Technician (Central Shop)

POSITION TITLE: Technician

DIVISION: Operations

DEPARTMENT: Central Shop

REPORTS TO: Central Shop Manager

PAY TYPE: Non-exempt

WORKER TYPE: Full-time, 9-Months

UPDATED: September 2026

PAY: $20/hour

Oversee all aspects of the safe use of the KCAI Central Shop and Small Metals facilities by current students, staff and faculty. Maintain tools and  machinery in good working order. Assist patrons with woodworking projects, creating, and editing CNC files.

Essential Functional Responsibilities: 

• Maintains, repairs, and operates studio/shop equipment; reports needed equipment repairs and performs preventive maintenance; ensures a clean and functional studio/shop environment.

• Assists Manager on shop operations and communicates areas of concern.

• Responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of specialized equipment and systems.

• Assists faculty with demonstrations and classroom instruction.

• Supports the enforcement of studio protocols.

• Plays a critical role in maintaining KCAI’s studio infrastructure and ensuring a safe, uninterrupted, and high-quality educational environment.

• Maintaining and updating preventative maintenance schedules and task lists. Complete routine maintenance.

• Trains and assists with supervision of student workers.

• Ensures a safe environment by maintaining and regularly checking safety equipment such as eyewash stations and chemical storage, ensuring 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 Small Metal Studio

• 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, 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 a wide range of skill levels, personalities (faculty, students, staff), and backgrounds.

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from faculty, visiting artists, techs, students and the general public.

• Ability to interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 

• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables.

• The capacity to communicate effectively in a positive manner is a must.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.

• A strong work ethic and high standards in the quality of their work.

• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues.

• Proficiency with attention to detail in welding, woodworking, fabricating and mechanical skills. 

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 related field and/or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience working in an academic environment.

• Candidates with experience working across disciplines.

• Safety/OSHA certifications.

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 at hr@kcai.edu.