Common Shop Specialist

University of Kansas, United States

Updated: 11 days ago
Location: Lawrence, KANSAS

30019BR

Visual Art


Position Overview

The Common Shop Specialist, a well-resourced wood shop, metal fabrication shop, materials store, and workspace, is a hub for arts creation using traditional methods. This facility is housed and partnered with the Visual Arts Studio Technologies Lab (VAST), a hub for arts innovation using digital fabrication processes and technology within the Department of Visual Art at the University of Kansas. Together, these resources support interdisciplinary research throughout the Department of Visual Art providing monitored and independent equipment access, training opportunities, and technical consultation to students, staff, and faculty.

The candidate for this position reports to the Art Lab Manager and Department Chair and will work in coordination with the VAST Lab Coordinator to oversee and assist with the operations of multiple resource labs. While this position is primarily responsible for the management, ongoing operation, maintenance, vision, and future development of the Common Shop, they will work in close collaboration with staff who oversee the VAST Lab as well as staff and faculty throughout the different areas of the Department of Visual Art. The individual must be knowledgeable about university procedures, capable of using good judgment and discretion, and able to act as a professional resource for students, staff, and faculty in the Department of Visual Art.


Job Description

75% - Common Shop Lab Specialist. This includes:

  • Providing training, guidance, and monitoring of safety procedures, best practices, and appropriate tool usage for all facility users
  • Advise and assist students in preparation and construction of various projects that would typically include construction of painting stretchers, picture frames, furniture construction, mixed media, various sculpture pieces, and gallery pedestals
  • Advise, assist, and/or lead design, preparation, and construction of a variety of complex Visual Art projects, thesis preparation, and exhibition and display furniture
  • Planning and coordination of assigned work projects
  • Routine equipment and facility maintenance including minor to moderate repairs, cleaning, and organization. 
    • Maintain power and hand tools in proper working order.  
    • Placing service calls or tending to the repair
  • Interview, hire, schedule and oversee the training of student hourly workers in the Common Shop and VAST Lab.  
  • Guide and instruct student hourly help in all safety procedures, and proper equipment and tool usage

25% - Management of inventory (supplies/materials) and funding. This includes:
  • Supervising the collection of funds from sales of services and materials
  • Issue invoices for all work completed by the shop staff members
  • Coordinate directly with the Comptroller’s Office for material sales protocol, sales/financial systems, inventory control, and approved rates
  • Coordinate with the SSC the balances of funds and projections, reconcile purchases
  • Coordinate with the department chair for planning the need for future funding
  • Maintain a complete inventory of supplies and materials, consult with instructors on special class material needs
  • Track material usage and identify needed supplies to be purchased
  • Initiate the procurement and restocking of materials as necessary

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related field and 1 year of professional experience. Or an equivalent combination of education/experience.
  • Experience in a position requiring knowledge of wood shop equipment and safety practices, as evidenced in application materials.

    • Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of shop equipment and best practices for working with wood, metal, plastics and other materials, as demonstrated in application materials.
  • At least 6 months previous experience with metal fabrication equipment and safety practices
  • At least 6 months demonstrated knowledge of digital design and fabrication processes such as CNC Milling/Routing, Laser Cutting, 3D printing, and associated CAD/CAM software.
  • Demonstrated knowledge with computer literacy and experience with inventory processes, as evidenced by application materials.
  • Knowledge and ability to instruct others in proper use of power tools and shop safety procedures, as demonstrated in application materials.
  • Communication, problem solving, and leadership skills, as evidenced in application materials.
  • Ability to work independently, as evidenced in application materials.
  • Ability to assist students and faculty to create various well-crafted products/projects/objects for artwork, as demonstrated in application materials.
  • Ability to perform multiple tasks and prioritize duties, as demonstrated in application materials.
  • Proven experience with supervision and good organizational skills, as demonstrated in application materials

    • Contact Information to Applicants

    Marshall Maude
    maude@ku.edu


    Additional Candidate Instruction

    In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

  • A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
  • Resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Contact information for three professional references.

    • Application review begins Monday, April 14th, 2025. To ensure consideration, please apply prior to this date.


    Advertised Salary Range

    48,000


    Application Review Begins

    14-Apr-2025


    Anticipated Start Date

    01-Jul-2025


    Primary Campus

    University of Kansas Lawrence Campus


    Employee Class

    U-Unclassified Professional Staff


    Work Schedule

    40 hours/week


    Job Family

    EducationalSuport&Delivery-KUL


    Work Location Assignment

    On-Site


    Disclaimer

    The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.


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