Position Title: Art Department Studio Assistant

Department: Art

Advertised Pay: 11.00

Campus Location: Washburn University

Position Summary:

Washburn University is a teaching-focused, student-centered, public institution located in the metropolitan setting of Topeka that has earned national recognition for its high-impact programs for first-generation students. Washburn has a student body of over 5,500 undergraduate, graduate, and law students, a significant and growing number of whom are first-generation and Pell-Grant eligible. The University has created educational pathways for all students to be successful and achieve their educational goals.

Washburn is dedicated to recruiting and retaining a dynamic faculty, staff, and student body and cultivating a robust learning and working environment and curriculum. We employ more than one thousand faculty and staff on our campuses throughout Topeka and strive to offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, and a supportive culture and a healthy work/life balance. Washburn seeks to create an environment that reflects our core values for creating positive IMPACT: inclusion, modernization, partnership, achievement, community and transformation. In 2024, Washburn was recognized as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to Great Colleges to Work For® program.

The Art Department Studio Assistant will aide in the supervision of the following studios within the department; photography, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, and computer lab. Candidate must be flexible and have the ability to work in any of the studios on an as-needed basis.

Essential Functions:
Mac Lab
- Ensure the computer lab is secure during lab hours and before leaving.
- Assist students with their computer work when and if required.
- Keep the lab clean and in order during lab duty/hours.
- Assist faculty using the lab.
- Enforce and maintain all rules and regulations of the Art Department computer lab policies.

Printmaking
- Assist students with printmaking projects.
- Operate print presses (the Vandercook #3 letterpress, brand etching press, Conrad etching press and the lithography press).
- Monitor the UV light table, paper soaking tray area and the acid room.
- Monitor and maintain the inking stations (glass slabs, rollers and ink knives) and the ink and solvent fireproof cabinets.
- Assist with supply inventory (inks and ink modifiers, solvents, shop rags, silkscreen supplies, etc.).

Ceramics/Sculpture
- Provide tutoring services to students in Ceramics,
- Clean and organize Ceramics studio, Mix Glazes, load kilns, make clay, etc.

Photography
- Responsible for overseeing the photography areas (classroom, lighting studio, and darkroom) during photography lab hours.
- Supervise authorized students working in these spaces, 1-3 days per week, including weekends.

Required Qualifications:
Must be enrolled as an Art student

Prior experience working with Macs
Knowledge and understanding of workflow and processes in all studio areas

Preferred Qualifications:
Possess a base understanding and experience using Adobe Create Suite, and basic troubleshooting knowledge.
Possess a base understanding of most ceramics. photography and printmaking processes.

Hourly, Part time, Varies, Varies/Shift   
Background Check Required