Instructional Technician, 3D Foundations Shop - Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts

Instructional Technician, 3D Foundations Shop – Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts

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The Instructional Technician supports teaching and creative activity in art, architecture, and design within a student‑facing team. The role requires informal instruction of students and faculty in process and craft across multiple shops and disciplines, safe day‑to‑day operation of the 3D Foundations shop in Bixby Hall, and collaboration with all shop and making spaces as needed. The Technician creates a welcoming environment, breaks down barriers for students with limited experience, and provides individual instruction, process demonstration, and safety training.

• Develop and implement student training and workshops for 3D and Foundations equipment/materials/techniques in partnership with faculty.
• Assist students individually to master skills and techniques for academic and co‑curricular projects.
• Work closely with shop management to develop and maintain safety protocols and user training for the 3D Foundations shop.
• Stay current with emerging practices outside the School and provide related training to faculty and students.

• Hire, train, and manage student shop monitors to ensure safe use of the shop during open hours in collaboration with the instructional technician team.
• Maintain, implement, and evolve safety protocols; support Environmental, Health & Safety operations.
• Maintain, repair, and replace shop machinery, systems, and tools as needed.
• Manage shop budget, oversee materials and tool inventory, and coordinate with faculty for supplies.
• Support Foundations area operations in Bixby Hall.

• Assist facilities teams during peak times (e.g., move‑out, pre‑orientation) to ensure buildings are ready for academic cycles.

• Shop environment with noise, odors, and exposure to wood, plaster, and airborne particulates.
• Requires lifting capacity of 60 pounds on a regular basis.
• Occasional off‑campus locations; adjusted non‑standard hours may be required.

• Required: Bachelor’s degree.
• Preferred: Master’s degree.

• Shop Technician experience (minimum 2 years).
• Supervisory and safety awareness in art or design education.
• Strong understanding of hand and power tools, pneumatic tools, and welding.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and chemical hazard safety.
• Basic electricity knowledge and comfort using computers.
• Interest in digital fabrication (CNC router, laser cutter, 3D printer).

• MFA and experience working with students and faculty.
• Demonstrated expertise with stationary and handheld tools such as band saw, table saw, scroll saw, and diameter sander.
• Proficiency with pneumatic tools including nail guns and sanders.
• Knowledge of welding techniques.
• Familiarity with a wide range of materials: wood composites, plaster, plastics, metals, resins, and casting materials.
• Experience with building materials, digital fabrication, EHS compliance, and environmental safety.

• Up to 22 days vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance packages.
• Free Metro U‑Pass for eligible employees.
• Defined contribution 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Wellness programs, EAP, financial resources, and mindfulness courses.
• 4 weeks caregiver leave and family care resources.
• WashU tuition coverage for dependents.

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages applications by persons from underrepresented groups. The university practices equal opportunity in all job titles, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.