New Media and Electronic Arts Technician

Alfred University; Town of Alfred (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Alfred University seeks a New Media and Electronic Arts Technician to support EM/iea studios, supervise students and staff, and coordinate equipment and network maintenance. The role collaborates with faculty and other technicians to advance the Expanded Media curriculum and related grants.

The position emphasizes training, procurement, upgrade planning, safety, and cross-department liaison within Alfred University’s Institute for Electronic Arts.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in arts/technology.
• At least five years experience in electronic arts or computer-based digital environment.
• Knowledge of electronic art hardware/software and peripherals including video and audio equipment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for proposals and interactions with partners.
• Ability to work with diverse personalities in a complex environment.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and train in the operation of EM studios and manage related personnel issues.
• Maintain equipment and networking infrastructure for EM and affiliated facilities.
• Maintain Ethernet network across multiple floors and nodes.
• Train and support EM faculty and staff in video, sound, and new electronic equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair video, sound, and new electronic equipment.
• Research and process equipment purchases and PO requests for the EM curriculum.
• Develop upgrade plans for hardware and software within budget constraints.
• Prepare reports with budget and lab fee tracking for the Division.
• Assist faculty with technology components of grants and proposals.
• Collaborate with iea staff for new media needs.
• Maintain a safe working environment and obtain Safety Data Sheets.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree in arts/technology

Job description

The New Media and Electronic Arts Technician will provide skilled technical assistance to faculty, staff, students, and graduate students in support of the electronic arts and digital technology components of the Division of Expanded Media (EM). This position also liaises with other technicians and serves the new media needs of the Institute for Electronic Arts (iea).

Compensation: $20.23 - $23.54 per hour

Responsibilities

• Supervise and train (work study and non-work study) in the operation of Expanded Media computer, video, and sonic arts studios, and manage related personnel issues such as hiring, firing, and training as needed.
• Maintain equipment associated with the Division of Expanded Media, Electronic Integrated Arts MF A and occasionally the Institute for Electronic Arts facility including computers, peripherals, video and audio equipment and networking infrastructure.
• Maintain current Ethernet network with approximately 150 nodes across five floors of The John Wood Studios.
• Train and support EM faculty and staff in the operation of specialized video, sound, and new electronic equipment as appropriate.
• Troubleshoot and repair video, sound, and new electronic equipment within the Division of EM as appropriate.
• Research, every semester, the purchase of equipment and supplies necessary to support technology in the Expanded Media curriculum, prepare PO requests and CC PO's and follow through on these orders.
• Research on an ongoing basis the purchase of equipment and supplies necessary to support technology in the Expanded Media curriculum and prepare PO requests in consultation with Expanded Media faculty and staff.
• Research the state of the art in New Media technology, prepare proposals to upgrade the current facilities, and integrate acquired systems into the program. Assist faculty in developing an upgrade plan for hardware and software and other appropriate technology within the limitations of the budget.
• Prepare reports to be presented to the Division of Expanded Media when needed. This includes working with the Division Chair in tracking the Expanded Media budget and lab fees.
• Work with EM faculty in the preparation of the technology component of grants and research proposals.
• Works with iea staff for new media-related needs, as appropriate
• Maintains a safe working environment within and around EM facilities and associated equipment and supplies including, but not limited to, obtaining Safety Data Sheet (SOS) information pertaining to any hazards associated with their work environment.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Arts, Technology or related field or equivalent experience as outlined below.
• At least five years experience working full-time in an electronic arts field or computer based digital environment.
• Working knowledge of electronic art computer hardware/software and peripheral equipment including but not limited to: specialized video, sound, and new electronic equipment.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills to facilitate the preparation of the technology part of proposals, interactions with partnership companies, visiting artists, etc.
• Ability to work with many different personalities in a complex work environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when required. A respiratory function test and the ability to use respirators may be required. Stairs and uneven surfaces may be present; artificial lifts, etc. may or may not be available. The position may require the incumbent to walk outdoors in all types of weather to other buildings or offices located on the campus. The Campus is located in an area that contains numerous hills and slopes and may not always be fully accessible for mobility impaired individuals.

About Alfred University

Lighting the way for students since 1836. "We've always been a place for makers, especially those who make the future. Our commitment to independent thinking, creativity, academic rigor and community have made us a unique kind of leader since 1836."

Alfred University (AU) was founded on principles of social justice in 1836 by liberal, independent thinkers who placed high value on education for all citizens. The University has retained and built upon the strong values of its founders, developing as an institution of national and international renown that is responsive to the needs of contemporary society while remaining consistent with the spirit of its origins. Alfred University is the second oldest coeducational college in the United States as well as one of the earliest nineteenth century colleges to have enrolled African American and Native American students. It has a long-standing history of educating socially conscious students who make a difference in their professions and their communities.

Over the course of the twentieth century, Alfred University evolved into a complex institution offering a full range of programs in the liberal arts and sciences, art and design, engineering, business, education, counseling, and school psychology to its nearly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students that live, learn, and play on a 232-acre campus located in an idyllic, creative valley in Western New York. To learn more, visit alfred.edu.

Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Protected veterans, minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

Alfred University actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee, student or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction status, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.