Art Studio Assistant - Term

The Term - Art Studio Assistant is part of the Department of Art, in the College of Arts and Science, at Vanderbilt University, and is a key individual contributor responsible for overseeing the sculpture facilities. The position will manage safety protocols in art production and assist with faculty and student projects and exhibitions. Reporting directly to the Administrative Specialist, and indirectly to the Department Chair, the Art Studio Assistant interacts with many faculty, students, and guests across campus.  This position requires a thorough understanding of studio art procedures and equipment.  This position is a term position, for up to one year and may be extended, for 30 hours per week.

About the Work Unit:

Since 2005, the Department of Art has occupied the E. Bronson Ingram Studio Arts Center in the heart of the Vanderbilt campus and features a faculty roster of nationally and internationally recognized professionals. The Department has developed a curriculum that covers a broad range of methods and perspectives while emphasizing small class sizes. The Visiting Artist Programming has been crucial in exposing students to other successful practitioners from the greater art world. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensures safe practices in art production, and safe handling and storage of materials.
  • Maintains and repairs equipment and/or coordinates repairs with Facilities Management or outside vendors.
  • Works closely with Vanderbilt Environmental Health & Safety (VEHS) regarding chemical materials and removal process.
• Daily maintenance of the woodshop studio
  • Maintains all power tools and sculpture equipment
    • CNC Router, laser cutter, 3D printer, welding equipment, sanders, drills, saws/blades etc.
  • Coordinates materials needed for instructional supplies for courses and events
  • Assists students with project logistics and tools
  • Monitors student use of power tools and equipment
  • Makes cuts for student projects using table saw and other tools
• Coordinates and purchases materials needed for instructional supplies for sculpture-based courses and events through Vanderbilt systems.
• Assists faculty and students with projects and exhibitions. 
• Works closely with the Chair of the Department 
• Additional duties as assigned                                                                                                                               

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility.  This position reports functionally to the Administrative Specialist and indirectly to the Department Chair.   

 Qualifications:

• A High School diploma or GED is necessary.
• An Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.
• Knowledge of studio arts procedures and equipment is necessary.
• Resourceful and detail-oriented is preferred.
• Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate multiple projects is necessary.
• Ability to work both as a member of a team & independently is preferred.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite is preferred.

NOTE: A Term position is a staff position that exists for a period longer than six months but is not expected to last beyond one year. Although a position may exist for a specified or indefinite period, staff who accept term positions are not guaranteed employment for the entire period; they are employed for indefinite periods within the limit of the appointment. There are no guarantees of continued employment, either within the term or when the term ends. 

 Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. 

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.