cause this to occur sooner).  The appointee is not on duty during fall or spring break. The technician hours are 37.5 per week. KCAI offers exceptional benefits including: medical, dental, vision, retirement and various other coverages at the employees discretion.KCAI offers exceptional benefits including: medical, dental, vision, retirement and various other coverages at the employees discretion. If reappointed for the following academic year employee insurance benefits are continued through the summer. Giving first priority to student use, the appointee shall also have use of the fiber facility and its equipment during the appointment period.

Essential Functional Responsibilities: 

EQUIPMENT

• Manage, maintain, and oversee all fiber and studio equipment, including specialized equipment such as digital Jacquard looms; perform repairs or coordinate maintenance service as needed.




• Monitor and enforce the safe and proper technical use of all equipment; maintain safety signage, safety manuals, and update SDS documentation as required.




• Organize and oversee tool check-out systems and general equipment access.

FACILITIES

• Oversee day-to-day operations of fiber facilities and studios, ensuring clean, organized, and fully functional workspaces; conduct regular inspections (e.g., paper studio checks).




• Coordinate maintenance, facilities needs, and operations with faculty, staff, and department leadership.




• Evaluate equipment and facilities needs and make recommendations for upgrades and replacements.

STUDENTS/FACULTY

• Assist students, faculty, and staff with equipment use, technical support, materials, and safety procedures




• Assist faculty with daily classroom setup and material preparation for class




• Provide support to students, work-study, faculty, visiting artists

INVENTORY/DAILY OPERATION

• Coordinate and manage supply purchasing, inventory, and stock levels, including monitoring materials, ordering and logging supplies for classes and departmental use, and tracking donations.




• Handle logistical operations such as incoming/outgoing mail and scheduling deliveries.




• Support and coordinate visiting artists, including scheduling, project needs, demonstrations, and lectures.




• Participate in and assist with departmental events, including exhibitions, end-of-semester shows, academic activities and field trips




• Perform other related duties as assigned by the department chair or faculty.

Supervises the following:

Work study students

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Knowledge of fundamental Fiber processes covered in the KCAI Fiber curriculum.




• Competence with maintaining all Equipment and tools in Fiber Dept. inventory




• Knowledge of digital technology related to Fiber.




• Fluency in Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Forms




• Strong communication skills and efficient organization skills.




• Knowledge of equipment and supply inventory control.




• Ability to manage proper disposal of hazardous waste products.

Required Experience/Education:

• Experience with calibrating, using, maintaining, and repairing fiber equipment




• Experience and knowledge of fiber materials - formulation, testing, and usage.




• Proficiency with other commonly used materials/supplies/equipment/tools found in a fiber studio




• Excellent communication, organizational, and supervisory skills.

Preferred Experience/Education:.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred or equivalent combination of work and education.

Statement

Driven by exploration, curiosity, and passion, it is Kansas City Art Institute’s mission to educate artists and designers while honoring the distinct journeys of students. We create a community that equips students to become leaders who leverage the creative process to transform the future. Our excellence is integrated in our community, rich with varied experiences and perspectives from faculty, staff, students, and alumni. We invest in continuous growth by cultivating a culture of creativity, care and belonging—a climate where respectful dialogue thrives and individuals are seen, valued, and encouraged to achieve their full potential and accomplish remarkable things.

KCAI is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified candidates for employment without regard to any characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law. KCAI provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online system and require accommodation due to a disability, contact the Human Resources Department about your interest in employment. Any questions or concerns can be directed to KCAI’s Human Resource Administrator.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.