KCAD Student Photography Lab Tech (Student Position)

Ferris State University; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 16,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art & Design in Grand Rapids, MI seeks a KCAD Student Photography Lab Tech to assist in the Digital Lab, Lighting Studio, and darkrooms. Two positions available; monitor equipment, support student questions, and help maintain lab spaces during open hours.

One year of photography experience with SLR/DSLR and darkroom/inkjet printing knowledge is required, along with reliable, punctual work habits and the ability to work with a diverse group of students

Qualifications

• One year of photography experience with 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.

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 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.
• Inventory supplies and inks to be ordered; keep notes of needed equipment repair or replacement; organize storage spaces.
• Set up darkroom (mix chemicals, fill trays, 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.
• Dispose of used chemicals according to safe use 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 (e.g., replacement of enlarger bulbs).
• Coordinate with photo faculty on inventory and ordering; organize storage spaces.

Skills

Photography experience

Communication skills

Reliability and punctuality

Lab equipment familiarity

Tools

SLR cameras

DSLR cameras

Printers

Darkroom equipment

Job description

KCAD Student Photography Lab Tech (Student Position)

Position Title: KCAD Student Photography Lab Tech (Student Position)

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

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

1. One year of experience in digital and film photography with a working knowledge of SLR and DSLR camera equipment and darkroom/inkjet printing processes.
2. Good communication skills: must be able to answer student questions and explain photographic methods clearly.
3. The ability to work with a diverse group of photography students and faculty in a courteous and professional manner.
4. Must be reliable, punctual, and able to work with minimal supervision.

• 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 Affir...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 atferris.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