Lab Technician, Photography (Part-Time, 50%)

Foothill De Anza; Los Altos Hills (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

The Foothill College Fine Arts & Communication Division seeks a Laboratory Technician, Photography to support digital labs, traditional darkrooms, photography studios, and gallery spaces. This 50% FTE position (20 hours per week) requires hands-on expertise with photography equipment and instructional support for students and faculty.

Responsibilities include safe laboratory practices, equipment checkout/maintenance, and collaboration with staff, visiting artists, and vendors.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in photography or related field required.
• Three years of experience in photography or related field desired.
• Strong instructional and technical support skills for photography labs.

Responsibilities

• Provides instructional support to students and faculty in the photography program.
• Operates and maintains photography equipment, printers, scanners, and studio lighting.
• Keeps laboratory and teaching spaces clean, stocked, and safe for instructional activities.

Skills

Photographic knowledge

Lab safety

Customer service

Troubleshooting

Education

Associate's degree in photography or related field

Tools

Digital cameras

Studio lighting

Printer/Scanner

Photography equipment

Job description

Lab Technician, Photography (Part-Time, 50%)

Foothill-De Anza Community College District

Salary: $2,988.03 - $3,999.69 Monthly

Job Type: Full Time - Classified

Job Number: 26-008 (R05353)

Location: Foothill College, CA

Department: Fine Arts & Communication div ofc

Closing: Continuous

Bargaining Unit: ACE

Closing Date: 10/19/26*

*For full-consideration, all application packets must be received by 11:59 pm on the closing date

Salary Grade: C1-47

Starting Salary: $2,988.03 (per month)

Full Salary Range: $2,988.03 - $3,999.69 (per month)

This position is 50% FTE, equivalent to 20 hours per week.

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District is currently accepting applications for the part‑time classified position above.

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District does not have a remote work policy. All employees are expected to be available to work in person and on‑site per the requirement of the department.

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District does not reimburse applicants for travel, lodging or any other costs incurred by applicant to attend interviews. All interviewing costs incurred will be the responsibility of the applicant.

Foothill College Mission Statement:

Embracing inclusivity and building strong communities, Foothill College serves diverse learners and equips its students with critical thinking skills to address complex societal challenges, to thrive in the global workforce, and to engage in a life of inquiry.

Job Summary

The Fine Arts and Communication Division at Foothill College is seeking a Laboratory Technician, Photography to provide technical, instructional, operational, and exhibition support for the Photography program. Working closely with Photography faculty and students, the Laboratory Technician supports a range of specialized instructional environments, including digital photography labs, traditional darkrooms, photography studios, equipment checkout areas, printing and scanning facilities, and gallery and exhibition spaces.

The position prepares and maintains instructional spaces, equipment, materials, and supplies; assists students and faculty with the safe and effective use of photography equipment and technologies; supports demonstrations and classroom activities; troubleshoots, maintains, and performs routine repairs on photography equipment and computer‑based systems; manages equipment checkout and inventory; assists with ordering, receiving, and maintaining program supplies; and maintains safe laboratory practices, including the proper handling, use, storage, disposal, and documentation of photographic chemicals and other hazardous materials, including maintaining required Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

The position also provides technical and operational support for Photography program gallery and exhibition spaces, including assisting with exhibition preparation, installation and de‑installation of artwork; preparing and maintaining exhibition spaces; setting up lighting, display equipment, signage, and related materials; maintaining gallery supplies and equipment; and supporting student, faculty, and visiting artist exhibitions and related public programs.

The position interacts regularly with students, faculty, staff, visiting artists, vendors, and members of the public and provides welcoming, professional, and responsive customer service. The successful candidate will combine strong technical knowledge of photographic processes and equipment with excellent organizational, problem‑solving, communication, and interpersonal skills and will contribute to a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, provides instructional support services for faculty and students; prepares and sets up exercises, demonstrations, instructional materials, and supplies; assists students and faculty in the use and operation of equipment, computers, and materials related to the College's photography program; maintains and repairs laboratory equipment and computers; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned Dean. Exercises no supervision of staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a journey‑level class responsible for conducting a variety of instructional support activities to ensure student learning. Positions perform the full range of duties assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This classification is distinguished from other laboratory technicians by having subject matter expertise in photography.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepares and sets up laboratory, demonstrations, and instructional materials; monitors laboratory environment; organizes, arranges, stocks, and distributes materials, equipment, and supplies; checks‑in and out equipment to students.
• Provides instructional support to students and faculty in the photography program; assists in instructional demonstrations of procedures and techniques; explains related principles, practices, procedures, methods, materials, terminology, and equipment.
• Operates, demonstrates use of, and maintains and repairs computers, peripherals, and various photography equipment and materials, including cameras, enlargers, printers, scanners, and studio lighting; assists faculty and students in proper and safe methods in usage of equipment.
• Cleans and maintains facilities and equipment; ensures proper storage of equipment and materials; ensures laboratory and work areas are maintained in a clean and orderly condition.
• Maintains accurate material safety data sheets, reports, and records of work performed and materials and equipment used.
• Monitors, orders, receives, stores, and maintains adequate inventory levels of supplies and equipment; monitors program budget and expenditures.
• Submits work orders for maintenance and repair of equipment and facilities.
• Learns and applies emerging technologies related to the area of assignment.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, theories, terminology, techniques, equipment, and materials related to photography programs.
• General methods and procedures for preparing materials and demonstrations used in photography programs.
• Principles and procedures for setting‑up, operating, demonstrating use of, maintaining, and repairing various equipment used in photography programs.
• Computer and peripheral equipment maintenance methods and procedures.
• Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous materials.
• Methods, practices, and techniques of student learning and instruction.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and District policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and software relevant to work performed.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, students, and District staff, including individuals of diverse academic, socio‑economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio‑economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
• Explain principles, theories, terminology, techniques, equipment, and materials related to photography programs.
• Engage students in positive learning in the laboratory or other learning environments.
• Assist students and faculty and demonstrates proper use and maintenance of equipment, materials, and supplies used in photography programs.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and District policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Estimate and order required supplies and equipment.
• Safely and effectively use and operate equipment required for the work.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed and materials and equipment used.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow‑up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio‑economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
2. Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited college with major coursework in photography or a related field AND three (3) years of experience working as a photographer or similar experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications for the Laboratory Technician, Photography classification, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for students from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and educational backgrounds.
• Experience supporting photography instruction in a college, university, community arts, commercial photography, or similar educational environment.
• Experience with both digital and traditional photographic processes, including digital cameras, studio lighting, scanning, digital printing, enlargers, and traditional wet‑darkroom processes.
• Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, Capture One, and other post‑processing software, with experience in digital imaging workflows, file preparation, post‑production, and image archiving.
• Experience operating and maintaining professional photographic printers and working with color‑managed printing workflows, including monitor calibration, printer profiling, paper profiles, and preparation of exhibition‑quality photographic prints.
• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and performing routine repairs on photography, studio, printing, scanning, computer, darkroom, and related instructional equipment.
• Experience supporting specialized photography laboratories, studios, traditional wet darkrooms, digital imaging labs, equipment checkout operations, and other technical instructional environments.
• Experience with the safe handling, storage, use, and disposal of photographic chemistry and other hazardous materials associated with traditional wet‑darkroom operations, including familiarity with applicable safety procedures and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Experience with gallery, museum, exhibition, or art‑installation operations, including preparing, handling, installing, and deinstalling artwork.
• Experience with gallery lighting, exhibition presentation, artwork labels and signage, framing or presentation systems, and maintaining professional exhibition spaces.
• Experience supporting student, faculty, and visiting artist exhibitions, receptions, lectures, or other public‑facing arts programming.
• Experience managing equipment, supplies, inventories, purchasing, and/or equipment checkout systems.
• Demonstrated ability to organize multiple projects and priorities, work independently, anticipate operational needs, and meet deadlines in an active instructional environment.
• Strong interpersonal and customer‑service skills and the ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, staff, visiting artists, vendors, and members of the public.

Licenses and Certifications:

None.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a laboratory/classroom environment, to use a computer, and to operate varied equipment related to photography programs; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above‑mentioned equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds with the use of proper equipment. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals on a case‑by‑case basis.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees primarily work in a photography laboratory, darkroom, and/or office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Employees may work outdoors and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels and cold and/or hot temperatures. Employees are exposed to hazardous materials. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Position: Part‑Time (50%), 20 hours/wk, Permanent, 10‑months per year

Starting date: As soon as possible upon completion of the search process.

Excellent benefits package which includes medical coverage for employee and eligible dependents, dental, vision care, employee assistance program, long term disability, retirement benefits and basic life insurance. For information on our benefits package that includes medical for employees and dependents, visit our web site: http://hr.fhda.edu/benefits/index.html.

Persons with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation to complete the employment process must notify Employment Services no later than the closing date of the announcement. The successful applicant will be required to provide proof of authorization to work in the U.S. All interviewing costs incurred by applicant are the responsibility of the applicant.

Foothill‑De Anza Community College District is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of qualified applicants. No person shall be denied employment because of ethnicity or race, color, sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, medical condition, or military and veteran status.

Employment Services Contact

Employment Services

Foothill‑De Anza Community College District

12345 El Monte Road

Los Altos Hills, California 94022

Email: [e-mail]

http://hr.fhda.edu/

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