POSITION DESCRIPTION: Woodworking & Furniture Design Studio Technician

DEPARTMENT: Academic Affairs

REPORTS TO: Department Chair

DATE: February 4, 2026

FLSA: Non-Exempt

STATUS: Full-Time

MONTHS: 35 hours/week during BFA Academic Year (August through May), 16 hours per week during summer months

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BASIC FUNCTION:

The Woodworking & Furniture Design Studio Technician is responsible for maintaining the studio facilities, tools, and equipment within the Woodworking & Furniture Design program and for supporting students’ technical and safety needs. This position plays a critical role in ensuring a safe, well-maintained, and inclusive studio environment that supports effective teaching, learning, and creative practice for students and faculty.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Maintain the studio facility, tools, and equipment, ensuring the space remains clean, organized, and fully functional;

Support the safe and healthy operation of the studio, including assisting students in following health and safety protocols and ensuring proper equipment use;

Monitor studio usage to support students and faculty during scheduled and open studio hours;

Manage studio supply inventory, including ordering, receiving, replenishment, and recordkeeping;

Collaborate with other programs/departments to support instructional needs and departmental initiatives;

Assist faculty with studio-related projects, improvements, and setup as directed;

Contribute to special projects, which may include researching new equipment, constructing worktables, improving workflows, organizing field trips, or implementing new studio processes;

Supervise and support part-time work-study or student employees in coordination with the Program Chair;

Communicate equipment issues, safety concerns, and maintenance needs promptly and clearly.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience is required.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in woodworking and/or furniture design, including demonstrated knowledge of industry best practices and safe shop operations;

Demonstrated experience working with woodworking tools, machinery, and shop processes, including the implementation and enforcement of safety protocols;

Experience supporting or working alongside students, apprentices, or emerging makers in an educational, training, or mentorship setting;

Experience maintaining studio or shop equipment, including routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and coordination of repairs;

Experience with Google Suites is preferred;

Prior experience in an academic, community, or shared studio environment is preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Strong commitment to studio safety, risk mitigation, and compliance with institutional policies, procedures, and best practices.

Ability to monitor studio activity, identify unsafe conditions or behaviors, and intervene appropriately to ensure a safe learning environment.

Ability to provide clear, respectful technical guidance and instruction to students with varying levels of experience.

Strong judgment and decision-making skills in a hands-on, equipment-intensive environment.

Ability to perform basic carpentry and fabrication tasks to support studio maintenance, improvements, and instructional needs.

Ability to document incidents, maintenance needs, and safety concerns accurately and in a timely manner.

Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage supplies, tools, and inventory.

Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with faculty, staff, and student employees.

Demonstrated commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Essential Functions & Work Environment

This position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with applicable federal and state law. Essential functions include, but are not limited to, maintaining and operating woodworking and furniture design equipment; supporting students and faculty in a studio setting; standing, walking, and moving throughout the studio for extended periods; performing routine cleaning, maintenance, and minor repairs to tools and equipment; supervising student workers; and communicating effectively with students, faculty, and staff in person and electronically.

The work environment is primarily an on-site woodworking and furniture design studio with frequent interaction with students and faculty. The role involves regular exposure to woodworking machinery, tools, materials, dust, and noise typical of a shop environment and requires strict adherence to safety protocols and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment. The position may require occasional lifting of materials or equipment (generally up to 25 pounds), bending, reaching, and navigating shared studio and storage spaces.

Equal Opportunity StatementMaine College of Art & Design is committed to fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed based on their talents, qualifications, and achievements. We uphold the principles of fairness, merit, and equal opportunity in our academic and professional community. Maine College of Art & Design complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, ancestry, religion, genetic predisposition, familial status, receipt of a final protection order, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This commitment applies to all aspects of the College’s educational programs, admissions, employment, financial aid, and other institutionally administered programs.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply, and selection decisions are made based on individual merit and institutional needs.