LEAD STUDIO FABRICATOR

An established artist studio in South Central Los Angeles

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Monday – Friday (Full-time, hourly)

An established artist studio in South Central Los Angeles seeks an experienced sculpture fabricator to join a growing team in the role of Lead Studio Fabricator.

ABOUT:

Through the creation of sculpture, collage, and installation, and with a spirit of collaboration and mutual support, this multi-faceted artist addresses the challenges faced by people of color and queer communities in South Central Los Angeles. Their studio is non-hierarchical, inspired by one person’s artistic vision, but driven and formed by the hands, minds, and hearts of many.

With deep ties to their neighborhood—and inextricable from their artistic practice and studio—is the artist’s community center. This space is imbued with the spirit of independence and is founded on an ethos of empowerment through self-directed action. The center is a site of support and sustainability, a hub where Black and Brown liberation and self-direction is championed and celebrated.

Responsibilities

DUTIES:

Plan and execute a wide range of large-scale sculptural art projects and functional objects (e.g. music stages, parade floats, produce stands) in close communication with the artist
Render accurate dimensional drawings and cut lists
Organize, construct, and communicate project plans clearly back to artist, studio team, and gallery team
Outline the logistical needs of the project, including ideal material requirements, tools, and equipment necessary for efficient completion
Research prices and procure material resources, locally or online
Assign tasks within each project, managing the use of people, materials, and equipment
Train and mentor studio team in wood and metal fabrication skill-building
Problem-solve and present creative ideas and solutions in order to facilitate project goals within a given timeframe
Routine maintenance of shop equipment and tools; regular organization of shop facilities layout
Advise on and support expansion of studio facilities, including wood and metal shops

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate should be calm, patient, flexible, creative, and adaptable; experienced in the fabrication of physical objects in wood and/or metal; with basic skills in math and spatial reasoning. They should enjoy problem solving and collaboration as well as derive satisfaction from teaching, training, and empowering others, and should have an interest in community engagement, social justice, and mutual aid. In addition—

Minimum of five (5) years experience in the fabrication of sculptural objects in wood and/or metal preferred
Minimum of one (1) year work experience as a wood shop technician or assistant preferred
Demonstrated experience with the operation of saws (table, band, miter), routers, power tools, and hand tools required
Demonstrated experience with a vast array of sculptural materials, including plywood, hard woods, steel, concrete, acrylic, adhesives, and fasteners required
Experience teaching, training, mentoring, and/or managing others in fabrication methods preferred
Experience with art handling as a preparator or installation technician preferred, including packing works for transit and installing objects in gallery or museum settings
Experience with the fabrication of pedestals, crates, and t-frames preferred
Ability to stand and stay active for 8 hours per day
Ability to lift and move heavy objects (50+ lbs.)
Comfortable driving forklifts and box trucks for the transportation of artwork preferred
Valid California driver’s license required
BIPOC and LBGTQIA+ candidates, particularly Black women, encouraged to apply

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The pay scale for this position is $30 – $50/hour, commensurate with experience
Hours: Full-time, 32 to 40 hours (4 to 5 days/week), Monday through Friday, 10am – 6pm

COVID-19:

The essential duties of this position are fully in-person in an active studio, and wearing a mask or other COVID-19 safety protocols may be required

How to Apply

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, please submit the following materials to jobs.studio.apply@gmail.com with the subject line “Lead Studio Fabricator”:

Resume, with clear indications of relevant skills requested above
A brief cover letter (optional) to elaborate on skill set and qualifications
A work portfolio, with a selection of images showing craftmanship of sculptural work in multiple stages of production (PDF format, up to 10 pages)
A list of 3-4 professional references (they will not be contacted until a later stage of the interview process, with the candidate’s permission)

A brief (paid) wood shop skills test may be conducted with finalists for the position.

Candidates with most, if not all, qualifications are encouraged to apply. BIPOC and LBGTQIA+ applicants are welcomed.

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