Visual Arts Studio Technician Job at University of Arkansas in Fayetteville

University Overview

The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is a dynamic, mid‑sized public university redefining higher education. It offers over 70 academic programs, including certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The university is committed to building a diverse community that reflects Arkansas’s rich tapestry and serves the state’s varied population.

The campus provides a vibrant work environment with a culture that promotes a healthy work–life balance. Benefits include university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance; tuition waivers for employees and their families; 12 official holidays; immediate leave accrual; and retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5% to 10% of salary.

Fort Smith, Arkansas, located along the Arkansas River, offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with a welcoming community and thriving downtown.

Job Summary

The Visual Arts Technical position is a full‑time, 12‑month role reporting to the Art & Design Department Head. The Studio Technician will support instructors and students during daytime and evening hours, maintaining studio operations, overseeing student workers, and managing safety protocols.

Regular evening shifts are required during the academic year: 12 – 9 p.m. Monday‑Thursday and 8 – 5 p.m. Friday. Summer duties include inventory, inspections, SDS updates, and facilities maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Manage team of student studio assistants, providing training, delegation, and oversight.
• Coordinate Environmental Health and Safety processes, manage safety data sheets, monitoring safety equipment, maintaining incident logs, and collaborating on inspections and audits.
• Monitor consumables, studio conditions, and equipment; assist with shipments, check out portable equipment, and manage digital fabrication, workshops, and ceramics studios.
• Supervise after‑hours open studio sessions, ensuring student safety and serving as point of contact.
• Assist with Department events and programming, including set‑up/tear‑down, installation for Artist in Residence Program, and committee work.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere, enforce attendance, and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in visual art or related field, or B.A./B.F.A. with record of significant relevant experience.
• Experience managing studios and working with college‑level students preferred.
• Demonstrated experience as an artist with excellent hand and mechanical skills, administrative ability, and problem‑solving across visual arts disciplines.
• Willingness to learn new skills across painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and digital labs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Technical/material skills in at least two of: printmaking, woodworking, ceramics, digital photography, digital fabrication.
• Project management, inventory, or staff management experience.

Salary Information

$38,272

Required Documents to Apply

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of three Professional References (name, email, business title)
• Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)
• Portfolio of Work (10–15 works, PDF or website link)

Recruitment Contact

HR – 479‑788‑7080

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Arkansas is an equal‑opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.