Photography / 2D Art Studio Lab Assistant - Part-time at Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, MI

Job description

• The Photography / 2D Art Studio Lab Assistant position supports the operation of the college’s photography and 2D art programs by helping maintain safe, clean, organized, and functional studio environments, digital labs, darkrooms and program equipment. The position assists faculty with studio/classroom/lab preparation, darkroom operation, equipment checkout, studio scheduling, and routine maintenance, while also monitoring designated open studio hours. The Studio assistant provides students with basic procedural assistance related to safe studio, digital lab and equipment use but does not provide formal instruction, critique, or assessment. The position will also assist in the training of student workers helping in the area.
• Requisition ID: 1198
• Employee Group: Contingency
• Schedule: up to 28 hours per week
• Compensation: $17.00
• Reports to: Photography Program Coordinator
• Posting Opens: 09/08/2026
• Posting Closes: Open until filled

Responsibilities

• Support the photography and 2-D program studios, digital labs and darkrooms.
• Ensure the smooth functionality of program equipment through inventory management, handling of student checkouts, basic equipment upkeep and occasional cleaning.
• Assist in the preparation of equipment-heavy studio demonstrations.
• Assist students working in the digital labs and studios with non-instructional support.
• Update faculty on facility operations and alert them to any pressing needs and concerns.
• Coordinate with faculty, departmental APSS and student workers to ensure the proper staffing of open lab times and to ensure best practices are followed.
• Follow College policy on the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA).

Requirements

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent. Preferred: Associate degree in Photography.
• Experience working with multiple types of photography and videography equipment.
• Experience working in a professional studio environment.
• Knowledge of industry standard safety practices in a studio environment.
• Experience with 2-D art studio operations, materials and safe practices.
• Experience with inkjet printing for photography.
• Experience with analog black and white film photography.
• Ability and willingness to complete required safety and equipment training.
• Ability to work independently, follow established procedures, and recognize when a situation should be referred to faculty or a supervisor.
• Ability to use and support the following photo & video equipment: DSLR and mirrorless camera systems, location and studio strobe lighting, LED lighting, tungsten studio hot lights, tripods, gimbal stabilizers, camera sliders, and professional audio equipment.
• Strong ability to use and support the following software programs: Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, DaVinci Resolve.
• Ability to create fine art digital prints on inkjet printers.
• Ability to use and support a black and white analog darkroom, including film processing, printing and photographic chemistry.
• Ability to work with photographic chemicals including their safe handling and disposal.
• Resourcefulness to troubleshoot and problem solve unforeseen issues with digital and analog technologies.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population and faculty team.
• Proficiency in using instructional technology and learning management systems (e.g.,Gmail, Google Sheets/Docs, Canvas).

Skills

Required

• Adobe Photoshop
• Lightroom
• Illustrator
• DaVinci Resolve
• DSLR and mirrorless camera systems
• Studio strobe lighting
• LED lighting
• Tungsten studio hot lights
• Tripods
• Gimbal stabilizers
• Camera sliders
• Professional audio equipment

Benefits

• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options.