Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Technical Assistant III, Computation, Technology, and Culture (CTC)
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Providence, Rhode Island, United States, 02903
Job Summary
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Technical Assistant III to join Computation, Technology, and Culture (CTC).
The Technical Assistant III supports, maintains, and oversees technical systems, equipment, and facilities for the CTC department, which includes the Art & Computation major and the CTC concentration. This role supports a range of computational and hybrid digital/physical practices and technologies, including coding, 3D modeling, AV installations, digital fabrication, and electronics. The Technical Assistant plays a critical role in managing equipment inventory, checkout systems, and hardware labs (laser cutters, 3D printers, soldering stations, etc.), while providing technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance for students and faculty. The position also supervises and trains student employees, ensures safe and inclusive studio environments, and collaborates with faculty to support evolving curricular and technical needs.
We seek a culturally competent candidate who 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: Collaborate with faculty, departmental technologist/technicians and students to understand curricular needs and provide direct technical support, troubleshooting, and guidance on software, hardware, and tool usage related to coding, digital fabrication, AV systems, and computational media. Set up and maintain classroom and lab spaces. Maintain, repair, and ensure daily operational readiness of digital and physical equipment, fabrication stations, computer labs, and classrooms. Prepare spaces for instruction and student work, perform preventive maintenance, coordinate repairs, and keep service records. Manage checkout systems and inventory for departmental equipment (e.g., cameras, sensors, monitors, projectors, fabrication tools, etc.). Oversee inventory tracking, equipment circulation, condition assessments, usage reporting, and procurement coordination with the department head. Ensure equipment is properly maintained, functional, and accessible. Supervise, train, and support student employees, faculty, and students in the safe and proper use of equipment, labs, and studios. Manage scheduling of student employees to ensure appropriate lab coverage, open hours, and workshop support. Foster an inclusive, responsible studio culture. Research, evaluate, and recommend emerging technologies, software, tools, and materials aligned with CTC's evolving technical needs. Identify and promote sustainable practices, stay current with developments, and attend training as needed. Ensure compliance with safety standards and collaborate with RISD's Environmental Health & Safety office to maintain safe studio/lab environments.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience Bachelor's degree in a technical, artistic, or design field relevant to computation and digital fabrication, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 4-6 years of relevant technical experience; educational or institutional support experience preferred. Experience managing technical equipment inventory, check-out systems, and asset-tracking software; strong organizational skills in tracking usage, maintenance, and procurement cycles. Knowledge of digital fabrication tools (e.g., laser cutters, 3D printers), electronics, (e.g soldering, arduino, raspberry pi), and AV systems (projection, video, audio). Familiarity with creative coding platforms (e.g. p5.js or Processing), 3D modeling software (e.g Rhino, Blender), and media editing tools (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite), with a willingness to learn and build additional skills as needed. Experience supporting Mac and Windows operating systems and managing networked workstations. Familiarity with 3D scanning, version control, and open-source creative tools is a plus. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively with students and faculty. Commitment to safe practices and inclusive learning environments.
Union:
Yes; Technical Association
Work Schedule:
40 hours per week; 12 months per year
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 diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and 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.
For internal use only - Job Family: Technician
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Technical Assistant III to join Computation, Technology, and Culture (CTC).
The Technical Assistant III supports, maintains, and oversees technical systems, equipment, and facilities for the CTC department, which includes the Art & Computation major and the CTC concentration. This role supports a range of computational and hybrid digital/physical practices and technologies, including coding, 3D modeling, AV installations, digital fabrication, and electronics. The Technical Assistant plays a critical role in managing equipment inventory, checkout systems, and hardware labs (laser cutters, 3D printers, soldering stations, etc.), while providing technical support, troubleshooting, and maintenance for students and faculty. The position also supervises and trains student employees, ensures safe and inclusive studio environments, and collaborates with faculty to support evolving curricular and technical needs.
We seek a culturally competent candidate who 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: Collaborate with faculty, departmental technologist/technicians and students to understand curricular needs and provide direct technical support, troubleshooting, and guidance on software, hardware, and tool usage related to coding, digital fabrication, AV systems, and computational media. Set up and maintain classroom and lab spaces. Maintain, repair, and ensure daily operational readiness of digital and physical equipment, fabrication stations, computer labs, and classrooms. Prepare spaces for instruction and student work, perform preventive maintenance, coordinate repairs, and keep service records. Manage checkout systems and inventory for departmental equipment (e.g., cameras, sensors, monitors, projectors, fabrication tools, etc.). Oversee inventory tracking, equipment circulation, condition assessments, usage reporting, and procurement coordination with the department head. Ensure equipment is properly maintained, functional, and accessible. Supervise, train, and support student employees, faculty, and students in the safe and proper use of equipment, labs, and studios. Manage scheduling of student employees to ensure appropriate lab coverage, open hours, and workshop support. Foster an inclusive, responsible studio culture. Research, evaluate, and recommend emerging technologies, software, tools, and materials aligned with CTC's evolving technical needs. Identify and promote sustainable practices, stay current with developments, and attend training as needed. Ensure compliance with safety standards and collaborate with RISD's Environmental Health & Safety office to maintain safe studio/lab environments.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience Bachelor's degree in a technical, artistic, or design field relevant to computation and digital fabrication, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 4-6 years of relevant technical experience; educational or institutional support experience preferred. Experience managing technical equipment inventory, check-out systems, and asset-tracking software; strong organizational skills in tracking usage, maintenance, and procurement cycles. Knowledge of digital fabrication tools (e.g., laser cutters, 3D printers), electronics, (e.g soldering, arduino, raspberry pi), and AV systems (projection, video, audio). Familiarity with creative coding platforms (e.g. p5.js or Processing), 3D modeling software (e.g Rhino, Blender), and media editing tools (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite), with a willingness to learn and build additional skills as needed. Experience supporting Mac and Windows operating systems and managing networked workstations. Familiarity with 3D scanning, version control, and open-source creative tools is a plus. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively with students and faculty. Commitment to safe practices and inclusive learning environments.
Union:
Yes; Technical Association
Work Schedule:
40 hours per week; 12 months per year
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 diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and 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.
For internal use only - Job Family: Technician