Residency Arts Technician

THE OPPORTUNITY

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts seeks a collaborative, organized, and safety-focused Residency Arts Technician to work collaboratively within the residency program to work closely with artists-in-residence on daily artistic production. The Residency Arts Technician is an integral member of the residency and programming team and works closely with the Chief Curator and Director of Programs and the Residency Program Coordinator to support residency artists. Reporting to the Chief Curator and Director of Programs, the Residency Arts Technician focuses on studio practice and safety, working directly with artists-in-residence to provide educational and technical support as well as assist in material/service sourcing for the research and production of new artwork. By developing educational workshops, the Residency Arts Technician provides and encourages artists-in-residence to explore new forms of production within and beyond their current artistic practice. The Residency Arts Technician is responsible for the general maintenance and upkeep of the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility including its equipment, tools, and components in the ceramics, sculpture, woodshop, and metal-working areas. In addition, this position maintains the resources available to artists-in-residence in Bemis Center’s main facility including computer stations, installation galleries, and live/work studios. As part of the Programming Department and the greater Bemis Center team, the Residency Arts Technician works as a liaison between residency artists and staff to bolster communication, trust, and understanding to advance Bemis’s unflinching support of artists and to nurture a culture of experimentation and creativity within the organization and throughout the community.

Bemis Center is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We recognize opportunities in creative industries have historically excluded and continue to disproportionately exclude Black and Indigenous people, people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people. We strongly encourage individuals with these identities to apply. Ideal candidates share this commitment and our values of creativity, trust, courage, diversity, acceptance, and the open exchange of ideas and worldviews. This is an opportunity to join an energetic and collegial staff at one of Omaha’s most unique arts organizations.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

Bemis Center is seeking a Residency Arts Technician with a deep interest in the creative process, a collaborative spirit, experience working in the arts and with diverse communities. An essential member of the Residency team with a focus on studio practice and safety, the Residency Arts Technician works directly with artists-in-residence to provide educational and technical support as well as assist in material/service sourcing for the research and production of new artwork. By developing educational workshops, the Residency Arts Technician encourages artists-in-residence to explore new forms of production within and beyond their current artistic practice. The Residency Arts Technician is responsible for the general maintenance and upkeep of the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility including its equipment, tools, and components in the ceramics, sculpture, woodshop, and metal-working areas. In addition, this position maintains the resources available to artists-in-residence in Bemis Center’s main facility including computer stations, installation spaces, and live/work studios. Reporting to the Chief Curator and Director of Programs, the Residency Arts Technician works collaboratively with the Residency Program Manager and the Sound Program Technician to support the Residency Program.

The Residency Arts Technician is a full-time, exempt position requiring the flexibility to work varied hours as needed including some weekends/evenings in support of public programs and alternating with team members to serve as a 24-hour emergency contact.

This is an opportunity to join an energetic and collegial staff at one of Omaha’s most unique arts organizations. Ideal candidates share our values of creativity, trust, courage, diversity, tolerance, and the open exchange of ideas and worldviews. Applicants of all races, genders, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all other characteristics that make us different are encouraged to apply.
 

The Residency Arts Technician responsibilities include providing technical and educational support to artists-in-residence as well as managing the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility. The technician works closely with the residency staff and reports directly to the Chief Curator and Director of Programs.
 

Responsibilities

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Provide artists with technical assistance and instruction in woodworking, welding, ceramics, and construction with various materials and tools
 

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Assist artists with sourcing art materials, equipment, and services
 

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Assist artists with art projects and/or installations when needed
 

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Collaborate with Residency team to create appropriate curriculum for bi-monthly workshops and complete reports outlining time allotment, workshop content, and knowledge/skills achieved
 

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Maintain safe, professional working conditions of all Residency areas, including the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility and residency floors
 

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Maintain, rebuild, or replace residency shop equipment/tools
 

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Recommend repairs and/or replacements regarding Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility to Chief Curator and Director of Programs
 

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Work with the Building and Safety Manager and Residency Program Coordinator to ensure facility and safety standards are met
 

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Assist with organizing and coordinating artist-in-residence interns
 

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Assist artists with digital media preparation for artist-in-residence public presentations (PowerPoint and QuickTime, etc.)
 

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Lead tours and orientations of the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility for all artists
 

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Conduct equipment, tools, and safety orientations for artists, staff, and interns
 

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Assist the residency sound technician in setting-up and run A/V equipment for all residency public and private events
 

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Alternate with team members to serve as 24-hour emergency contact for artists-in-residence
 

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Assist artists with move-in/out of live/work studios
 

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Address repairs in occupied live/work studios
 

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Assist in resetting live/work studio spaces following a residency session
 

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Patch, paint, and repair walls in live/work studios and installation spaces
 

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Oversee maintenance/repair of residency vehicle and bicycles
 

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Inventory residency supplies/equipment for residency live/work studios and facilities (toolbox, kitchenware, bedding, etc.)
 

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Maintain residency furniture, assess the condition, and manage donations with Residency Program Coordinator
 

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Perform light carpentry work such as building or installing shelving, tables, pedestals, etc.
 

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Provide assistance during artist presentations and residency public programs
 

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Other duties as assigned
 

Requirements

• A genuine trust in the creative process and interest in supporting the ideas, goals, and practices of artists at different career stages and working in all media

• Deep knowledge of exhibition techniques and care/security of artwork

• Understand and communicate Bemis Center’s mission in a clear, spirited manner

• Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills

• Master of Fine Arts degree from an accredited four-year college with knowledge of contemporary artistic practices or equivalent professional experience

• Experience in developing college-level curriculum and leading art-making demonstrations and workshops

• Minimum of two years experience supervising a woodshop or fabrication studio involving power tools, heavy machinery, and studio art equipment, understanding basic safety and emergency standards for workshop environments

• Strong understanding of OSHA rules and protocol

• Considerable experience in workplace health and safety practices

• Expert knowledge in areas of art fabrication and construction including, but not limited to, wood, metal, ceramic, welding, mold-making, and the use of hand and power tools

• Ability to repair wheels, kilns, other ceramic equipment

• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, PowerPoint, QuickTime, and general A/V functions for public programs

• Demonstrated experience in serving a support role to advance the work of practicing visual artists; possess an amiable and professional demeanor at all times

• Communicate clearly with other staff, artists, students, and management

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record

• Ability to have a flexible work schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends

• A successful reference check

• A successful criminal background check

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary for this position is $48,000. Hard and soft benefits provided include the following:

• 100% employer paid $15,000 life and accidental death/dismemberment insurance

• 50% employer paid health and dental insurance

• Accrued PTO and “Flex” time

• 12 paid holidays including a floating holiday and a paid two week year-end winter break

• Flexible work schedule and the ability to work from home on occasion

• Pet-friendly office environment

• Access and use (when available) of Bemis’s facilities, including tools, equipment, and installation spaces

• Memberships + discounts with partner organizations

• Fun team building and bonding activities

• Exposure to a constant flux of diverse artists, ideas, and forms of creative expression

• Work directly with art + artists, helping them realize their vision and goals