KCAD Student Photography Lab Tech (Student Position)

Ferris State University College of Business; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Ferris State University College of Business, Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, MI, is seeking KCAD Student Photography Lab Techs. The roles support the Digital Lab, Lighting Studio, and Darkrooms, with open-lab supervision, printer setup, and equipment maintenance.

Two student positions are available, offering mentorship, practical photo lab experience, and the chance to work with faculty and students while ensuring safe, proper use of cameras, printers, and supplies.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in digital and film photography with working knowledge of SLR and DSLR camera equipment and darkroom/inkjet printing processes.

Responsibilities

• Monitor computers, scanners, and printer use during open lab hours.

Skills

Photography knowledge

Communication

Reliability / punctuality

Teamwork / diverse groups

Professional lab etiquette

Tools

DSLR equipment

Printers & scanners

Darkroom equipment

Job description

Job no: 498137

Work type

Student Employment - General

Location

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Categories

Student Employment - General

Position Title

KCAD Student Photography Lab Tech (Student Position)

Department

Kendall College of Art & Design

Advertised Salary

$13.99

Summary of Position

You will be working in the Digital Lab, the Lighting Studio, Film/Print Darkrooms

Position Requirements

• One year of experience in digital and film photography with a working knowledge of SLR and DSLR camera equipment and darkroom/inkjet printing processes.
• Good communication skills: must be able to answer student questions and explain photographic methods clearly.
• The ability to work with a diverse group of photography students and faculty in a courteous and professional manner.
• Must be reliable, punctual, and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Monitor computers, scanners, and printer use during open lab hours.
  • Set up printers (nozzle checks, print head cleanings when needed, etc.).
  • Monitor the lab (computers, printers, scanners) during open lab hours, informing students of proper use of equipment and lab etiquette.
  • Clean up at end of lab hours; organize workstations with required supplies, power down printers, and return tools to proper storage areas at end of lab hours.
  • Monitor use of specialized equipment such as Epson film scanners and printers.
  • Working with photo faculty, inventory supplies, paper, and inks to be ordered; keep notes of needed equipment repair or replacement; organize work and storage spaces.
  • Set up darkroom (mix chemicals, fill trays, put out tongs, print washers, safelights, etc.).
  • Monitor the photo lab (darkroom, classroom and studio) during open lab hours, informing them of proper use of equipment and lab etiquette.
  • Clean up at end of lab hours; organize drawers and workstations with required supplies, and return tools to proper storage areas at end of lab hours. Dispose of used chemicals according to safe use and silver recovery guidelines.
  • Monitor use of specialized equipment such as studio lights and backdrops, dry mount press, mat cutters, and equipment checkout.
  • Minor maintenance of equipment and supplies such as replacement of enlarger bulbs and studio bulbs.
  • Working with photo faculty, inventory supplies and chemicals to be ordered; keep notes of needed equipment repair or replacement; organize work and storage spaces.
• Number of Positions Available: 2
• Documents Needed to Apply: Resume, Class Schedule
• Job Close Date: December 12, 2026

EEO Statement

Ferris State University, an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.

Advertised

19 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close

12 Dec 2026 Eastern Standard Time