Print Media Technician

University of British Columbia - Staff; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is hiring a Print Media Technician to manage operations at the Print Media Research Centre. This role involves supporting the arts curriculum through technical tasks in printmaking, ensuring safety, and collaborating with faculty and students while supervising studio operations. Candidates should have a relevant degree and extensive knowledge of printmaking techniques.

Qualifications

• Minimum four years related experience or equivalent education.
• Preferred specialization in fine art or printmaking.
• Effective communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of Print Media Research Centre.
• Deliver in-class demonstrations on printmaking techniques.
• Maintain equipment and implement safety procedures.

Skills

Technical tasks in printmaking

Safety procedures

Collaboration

Communication

Education

University degree in relevant discipline or technical program

Job description

Staff - Union

Job Category CUPE 116 Job ProfileCUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4 Job Title Print Media Technician Department Program Administration | Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory Compensation Range $5,439.00 - $5,910.00 CAD Monthly Posting End Date July 11, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

May 15, 2026

This is a leave replacement position.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Description Summary
The Print Media Technician oversees daily operations of the Print Media Research Centre (PRC) & Undergraduate Studios for the Department of Art History, Visual Art & Theory (AHVA). Major responsibilities include: performance of highly skilled technical tasks requiring education, training and experience in the field of printmaking; working collaboratively with other staff to support delivery of the arts curriculum with an emphasis on printmaking studio and digital lab support and oversight. Crossover and current knowledge among the various media of printmaking is important along with an understanding of printmaking techniques and equipment maintenance that minimizes the usage of toxic chemicals, solvents, and inks; and current/historic knowledge of digital and graphic art applications, IT developments, equipment and maintenance.

The department is housed in several buildings at UBC Point Grey campus: the Frederic Lasserre Building, Auditorium Annex A, Wesbrook, B.C. Binning Studios, Dorothy Somerset Studios, and the Audain Art Centre. Based in the Audain Art Centre, the Print Media Technician interacts frequently with Visual Art (VISA) faculty, sessional lecturers, staff, graduate and undergraduate students. The Print Media Technician also liaises with staff from other university departments, such as Building Operations and Risk Management.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Senior Manager, Administration and Manager, Studios, Exhibitions, and Facilities; works directly with printmaking faculty; liaises and cooperates with other faculty, technicians, and other support staff in the department as well as colleagues in Building Operations & Risk Management.

Work Performed

• The Technician is responsible for overseeing the day to day operation of the Print Media Research Centre, and VISA Undergraduate Studios at the Audain Art Centre.
• Delivers in-class demonstrations and assists faculty and students in traditional and innovative printmaking techniques and procedures. The major Print media techniques covered are: relief, monoprint, intaglio (including etching, aquatint and photo-etching), collagraph, silkscreen, digital printing and creation (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign), letterpress, book binding, 3D printing, and laser engraving
• Oversees and implements safety procedures for the printmaking studio in consultation and coordination with AHVA staff and the Local Safety Team. Tasks Include: monitoring potential risks and hazards on a constant basis to ensure a safe studio environment; safely and effectively utilizing printmaking techniques within the studio, and minimizing the use of toxic chemicals, inks, and solvents whenever possible.
• Manages scheduled use of equipment and supplies used by printmaking faculty and graduate students and supervises distribution and return of all printmaking equipment.
• Maintains printmaking equipment and arranges repairs as and when necessary.
• Alerts Campus Security, Administration and/or Facilities Management immediately of core building concerns and/or security issues in the areas overseen.
• Prepares budgets for Print Media Research Centre & VISA undergraduate studios in collaboration with colleagues and Faculty and on approval of the Administrator and Head.
• Procures approved budgeted items, tracks expenditures and cost recoveries, and meets periodically to review actuals with the Administrator.
• Receives and safely stores supplies and equipment, ensuring availability for distribution as required.
• Prepares receipts for supplies sold to students.
• Reconciles Purchase card transactions for Printmaking and undergraduate studio areas, according to established procedures, and submits to the department administrator.
• General troubleshooting and maintenance of the PRC digital lab for smooth daily performance.
• Liaises with other technicians, faculty and staff to ensure effective development and coordination of departmental IT strategy.
• Researches new materials and approaches to procedures tailored to our facility and programs, while taking into consideration evolving safe working practices and environmental concerns.
• Remains current with developments in digital and graphic technologies generally and with particular emphasis on print media applications.
• Provides graphic design support for departmental PR initiatives such as exhibitions and other events.
• Liaises with other university departments as required.
• Performs other related duties that may arise.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
As this position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Print Media Research Centre and VISA Undergrad Studios and requires contact with faculty, staff and students, the incumbent is given wide latitude for exercising independent initiative and judgment in order to create a good teaching and learning environment. Prompt attention to potential problems in all areas of responsibility is essential to the smooth running of these areas of the department.

Supervision Received
Works independently under the general direction of faculty and administration and in collaboration with other studio technicians. Reports to Senior Manager, Administration and Manager, Studios, Exhibitions, and Facilities. Receives initial instruction on duties and thereafter only on new or unusual problems.

Supervision Given
Supervises the work of, and demonstrates techniques to other staff and, Work Learn students, undergraduate, and graduate students; frequently assists and advises faculty.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum

four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some

positions may require a graduate degree.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Fine art and / or printmaking specialization preferred. Extensive practical and theoretical knowledge of: lithography; intaglio and photo-intaglio; screenprinting; relief including wood and linocut; collagraphy; monoprint; and digital imaging including production and photographic procedures. Demonstrates ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. Ability to exercise sound judgment. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with faculty, staff and students. Ability to interpret and explain practices and procedures. Ability to coordinate and oversee the work of others as required. Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to supervise an instructional and learning environment to ensure safety and efficiency. Knowledge of studio art theory and practice recommended.