Technology Support Specialist

The Technology Support Specialist – Photo, Video, and New Media provides support for multimedia instruction. Principal tasks will center upon assisting faculty and students with the departments of Art, Art History, Cinema and Media Studies, Media Arts and Sciences, and Architecture in using multimedia technology for classroom assignments and studio projects through front-line service point support in the following areas: lighting studio, darkroom, digital print labs, makerspace, and video editing suites. This person will also lead technical workshops for lighting studio usage, darkroom safety procedure and cage hardware. We are looking for a technician who is experienced with art making techniques and has expertise in the use of digital technologies for art production that involves, among other things, photo and video installations, fine art printing materials, fabrication, processing and interdisciplinary forms. The person must have excellent organizational and managerial skills and is capable of working in a diverse environment with multiple responsibilities. Ability to work with a wide array of faculty, staff, and students with varying degrees of expertise with art production technologies is essential. An ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and techniques is vital.

Responsibilities:

Provide technical, and administrative support for the use of media equipment, labs, paper management, and other peripheral instructional technologies by faculty and staff in the departments of Art, Art History, Cinema and Media Studies, Media Arts and Sciences, and Architecture. Work with the faculty and staff of these departments to ensure that computer and A/V equipment is in good working order for instruction, use, and safety. Job duties include:

1. The management, maintenance, purchasing, and repair of photography, video, and multimedia equipment (which includes the Art Cage, lighting studio, darkroom, digital print labs, makerspace, and video editing suites) as well as Art Department owned equipment for production and post-production (cameras, lens, video recorders, audio recorders, microphones, lighting kits, projectors, tablets, computers, scanners, etc.)

2. Hire, train, and supervise student staff for up to 20 hours a week. The Media Assistants employees with the Technology Support Specialist operate the organization and checkout systems Art Cage, assist Art enrolled students with questions, and assist in the labs.

3. Researching the up to date A/V presentation technologies, systems, processes, and equipment— necessary in order to provide classroom instruction and support for traditional and digital production systems.

4. Teaches both one-on-one and group workshops with students and faculty to efficiently communicate essential topics in the darkroom, lighting studio, makerspace, and video editing suites.

5. Leads/participates in interdepartmental teams, institutional art projects, and various committees.

Supervises:

Media Assistants (student employees). Interviews, trains, supervises, works closely with, and creates weekly schedules of 20 hours.

BA or BFA required, MA or MFA prefered. 2 years professional working experience within photo or video (print labs, darkrooms, lighting studios, etc.) Background in photography, video, digital media, and audio-visual technology. Strong technical skills, including media equipment maintenance and some routine repair experience. Knowledge of a broad array of softwares including but not limited to (Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Audition, and Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, Maya, and MacOS) Advanced knowledge of photography, video, audio, and fabrication hardwares including but not limited to (SLR cameras, DSLR cameras, Epson printers, darkroom enlargers and chemistry, strobe lighting kits, hot lights, video camcorders, 3D printers, laser engravers, microphones, and audio recorders. An ability to organize and handle multiple tasks, pay attention to detail, and work independently and efficiently. Prior experience in training faculty, staff, and students, management and maintenance of an equipment reserve, managing and supervising a student staff, as well as experience in an academic setting is highly desirable. Evidence of an ability to quickly learn and apply new skills and technologies is vital. Excellent interpersonal, communication and management skills a must. Ability to move quickly between tasks and technical environments. Strong written and oral communication skills. Opportunities for professional development available.

Other:

The Technology Support Specialist – Photo, Video, and New Media is required to demonstrate the skills and expertise needed to provide user services in specialized areas and specific disciplines. Relevant subject degrees may be necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. Consultation with faculty regarding support needs requires knowledge of the subject discipline and an understanding of the pedagogical objectives of the courses involved. The Technology Specialist must be continually learning in order to keep pace with technical change, and investigate, test and implement new technologies vital to the Art Department and its peripheries, while ensuring that the end users are confident in their own understanding and use of Wellesley’s information and technical resources. This position will provide other academic support as required (e.g. assisting faculty and students in preparing and installing their art productions both for final critiques and final display and screenings. Due to the nature of supporting teaching and learning services, work hours outside of the normal College workday will occasionally be required.

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to increasing the diversity of the college community and the curriculum. Wellesley College and all its subcontractors shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60–1.4(a), 60–300.5(a) and 60–741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that Wellesley College and all of its subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply.