Job no: 496551
Position type: part-time
Location: Lewisburg, PA
Categories: Academic Affairs, Other

The primary role of the Art Assistant in Printmaking is to assist the printmaking and design professor with class activities and the day-to-day operations of the printmaking shop. The Art Assistant also ensures the safe student use of the facility on nights and weekends. The Art Assistant helps students with technical issues on projects, maintains equipment and materials, orders supplies, performs maintenance on the printing presses, and cleans the printmaking shop as necessary.

This position is an excellent stepping-stone for a student who has recently completed their undergraduate studies or is about to graduate, and who is interested in pursuing an MFA in studio art but wants a couple of additional years to develop a stronger portfolio and gain experience. The close mentoring provided in this position, as well as the access to equipment and resources of the wider University will enable a motivated person to become a highly desirable candidate for graduate study. The Art Assistant hired for this position will have 24/7 access to the printmaking studio to work on their own projects when not involved in Art Assistant duties.

This is a termed position, ideally beginning in January 2021 and continuing through early May. There is a possibility of renewal for a second year (contingent upon favorable evaluations). This is a 25-hour per week, limited benefits eligible position.

As a role model in the classroom, the Art Assistant must exhibit a high level of professionalism, be punctual, and respond promptly to emails and other inquiries.

Job Duties:
• Assist the printmaking professor with class activities and the day-to-day operations of the printmaking studio.
• Oversee safe student use of equipment in the printmaking studio during classes and on nights and weekends.
• Ensure the safe use of the presses, acids, solvents, shears, and other equipment.
• Provide students with extensive instruction on how to use the equipment, acids, solvents, etc. safely and efficiently.
• Demonstrate technical processes including mixing ink and use of tools and presses when asked by the professor.
• Mix and change etch solutions for zinc and copper plates.
• Perform work in the maintenance, inventory, and procurement of equipment and supplies.
• Regularly clean, oil, and maintain printing presses using the press lubrication guide.
• Maintain an inventory of all inks, solvents, paper, and other required materials.
• Prepare materials for hazardous waste pickup.
• Repair and maintain tools as needed.
• Keep an inventory of supplies; order and purchase supplies as needed.
• Coordinate with facilities staff about maintenance issues that need to be addressed in the printmaking and design studios.
• Keep the printmaking studio clean and well ordered.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art
• Familiarity with a range of printmaking-related equipment and media, and an understanding of equipment and material safety
• Must be dependable, have strong work ethic, and good communication skills

We seek a candidate whose experience and expertise will contribute to Bucknell’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Well versed in intaglio, lithography, relief, silkscreen and/or digital printing

Physical Demands:
1. Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 25 pounds.
2. Ability to move equipment around.
3. Use proper safety equipment for head, eyes, hands and body protection.
4. Exposure to printmaking solvents, acids, etc.

Work Type:
part-time

Application Instructions:
To apply, please submit the following required documents -
1) A cover letter, addressing your interst in this opportunity and what makes you a strong candidate for the position.

2) A resume, outlining all of your employment history, including art-related and non-art-related work.

3) A portfolio consisting of 20 JPEG images, and a document that lists the title, year completed, materials, and dimensions for each work of art. Please email the JPEGs and document to Eddy Lopez, Assistant Professor of Art, at eal024@bucknell.edu. In addition, if you have a website or portfolio, then please include a link to it in your cover letter.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

About Bucknell

Founded in 1846 and located along the banks of the Susquehanna River in historic Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is an undergraduate-focused institution that stands uniquely at the intersection of top-ranked liberal arts, engineering and management programs. Our students choose from more than 50 majors and 60 minors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and natural and social sciences, as well as extensive global study, service-learning and research opportunities. Bucknell’s 3,600 undergraduate and 100 graduate students enjoy a low 9:1 student-faculty ratio and exceptional opportunities to collaborate with faculty mentors.

Bucknell’s beautiful 450-acre campus includes first-rate facilities and is home to more than 90 percent of its students. Residential life is vibrant with about 150 student-run organizations, 27 NCAA Division I athletic teams, a robust arts culture, and a strong student commitment to community and global service work.

Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and we seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. The University provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status or disability in admissions, employment and in all of its educational programs and activities. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

The Community

Located in central Pennsylvania, Lewisburg features a variety of restaurants, beautiful Victorian homes, the restored art deco Campus Theatre (owned by the University), charming shops and boutiques, and the Barnes and Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore. About 33,000 residents live in the region.

The city of Williamsport is about a 30-minute drive from campus, and Penn State University’s main campus is about an hour away, as is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital. Bucknell is about three hours from New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

The cost of living here is low compared to that of major U.S. cities and suburbs. Bucknell’s surroundings yield fresh produce, cultural activities and events, and many opportunities for outdoor activity on the Susquehanna River and in the nearby state parks and forests. The Lewisburg Area School District receives excellent reviews for its schools at all grade levels. Lewisburg Area High School is consistently ranked among the top 50 high schools in Pennsylvania for SAT scores and statewide exams.

Advertised: 24 Sep 2020 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: