Art Technician (Maternity cover)

Main Duties

Art Technician (Maternity cover)
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Term time plus 3 weeks. This appointment is part of a job share arrangement.

Summary of the role:

Merchant Taylors’ School Art Department is an exciting and dynamic place to work – the department is extremely popular and successful.  We require a highly organised and disciplined person to support ambitious practical works, manage the auxiliary aspects such as ordering and organisation of stock, preparation of facilities for daily use, assistance with displays, small-scale DIY tasks; preparing canvas and stretchers for painting and ensuring the efficient management of all tasks.

The role would suit a range of practical skillsets, from recent graduates to practising artists.  As a member of the non-teaching staff, the incumbent is accountable to the Bursar for the proper performance of duties.  The Technician’s day-to-day activities will be supervised by the Head of Department.

This role is part of the job share arrangement and to ensure a smooth transition of support provided to the Art department across the working week, daily task allocation will be coordinated. The requirement for effective communication and planning as part of the weekly handover between both Art  Technicians is essential.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Support to Teaching Staff

• Daily assistance to staff as required – as far as possible this should be scheduled & agreed
• Support the preparation each studio for the day/activity as required
• Assist boys with technical assistance where appropriate/possible (eg: glaze preparation / kiln preparation)
• Preparation of canvas and grounds
• Management of Oil Paint and Turps supplies
• Readying of pallets & brushes
• Loading and unloading the kiln.
• Maintain good working relationships with DET Department (access of laser cutters & 3D printers)

Resource Management

• Referral of ITC, electrical, mechanical breakdown etc, to the appropriate Dept, agreed with the Art Head of Department
• Readying equipment and materials for lessons as required by staff
• Supporting boys to access and use materials as necessary in accordance with COSHH
• Library management
• Management of resource cupboards and stock rooms
• Restocking and reordering media and materials as necessary
• Supporting the Head of Department in budget management

Display

• Dismantling ‘previous’ exhibitions
• Readying spaces for ‘next’ show
• Assist with School Exhibitions
• Upkeep and repair of displays

Studios Management

• Checking of stock in the studios
• Tidying and sorting at appropriate times. Clean-down of surfaces after/before lessons or as required
• Ensuring studios and department are compliant (Health & Safety)

Creative assistance etc.

• Pupil & Studio support as necessary where possible and appropriate
• Photocopying
• Photographing
• Ability to support across a multi-disciplinary team (Sculpture/Ceramics, Fine Art, Print, Digital)

School Tasks

• Assistance to other members of staff

Stock Control

• Monitoring use of all stock items
• Ensuring storage areas are well managed
• Creating orders using standard system
• Requesting COSHH information from suppliers
• Unpacking and sorting deliveries
• Checking invoices
• Replenishing stocks in studios
• Updating the budget balance and school billing.

Weekly

• Oversee Kiln Firings
• Maintain Main Storerooms
• Maintain Sharps Cabinet
• Maintain Exam Cupboard
• Maintain Stock and Place Orders
• Technical support

Cleaning & Tidying, Health and Safety

• Help to maintain a clean, tidy and safe environment
• Organising for removal of any hazardous materials (eg: broken glass)
• Maintaining proper measures of control for COSHH items in studios
• Monitoring and ensuring hardware/equipment is in good safe working order
• Regularly awaiting/reviewing H&S issues with the Head of Department

Misc:

• Answering of telephones
• Passing on messages
• Occasionally assisting the other auxiliary staff (e.g. : stretcher making, moving of sculpture)
• Assist in the construction of Canvas Stretchers and other carpentry with Maintenance Department

• To undertake appropriate training with regards to techniques, health and safety and any other area, such as safeguarding, that may be relevant to the role when required.
• Any other appropriate tasks as directed by the Head of Department.

Ethos

• Drive to share creative knowledge and enthuse.
• Having a sense of ownership and control over areas of responsibility.
• Taking pride in ensuring that the department functions smoothly and efficiently.
• Being a team player and making a meaningful contribution.

Safeguarding responsibilities:

It is the post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding Policy Statement at all times.  If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School s/he must report any concerns to the Head Master.

Skills and Experience Required

Experience:

Essential

• Previous experience within a similar role or in a creative environment

Desirable

• Relevant technician experience, working within an educational environment would be desirable but not essential.
• Experience and knowledge of using design technology equipment and Working at Heights training would be useful

Skills

Essential

• Strong planning and organising skills, with ability to multi task and prioritise effectively within a busy and demanding working environment.
• Customer focused approach.
• Ability to follow safe working practices
• Excellent communication skills

Desirable

Knowledge of kiln firing processes would be desirable

Knowledge

Essential

• Strong foundation of art skills
• Strong knowledge to work across multiple creative disciplines

Desirable

• A strong foundational knowledge of sculpture would be of benefit
• Understanding of how to frame artwork
• A good understanding of art tools, media and processes

Personal competencies, qualities, attitude and behaviours:

Essential

• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build effective working relationships with staff and pupils
• Good time management and self-organisation

Equal Opportunities Statement

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibility. We are committed to offering a working environment where everyone is valued and feels appreciated.