Studio Technician 3, Shop Support

Emily Carr University of Art + Design; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A specialized university in British Columbia is seeking a Studio Technician 3 to provide technical support and instruction in workshops. The role requires supervision of junior staff and ensuring safety compliance. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree and has extensive experience with wood shop equipment and supervising students. This is a temporary part-time position with competitive hourly pay.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of related experience in a technical position, preferably in a post-secondary institution.
• Extensive knowledge of stationary and portable wood shop equipment.
• Experience supervising and delivering instruction.

Responsibilities

• Provide original technical instruction to support curriculum.
• Oversee studio and workshop setups, ensuring safety.
• Monitor equipment use and perform regular maintenance.

Skills

Technical instruction

Safety compliance

Supervision

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field

Tools

Illustrator

Rhino

Solidworks

CNC software

Job description

Job Title Studio Technician 3, Shop Support – Job Description

Temporary Part-Time (80%) Term Leave Replacement Position

ASAP to May 2026, with the possibility of an extension. Hours to be Determined.

Pay Grade I ($34.93 to $37.37 per hour)

Emily Carr University of Art + Design is a school of students, faculty, thinkers and makers unlike any other. Established in 1925, we are the only specialized, accredited, public, post-secondary university in British Columbia solely devoted to education and research in the creative sector and its associated knowledge economy. We merge research, critical theory and studio practice in an interdisciplinary environment, strengthening our work by the integration of our personal and professional practices. Our strategy, facilities, partnerships and resources are intentionally student-centred to foster dialogue, expression and open connections in support of the next generation of creative and cultural leaders.

The Studio Technician 3 provides technical support to the delivery of curriculum and assists students to develop and articulate technical skills in the area by providing original technical instruction. The Studio Technician demonstrates the safe and appropriate use and application of equipment, tools, materials, techniques and processes, and advises students in solving technical problems. In addition, the Studio Technician researches new equipment, products, materials, supplies, and processes and provides technical input into curriculum development as required.

Some Typical Duties:

• Under the general supervision of the Director, Technical Services, provides original technical instruction to support the curriculum and assists students, staff, and faculty to develop and articulate technical skills in support of the curriculum.
• Advises students as to the wide variety of methods and processes available, including best practices on woodshop stationary and portable power tool, joinery solutions, construction advice, and material selection.
• Demonstrates appropriate usage of equipment, tools, and machinery with particular emphasis on safety.
• Oversees the physical setup of studios and workshops for classes. Corrects any potential hazards such as improper installation of equipment, student projects located in unsafe areas, etc. Maintains studios and classrooms in operational condition and monitors general cleanliness. Follows up to solve problems with appropriate faculty or department.
• Monitors equipment use, ensuring it is in proper working condition. Troubleshoots and diagnoses equipment problems and performs regular maintenance according to manufacturers’ standards. Performs minor repairs when appropriate. Liaises with Facilities, suppliers and repair firms to resolve equipment problems.
• Researches capital expenditures and renovation and makes recommendations to the Director. Orders capital equipment and plans the installation, coordinating with Facilities as required.
• Monitors the area operating budget. Coordinates purchasing of supplies, equipment, and products for all areas. Participates in the capital request process through recommendations of new equipment purchases. Consults with facility users to maintain relevant, high quality equipment and resources.
• Supports all relevant student inquiry emerging from curriculum. Collaborates with technicians for the seamless support of student progress. In conjunction with the Director, tracks impact and develops recommendations to adapt operation to anticipate the evolving needs of students.
• In conjunction with the Director, and collaboration with technicians, develops University-wide original technical instruction, safety, and studio scheduling standards. Makes recommendations on policies, procedures, safety measures, studio use, and staffing.
• Responsible for hiring, training, supervising, and providing day to day direction of junior technical staff and student workers.
• Participates in departmental meetings to discuss technical operations and support relating to curriculum. Makes recommendation on budget and space allocation.
• Collaborates with the Director in a variety of projects, including equipment upgrades and graduation exhibition planning.
• Ensures a safe working and learning environment by maintaining a current knowledge of and adhering to WHMIS and OH+S regulations and procedures.
• Stays current in the developments and changes in area.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• Minimum three years related experience in a comparable technical position, preferably in a post-secondary institution.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience with, and thorough knowledge of, the safe use of stationary and portable wood shop equipment used in contemporary industrial design model-building and prototyping.
• Thorough understanding of WHMIS and the use of materials and techniques related to the areas involved.
• Thorough knowledge of design prototyping and production processes.
• Considerable skill in working with a range of materials (wood, metal, synthetics and composite materials) related to modeling and prototyping.
• Familiarity with software such as Illustrator, Rhino, Solidworks, and CNC related software an asset.
• An understanding of digital / CNC production (particularly Laser cutting, 3D printing, and CNC milling).
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and delivering instruction.
• Ability to make independent decisions within policies and guidelines.
• Ability to clearly communicate information and demonstrate the use of equipment to non-technical users in support of an open inclusive learning environment.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and faculty.
• Considerable knowledge of budget administration, purchasing, and planning.
• Physical stamina and mobility to permit lifting, carrying, and moving heavy objects.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to exercise initiative, creativity, and leadership in order to ensure the successful operation of the area.
• Ability to take Initiatives and foster student learning leading to tangible outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications / Additional Information

Emily Carr University especially invites those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized. These include women, persons with diverse gender expressions and identities, persons of all sexual orientations, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and First Nations, Metis, Inuit and Indigenous persons. All qualified people are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.