Photography / 2D Art Studio Lab Assistant - Part-time

Grand Rapids Community College; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness program

Retirement plans

Job summary

Grand Rapids Community College seeks a Photography / 2D Art Studio Lab Assistant to support studios, labs and darkrooms. You will inventory equipment, assist in demonstrations, and help students with non-instructional tasks while ensuring safe and organized facilities.

The role reports to the Photography Program Coordinator and requires basic safety training, good communication, and the ability to work evenings or weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Associate degree in Photography preferred.
• Experience with photography and videography equipment.
• Experience in a professional studio environment.
• Knowledge of safety practices in a studio environment.
• Experience with inkjet printing for photography.
• Experience with analog black and white film photography.
• Ability to complete required safety and equipment training.
• Ability to work independently and follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support studios, digital labs and darkrooms.
• Manage inventory, student checkouts and equipment upkeep.
• Assist in equipment-heavy studio demonstrations.
• Provide non-instructional support to students.
• Update faculty on facility operations and needs.
• Coordinate staffing for open lab times with faculty and student workers.
• Follow FERPA and college policy.

Skills

DSLR cameras

Mirrorless cameras

Studio lighting

Adobe Photoshop

Lightroom

Illustrator

DaVinci Resolve

Inkjet printing

Darkroom processes

Lab equipment maintenance

Communication skills

Organization skills

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in Photography

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Lightroom

Illustrator

DaVinci Resolve

Job description

Photography / 2D Art Studio Lab Assistant

The Photography / 2D Art Studio Lab Assistant position supports the operation of the college’s photography and 2D art programs by helping maintain safe, clean, organized, and functional studio environments, digital labs, darkrooms and program equipment. The position assists faculty with studio/classroom/lab preparation, darkroom operation, equipment checkout, studio scheduling, and routine maintenance, while also monitoring designated open studio hours. The Studio assistant provides students with basic procedural assistance related to safe studio, digital lab and equipment use but does not provide formal instruction, critique, or assessment. The position will also assist in the training of student workers helping in the area.

Requisition ID: 1198

Employee Group: Contingency

Schedule: up to 28 hours per week

Compensation: $17.00

Reports to: Photography Program Coordinator

Posting Opens: 09/08/2026

Posting Closes: Open until filled

Essential Functions

• Support the photography and 2-D program studios, digital labs and darkrooms.
• Ensure the smooth functionality of program equipment through inventory management, handling of student checkouts, basic equipment upkeep and occasional cleaning.
• Assist in the preparation of equipment-heavy studio demonstrations.
• Assist students working in the digital labs and studios with non-instructional support.
• Update faculty on facility operations and alert them to any pressing needs and concerns.
• Coordinate with faculty, departmental APSS and student workers to ensure the proper staffing of open lab times and to ensure best practices are followed.
• Follow College policy on the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA).

Job Specifications

Qualifications

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent. Preferred: Associate degree in Photography.
• Experience working with multiple types of photography and videography equipment.
• Experience working in a professional studio environment.
• Knowledge of industry standard safety practices in a studio environment.
• Experience with 2-D art studio operations, materials and safe practices.
• Experience with inkjet printing for photography.
• Experience with analog black and white film photography.
• Ability and willingness to complete required safety and equipment training.
• Ability to work independently, follow established procedures, and recognize when a situation should be referred to faculty or a supervisor.

Skills

• Ability to use and support the following photo & video equipment: DSLR and mirrorless camera systems, location and studio strobe lighting, LED lighting, tungsten studio hot lights, tripods, gimbal stabilizers, camera sliders, and professional audio equipment.
• Strong ability to use and support the following software programs: Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, DaVinci Resolve.
• Ability to create fine art digital prints on inkjet printers.
• Ability to use and support a black and white analog darkroom, including film processing, printing and photographic chemistry.
• Ability to work with photographic chemicals including their safe handling and disposal.
• Resourcefulness to troubleshoot and problem solve unforeseen issues with digital and analog technologies.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population and faculty team.
• Proficiency in using instructional technology and learning management systems (e.g., Gmail, Google Sheets/Docs, Canvas).

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Be able to lift 35 pounds.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull a variety of tools, equipment and materials.
• Must be able to operate hand tools.

Mental Demands

• An interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin, and ability.
• Demonstrated responsiveness, initiative, and organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties.
• A willingness and an ability to learn college systems.
• High energy level with enthusiasm and an interest in helping and supporting students and colleagues.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Must be able to work flexible hours (i.e. evenings and night) including occasional weekends.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that calls for flexibility/adaptability and the ability to handle multiple interruptions and make quick decisions.

Benefits

• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options.

Application / Hiring Process

• Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Only applicants living in the state of Michigan can apply for GRCC careers.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.