Technical Assistant III, Experimental and Foundation Studies (EFS)

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design seeks a Technical Assistant III to join its Experimental and Foundation Studies (EFS) Division. This role instructs faculty and students in the safe and proper use of digital technology tools and shop machinery, general equipment, safety equipment and supplies. The Technical Assistant III provides advice and guidance on the technical and physical parameters of student projects and designs, builds, maintains, and repairs complicated and diverse technical equipment required in the department. This position oversees and implements environmental health and safety issues in coordination with the environmental health and safety office.

EFS is the studio curriculum for all first-year undergraduate students at RISD and is comprised of three programs of study: Drawing, Design and Spatial Dynamics. EFS faculty members emphasize the development of rigorous critical inquiry and motivate students to learn independently. Projects are designed to encourage exploration, questioning and risk-taking. Our students are diverse, coming from a wide range of geographic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds, representing all forms of diversity. We seek a culturally competent candidate whose professional practice aligns with the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Essential Functions

• Train and assist faculty, students, and others in the proper use of machinery, tools, safety equipment, supplies and in following safety procedures. Train and assist faculty and students in the implementation of the EPA hazardous materials standards. Required to use appropriate safety equipment.

• Actively gather information on and obtain an understanding of faculty assignments in order to prepare the machinery, equipment, supplies and other resources required to support the academic curriculum. Provide advice and guidance on the technical and physical parameters of student projects.

• Maintain all machinery and other related equipment in a neat and orderly manner. Proactively identify and perform preventative maintenance to and minor repairs on machinery and equipment as required. Arrange with outside vendors for repairs that cannot be done in the department. 

• Research and suggest improvements to, or modifications of, the facility, machines, equipment and tools. Design and/or construct specialized equipment or unique models as requested by supervisor, faculty, department heads, or deans. Acclimate obtain and engage in training on, and remain current with new and existing technology, equipment, software, etc. 

• Complete physical setup of tools, materials, and spaces for classes, including, but not limited to lifting, moving and arranging a variety of equipment, props, materials and/or supplies which may weigh up to 50lbs. Preview spaces and classrooms to verify tools, systems, and facilities are operational and functioning to required standards; make adjustments, repairs, and modifications as needed. Assist with the coordination of schedules and preparation of multi-use rooms.

• Supervise student monitors and/or other technical support staff to assure quality and quantity of work with emphasis on safety. Train students in the proper operation, handling and care of machinery and equipment. Schedule full shop coverage with well-trained monitors.

• Order supplies and maintain proper inventory levels. Drive RISD vehicle to obtain and transport materials and supplies. Monitor department expenditures in consultation with the department head.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• Prior experience with band and scroll saws; drill presses; and other industrial design or furniture tools required. Experience with digital fabrication equipment and principles (laser cutters, CNC routers, 3D printers, etc.) as demonstrated by overseeing, preparing, installing and operating digital fabrication equipment in an educational or industrial setting. Experience with audio-visual and design software with the ability to instruct, install, troubleshoot and resolve technical issues. Valid Driver’s license required. 

• Excellent interpersonal communications skills. Ability to be proactive, to anticipate needs of a diverse group of students and faculty who possess a range of skill levels, and to meet and balance a wide variety of needs and demands. Ability to research and stay abreast of cutting-edge technology and/or to envision opportunities and/or challenges in adopting new technologies at RISD. Ability to maintain knowledge of, demonstrate a commitment to and educat