- Job Type: Officer of Administration
- Regular/Temporary: Temporary
- End Date if Temporary: 12/31/2023
- Hours Per Week: 21
- Salary Range: $33.79/hour – $33.79/hour
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Position Summary
Reporting directly to the Shops and Safety Manager with oversight by the Director of Academic Administration, the incumbent helps the Shops and Safety Manager to oversee the safe operation of Visual Arts metal, wood and ceramics shops. This includes equipment maintenance, student and staff training, safe usage of equipment and chemicals, and smooth operations of workshops.
This is a temporary part-time 21 hours per week (3 days a week) position through December 31, 2023.
Responsibilities
- Provide in-depth training seminars in both wood and metal shops as requisite for undergraduate and graduate access to shop spaces.
- Assist Shops Manager with the research of and regular purchase of necessary tools, equipment, and materials for shops and shop related classes.
- Offer scheduled consultations with graduate students about fabrication and project planning as it pertains to their developing work, including with thesis projects.
- Embed oneself into undergraduate classes to assist in various demonstrations and teaching tasks as necessary. Liaise between new faculty and the established systems and uses of our shops’ spaces.
- Maintain existing metal, wood, ceramics shops and related areas in Prentis and Watson Halls.
- Assist to effectively liaise with Environmental Health & Safety, Fire Safety and Columbia University Facilities departments for the smooth operation of the Shops and ensure compliance with Occupational & Safety Hazard Administration (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and NYC fire department regulations and other applicable health and safety standards.
- Conduct regular inspections of tools and equipment and ensure safety equipment (e.g., eyewash, fire extinguisher, overhead safety shower, dust collection system) and machine guards are present and in proper working condition. Make recommendations for any safety upgrades and advise on equipment, tool and material replacement.
- Ensure the availability and use of personal protective equipment consistent with activities being performed in the Shops. Coordinate personal protective equipment needs, selection, training and use with EH&S.
- Conduct wood, metal and mold making workshops for students to ensure appropriate use of materials and equipment. Create and run other workshops as pertains to the Shops.
- Assist creating and maintaining student authorization records for access to and use of the shops, ensuring only students who have completed training have shop access and adhere to all Shops policies. Create and maintain clear signage about safe use of equipment and written guidelines for use of the shops.
- Provide in-depth technical safety training to 4-6 graduate students in their positions as evening and weekend shop monitors.
Provides supervision to student monitors to ensure smooth operation of the Visual Arts Shops. - Supervises shops fellows on a variety of tasks and projects including routine
shop maintenance and upgrades to shop infrastructure. - Other appropriate duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- BA or BFA or equivalent experience required. Two to four years of program-related shop experience required.
- Working knowledge of all aspects of shop usage and maintenance is essential.
- Experience in running safety training workshops, and knowledge of OSHA, EPA and NYC Fire Department and workshop safety protocols required. Highly skilled employee with extensive knowledge of all aspects of metal and wood shop materials, procedures and maintenance required. Excellent oral and written communication skills and organizational skills required.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
Commitment to Diversity
Columbia University is dedicated to increasing diversity in its workforce, its student body, and its educational programs. Achieving continued academic excellence and creating a vibrant university community require nothing less. In fulfilling its mission to advance diversity at the University, Columbia seeks to hire, retain, and promote exceptionally talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.