Sculpture Lab Manager: Safety, Training & Fabrication

UCLA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The UCLA Department of Art is seeking a Staff Research Associate 3 to manage the Sculpture Area laboratories, ensuring safety, quality, and efficient operations. You will supervise facilities, support undergraduate and graduate students, and coordinate equipment, inventory, and budget transactions while guiding technical training and exhibitions.

This role requires strong knowledge of welding, mold making, digital fabrication, and related equipment, along with the ability to adapt to a busy

Qualifications

• Demonstrated working knowledge of welding, cutting, rolling, and bending equipment and methods used in Welding Lab.
• Proficiency with carpentry, plumbing, and electrical systems for installations and repairs.
• Excellent oral communication to instruct safety procedures and equipment use.
• Ability to train and supervise students and lab personnel for safe operations.
• Negotiation and policy development skills with ability to establish procedures.
• Knowledge of Sculpture equipment and maintenance (blades, bits, tools).
• Ability to work under stress with fluctuating workload and maintain a positive attitude.
• Computer skills to control machinery, track inventories, and manage budgets.
• Experience with sensors, motors, electronic systems, solar power, and computer‑controlled equipment.
• Willingness to work extended shifts, evenings, and weekends; travel to vendors as needed.
• First‑aid knowledge and safety training.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations, safety, security, and budget of the Sculpture Area laboratories, including metal fabrication, mold making, and digital fabrication.
• Provide technical guidance and training to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff on sculpture research and materials.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, inventory, checkout systems, supplies, and acquisitions; coordinate exhibitions, field trips, and special projects.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, training requirements, and standard operating procedures.

Skills

Safety instruction

Oral communication

Supervise students & lab personnel

Policy development

Negotiation

Working under stress

Inventory/budget tracking (computer)

Education

Master's Degree MFA in Sculpture or equivalent

Tools

Welding equipment (MIG/TIG/ARC)

Mold making equipment

Woodworking & metal fabrication tools

Electrical & plumbing systems knowledge

Digital fabrication tools

Sensors & electronics

Job description

The UCLA Department of Art is seeking a Staff Research Associate 3 to manage the Sculpture Area laboratories, ensuring safety, quality, and efficient operations. You will supervise facilities, support undergraduate and graduate students, and coordinate equipment, inventory, and budget transactions while guiding technical training and exhibitions.

This role requires strong knowledge of welding, mold making, digital fabrication, and related equipment, along with the ability to adapt to a busy