Photography Lab Tech (Student) — Digital & Darkroom

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

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