Job Summary:
Provide support to students, faculty and staff in the form of instructional assistance, maintaining safe and operational workspaces and equipment. Purchase material and equipment for areas throughout the school of art. Provide support to the Myers school of art to that may include custom fabrication, gallery exhibition assistance and logistics for faculty and visiting artist travel. Provide faculty support and assist faculty with committee work, curriculum development, hiring and managing part-time faculty, department planning, scheduling course offerings and grant writing.
Essential Functions:
25% provide instructional support and creative critique for students, faculty and staff. Coordination of the Ceramics department to include committee work alongside full-time faculty, curriculum development, recruiting, hiring and managing part-time faculty, scheduling course offerings and proposing Myers grants and residencies.
25% Ensure a safe and well-maintained studio/ laboratory spaces and equipment including operating kilns and time sensitive equipment that may require constant monitoring
15% Budget, purchase and manage supplies and equipment for the five areas of the school and other areas as needed. Maintain department vehicle and make pick-ups and deliveries for the school as needed.
15% Teach faculty, staff and students to properly and safely use equipment and machinery.
10% Recruit, hire, train, schedule and manage student employees.
10% Assist gallery and exhibition installation both on and off campus, fabricate furniture and display objects for areas throughout the school and for specific student and faculty projects.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
Requires a relevant Bachelor's Degree.
Licenses/Certifications/Requirements:
None.
Experience:
Requires a minimum of 2 years of experience working in a wood, metals, ceramics and/or other type of 3D fabrication facility, preferably in an educational institution. Knowledge of safety and ability to maintain an orderly working environment required. Knowledge of maintenance and repair of a wide variety of hand and power tools required. Basic fabrication skills required. Ability to organize material tools and general functions of 3-D areas (sculpture, metals and ceramics) required. Strong communication skills and ability to provide instruction and problem-solve required.
Leadership:
Responsible for directing and monitoring the work of student and/or temporary workers.
Physical Requirements:
Extremely strenuous, with frequent physical exertion such as the lifting of very heavy items (more that 75 lbs.), deep bending, crawling, climbing and/or working in difficult or cramped positions for extended periods (more than 1/3 of the time).
Working Conditions:
No major sources of working conditions discomfort, standard working environment with possible minor inconveniences due to occasional noise, crowded working conditions, minor heating/cooling or ventilation problems, and/or up to 40% use of PC terminal.
Application Instructions:
In order to be considered for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume.
Application Deadline: For fullest consideration, apply by August 5, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Compensation: The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.
FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):
Union Affiliation (if applicable):
For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:
Shawna HarrisEmail:
________________________________________________________________________
Background Check StatementThe University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.
Non-Discrimination StatementThe University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
State of Residence StatementIt is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field
- Minimum 2 years experience working in wood, metals, ceramics or 3D fabrication facility
- Knowledge of studio safety and ability to maintain an orderly working environment
- Knowledge of maintenance and repair of a wide variety of hand and power tools
- Basic fabrication skills (wood, metal, ceramics, sculpture)
- Ability to organize materials, tools, and general 3-D area functions
- Strong communication skills with ability to instruct and problem-solve
- Experience directing or supervising student and/or temporary workers
- Ability to operate and monitor time-sensitive equipment (e.g., kilns)
- Ability to lift very heavy items (more than 75 lbs.) and perform frequent physical exertion
What We Do
The University of Akron is a public research university in Ohio that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with a strong focus on STEM fields and polymer research.
