Apparel Design Lab Technician & Safety Lead

Rhode Island School of Design; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Rhode Island School of Design seeks a Technical Assistant III for the Apparel Design Department. The role guides safety and proper use of machinery, supports student projects, and maintains diverse technical equipment required for apparel design.

This position emphasizes safe operation, research, development, and collaboration across facilities and ITS. The successful candidate will work in a campus environment committed to equity, climate justice, and access to resources, with responsibilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; 4+ years in art/design disciplines or related tech.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may apply.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and troubleshoot shop machinery and department equipment in rooms and facilities.
• Coordinate routine and emergency estimates with RISD Facilities and outside vendors.
• Assist with events such as critiques, runway show, and exhibitions; organize spaces and equipment.
• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and support work-study students; ensure safety and quality of work.
• Instruct and assist faculty, students, and others in safe use of equipment; provide technical guidance on student projects.
• Support Canal Street Studios Computer Lab with ITS; coordinate hardware setup and software installation; liaise with ITS and faculty.
• Identify, research, and purchase equipment and upgrades; manage inventory; develop lab policies and procedures.
• Ensure Environmental Health & Safety compliance with RISD EPA, RI DEM, and OSHA standards; act as liaison with EHS and Academic/Public Safety.

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety training

Lab management

EPA standards

Student supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

ITS coordination

Lab computers & peripherals

Job description

Rhode Island School of Design seeks a Technical Assistant III for the Apparel Design Department. The role guides safety and proper use of machinery, supports student projects, and maintains diverse technical equipment required for apparel design.

This position emphasizes safe operation, research, development, and collaboration across facilities and ITS. The successful candidate will work in a campus environment committed to equity, climate justice, and access to resources, with responsibilities