Technical Assistant III, Apparel Design

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Technical Assistant III to join the Apparel Design Department. The Technical Assistant III instructs faculty and students in the safe and proper use of machinery, equipment, safety, and supplies. The position provides advice and guidance on the technical parameters of student projects. The role conducts research, designs, develops, implements, and maintains diverse technical equipment and materials required in the Apparel Design Department.

The successful candidate will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities. 

Essential Functions:

Maintenance: 

• Maintain and troubleshoot all shop machinery and other department-related equipment in the various rooms, centers, and shared facilities. 
• Maintain and repair machinery and equipment as required. Research outside vendors for consultation, repairs, and upgrades as necessary. 
• Coordinate and arrange routine and emergency estimates from the RISD Facilities Department and outside contractors to maintain, alter, and improve departmental facilities.

Events:

• Assist with all phases of work during critiques, the annual Apparel Collection runway show, and other events including Crit Jury, and the Woods-Gerry Triennial exhibition showcasing the realizations of Apparel students. 
• In conjunction with the Apparel Department Head, plan, coordinate, and organize the appropriate spaces and equipment for the presentation of students' work during critiques.

Work Study: 

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and support work-study students who assist the department. 
• Oversee departmental student employees to ensure quality and quantity of work with emphasis on safety. 
• Train students in the proper operation, handling, and care of equipment, tools, and materials. 
• Train in basic Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and provide access to first aid education. 

Instructional Support:

• Instruct, train, and assist full-time faculty, part-time faculty, students, and others in the proper and safe use of equipment, machinery, supplies, and facility operational procedures. 
• Advise and provide technical support and guidance on student projects.  

Computer Lab:

• Work with Information Technology Services (ITS) to support Canal Street Studios Computer Lab and the functioning of computers, scanners, and printers. 
• Coordinate hardware setup and software installation with ITS on the department lab computers and in offices. 
• Work with faculty and ITS to identify hardware, software, peripheral specifications, prices, and licensing. 
• Research, recommend, and purchase apparel-specific equipment, peripherals, and software required for efficiently running the department. 
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures for managing and maintaining the lab in a secure and functioning state. 
• Establish, publish, and communicate policies and procedures that will allow for the efficient operation of the department computer lab by faculty, staff, and students. 
• Maintain, repair, and/or troubleshoot all computers and other related equipment promptly to keep classes on schedule. 
• Serve as principal liaison with ITS.

Budget:

• Identify, research, evaluate, recommend, and purchase new or available equipment, features, and upgrades and how the same may be used to support the educational curriculum. 
• Suggest improvements to or modifications of facility, equipment, and tools. 
• Maintain appropriate inventory of supplies. Oversee the budget for these capital expenditures and for monitors to ensure proper coverage of shop facilities within the allocated budget.

Research & Development:

• Research and develop modifications and improvements for the departmental facility, machines, equipment, tools, and safety procedures. 
• Coordinate with the departmental supervisor on the prioritization of specialized equipment, unique projects, and new procedures.  

Environmental Health & Safety / Risk Management

• Help ensure compliance with all RISD EPA, RI DEM, Narragansett Bay Commission, and OSHA-mandated regulations.  
• Serve as principal liaison between RISD’s Apparel Department and RISD’s Department of Environmental Health & Safety for all EHS issues. 
• Act as a principal liaison with Academic Affairs and Public Safety for all RISD Apparel facilities and equipment. 
• Instruct and assist full-time faculty, part-time faculty, visiting critics, students, and others in the Apparel Department in the implementation of and compliance with the RISD ARTS model – which serves as the core of RISD’s Environmental Management System.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of four (4) years of practical or relevant work experience in the art & design disciplines and associated technologies are required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the minimum educational requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge and genuine interest in the manufacturing processes of garments, textiles, and accessories, whether at the artisanal and/or industrial level. 
• Knowledge of the different types of machinery and technology used in relation to the materiality of Apparel and Fashion. 
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills. 
• Ability to lead others. 
• Applied knowledge of environmental health and safety regulations and requirements.
• Previous vendor management and/or relations experience. 
• Demonstrated budgeting skills.  
• Commitment to supporting an inclusive work environment and the ability to work respectfully and effectively across differences in background, role, and perspective.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting: Extensive sitting at a desk or computer workstation, often >50% of the workday.
• Computer Use: Frequent, repetitive keyboarding and mouse usage.
• Vision: Close vision (20 inches or less) to view computer monitors, read, and interpret documents.
• Lifting/Carrying: Moderate physical effort, usually restricted to lifting studio supplies or equipment (typically 30 lbs. or less).
• Mobility: Occasional walking and standing, reaching, filing, and bending.
• Communication: Talking and hearing to communicate in person or over the phone.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Studio environment.
• Moderate noise levels.
• Work must be performed on campus.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides supervision to work-study students.

Union:

Yes, Technical Association

Work Schedule:

40 hours per week 

Employment Status:

Full-time; Non-exempt; Regular

Grade:

840NE

Work Modality

On-Campus

Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume (Required)

Cover Letter (Required)

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes inclusion and belonging as fundamental to its learning and working community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to this community and to our commitment to excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.