Studio & Sculpture Lab Manager

Stanford University

This post is expired. Click here to search for more listings.

Working closely with relevant faculty and reporting to the Facilities Manager in the Department of Art & Art History, the Studio and Sculpture Lab Manager oversees daily operations of the suite of sculpture workrooms, including wood shop, metal shop, CNC router, moldmaking, welding booth, paint booth, tool crib, and yard, and supports two painting studios, two drawing studios, the printmaking studio, and the undergraduate Honors studio. The Lab Manager is responsible for all equipment, supplies, furniture and fixtures, hires, trains, and oversees student lab assistants, develops and implements policies and guidelines, and manages lab finances in accordance with department and university policies.

The Lab Manager will have a strong background in arts education as well as extensive experience with wood and metalworking equipment and tools, basic machining, mold making techniques, a solid working knowledge of the materials of oil painting and various printmaking processes, including the safe use and proper disposal of these materials, a proven track record with health and safety compliance and knowledge of relevant regulations and best practices, and a service-oriented approach. The Lab Manager should be prepared to assist faculty with integrating new technologies as they become available. Experience with contemporary art, analog electronics, and computer-aided design and fabrication are highly desirable.

The Lab Manager must possess excellent organizational, analytic, communication and interpersonal abilities, work well autonomously, take initiative, and employ good judgment. Strong time management and problem-solving skills are vital. The Lab Manager must also be able to work collaboratively and constructively with students, staff, and faculty, and also work with vendors and others in professional sectors as necessary. MFA strongly preferred. Applications must include an uploaded resume and cover letter.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include: providing technical support for faculty and students; maintaining and calibrating sculpture shop machines and printmaking presses and equipment; keeping abreast of relevant technologies; managing equipment check-out and returns, including prep, cleaning, and repair; inventory tracking including coordinating student fines and holds as necessary; assisting with researching, testing, and ordering equipment; maintaining clean and orderly facilities, including the collection and sorting of hazardous waste for disposal; proactively maintaining consumables inventories and ordering supplies. Financial responsibilities include preparation of annual budgets in consultation with faculty and the Director of Finance and Operations, spending in accordance with the approved budget and relevant policies, and forecasting and tracking expenditures to ensure fiscal oversight.

In addition to supporting the teaching of three regular faculty, the Lab Manager supports approximately 10 lecturers teaching a variety of courses each year, and provides orientation and training and departmental expertise to support their success. The Lab Manager is often called upon to conduct class workshops on general shop use or on specific pieces of equipment. Solid workshop skills related to teaching basic sculpture practices are essential. The Lab Manager will conduct shop safety training sessions in all areas of the sculpture studio, and material handling/safety in painting and printmaking studios.

  • Oversee the operation and management of a research or teaching facility; schedule and coordinate use of equipment and/or facility.

  • Negotiate and monitor equipment service contracts and warranties with vendors.

  • Determine equipment needs, authorize purchase of equipment, and oversee installation of equipment and instruments in collaboration with facilities services staff.

  • Perform and/or coordinate preventative maintenance and repair of all equipment; determine proper method of repair.

  • Oversee layout, allocation, and tracking of space among multiple labs; manage logistics of laboratory moves; implement plans for renovations of equipment and or/facilities in collaboration with facilities services staff.

  • Administer and prepare budgets that include several funding sources.

  • Administer health and safety programs and ensure safety compliance; act as resource on safety procedures; provide instruction on routine basis; liaise with school and/or university health and safety office as appropriate.

  • Direct work of other staff, including supervision, hiring, promotions, and terminations; determine staffing needs, and ensure efficient utilization of staff.

Requirements
  • Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree and two years of relevant experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.

  • Understanding of academic research facility needs.

  • Demonstrated supervisory experience.

  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple budgets.

  • Knowledge and experience in managing facilities, operations, maintenance, space, and equipment administration in a research or teaching setting.

  • Excellent communication and customer services skills.

  • Ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects in a complex and technical environment.

  • Familiarity with health and safety compliance regulations.

  • Physical requirements: Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds. Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts. Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls. Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job. Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours. Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.

  • Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

Working conditions

  • May at times be required to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials are present. Specific hazards include, but are not limited to, chemicals, and solvents, allergens and blood borne pathogens.

  • May be exposed to electromagnetic fields.

  • Must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, etc.

  • May work extended or unusual work hours due to research or project requirements and peak work cycles. After hours on-call availability required.

Work standards

  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

How to Apply

Apply directly through the application link.

Apply
Posted on October 23