Sculpture Lab Technician

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 40,500 - 49,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical coverage

Retirement contributions

Paid vacation and sick time

Paid holidays

Other services and perks

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin seeks a full‑time Sculpture Lab Technician to support a range of sculpture processes and materials. This role manages studio equipment, inventories resources, and helps supervise student workers and faculty activities.

Responsibilities include lab safety, SOP development, supervising students and TAs, and maintaining shop equipment. Strong knowledge of fabrication, mold making, and casting is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience working with sculpture students.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing woodworking, metal fabrication, and foundry equipment.
• Extensive knowledge of sculpture fabrication techniques including mold making, casting, welding, and related processes.
• Competencies: teamwork, communication, initiative, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lab management and SOP documentation for equipment and processes.
• Supervise students and graduate TAs; schedule lab hours and tasks.
• Maintain and repair sculpture facility equipment; procure new gear as needed.
• Inventory control and organized, functional studio environment.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Initiative

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Education

High School Degree

Bachelor’s degree in Sculpture

Tools

Adobe Suite

Photoshop

Premiere

Illustrator

Rhino 3D

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

Job description

Sculpture Lab Technician

Position Summary

The College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Austin seeks a full-time, fixed‑term Sculpture Lab Technician to provide technical support and expertise across a range of sculpture processes and materials. This position will manage the studio equipment, maintain inventory and budgetary resources, assist with the supervision of student workers, and support faculty activities.

Key Job Details

• Department: Department of Art and Art History
• Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS
• Scheduled Hours: 40 per week
• FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt
• Start Date: Immediately
• Position Duration: 10‑month appointment (1 Aug 2026 – 31 May 2027) with possibility for renewal

Responsibilities

Lab Management

• Assist faculty in demonstrating equipment and techniques to students.
• Develop and document standard operating procedures for equipment and lab processes; communicate policies, procedures, expectations, and updates clearly to students, staff, and faculty.

Student Support

• Supervise students, ensuring safe use of facilities and assisting them with all aspects of project construction and fabrication.
• Supervise graduate teaching assistants (TAs) and student employees, including scheduling, task delegation, and performance monitoring.
• Schedule and monitor open lab hours to support student walk‑ins and questions.

Equipment Management

• Maintain all sculpture facility equipment in safe working order.
• Repair equipment and work with vendors to maintain and repair existing equipment.
• Purchase and/or buy new equipment.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate inventory of equipment, materials, and supplies; coordinate ordering, receiving, and restocking.
• Maintain an organized and functional studio environment to support teaching and learning.
• Perform additional related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High School Degree.
• At least one year of shop or studio experience.
• Experience working with sculpture students.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and repairing woodworking, metal fabrication, and foundry equipment.
• Extensive knowledge of sculpture fabrication techniques and processes, including mold making and casting (silicone, urethane rubber, alginate, plaster, resins), nonferrous metal casting, ceramics (hand building, slip casting, electric‑kiln firing and maintenance), welding (Oxy/Acetylene, MIG, TIG), woodworking, electrical wiring, and general construction.
• Knowledge of contemporary art and practice.
• Competencies: teamwork, effective communication, service excellence, initiative, attention to detail, ability to manage multiple priorities, working experience with Adobe Suite, Photoshop, Premiere, Illustrator, Rhino 3D, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Sculpture or a related field.
• Bookkeeping, accounting, and administrative experience.
• Teaching experience.

Benefits

• 100 % employer‑paid basic medical coverage during the appointment period.
• Retirement contributions.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid holidays.
• Other services and perks.

Salary

• $39,500 (prorated) for the 10‑month position (1 Aug 2026 – 31 May 2027).

Working Conditions

• Studio/lab environment that may be noisy or have fluctuating temperatures.
• Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, and other physical activity.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV.
• 3 work references with contact information; at least one from a supervisor.
• Letter of interest.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalists.

Employment Eligibility Verification

Upon hiring, employees must complete the federal I‑9 form and present acceptable documentation proving identity and authorization to work in the United States within the third day of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non‑discrimination and affirmative action. The university is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

TX‑UT will not discharge or in any manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin uses E‑Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

Eligibility for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) requires at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.