PT - Visual Arts Lab Assistant

The Visual Arts Lab Assistant supports the safe and efficient operation of the ceramics, drawing/painting, photography, and gallery spaces within the Fine Arts Department. This role ensures students have supervised access to facilities, materials, and equipment outside of regular class time while also assisting faculty with studio and gallery preparation, maintenance, and safety.

• Maintain safe and accessible studio environments in ceramics, drawing/painting, and photography labs.
• Supervise student access to studios, including verifying IDs and ensuring proper use of equipment.
• Prepare, mix, and maintain ceramic slips and glazes; recycle clay for continued use by students.
• Assist with kiln firing schedules, loading/unloading, cleaning, and monitoring for safety.
• Organize and maintain art supplies, props, equipment, and mural walls in 2D studios.
• Support gallery operations: assist with exhibition setup, moving pedestals, lighting adjustments, and post‑exhibit repairs.
• Ensure darkroom safety and proper chemical handling in photography labs.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in ceramics, drawing/painting, photography, or gallery preparation.

• College-level coursework in visual arts or a related field.
• Prior experience working in an academic or studio environment.
• Knowledge of safe handling of art materials, tools, and studio equipment.
• Ability to lift/move heavy objects such as pedestals, artwork, and studio equipment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to safety.

• Familiarity with kiln firing schedules, glaze formulation, and clay recycling processes.
• Familiarity with darkroom and basic photography techniques.
• Familiarity with the maintenance of easels, drawing boards, and painting racks.
• Experience assisting with gallery installations and lighting adjustments.

• Lifting of 50-pound bags of materials.
• May also require stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

College of the Mainland is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability or veteran status. The university complies with federal laws and regulations governing equity and inclusion.