Technician: Art and Design (Full-time)

Job Description

Posted Monday, April 1, 2024 at 4:00 AM

LaSalle College Vancouver is part of the LCI Education Network which is present on 5 continents and has 23 post-secondary campuses and approximately 3,000 employees who support more than 17,000 students worldwide each year. From one country to the next, LCI Education favors the harmonization of its programs, which makes for greater flexibility, better control over the quality of its services, and deeper respect towards the various cultures it works with.

LaSalle College Vancouver offers a variety of design-based programs that respond to professional demands. Thanks to our reputation and continuous industry involvement, our experienced and dynamic teachers are passionate about providing world class instruction – both theoretical and practical – to our students.

Technician: Art and Design (Full-time)

LaSalle College Vancouver is part of the LCI Education Network, which is present on five continents and has 23 post-secondary campuses and approximately 3,000 employees who support more than 17,000 students worldwide each year. From one country to the next, LCI Education favors the harmonization of its programs, which makes for greater flexibility, better control over the quality of its services, and deeper respect towards the various cultures it works with.

LaSalle College Vancouver offers a variety of creative arts-based programs that respond to professional demands. Thanks to our reputation and continuous industry involvement, our experienced and dynamic teachers are passionate about providing world class instruction - both theoretical and practical - to our students.

Position Summary:

The ideal candidate for this position is someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast paced and driven environment; enjoys challenges, consistently meets or exceeds expectations; has a service orientated focus and embodies a “can do” attitude. They should posses an instinctive understanding of the Art and Design students and how to effectively communicate with them. Successful applicants will have a passion for their craft, the ability to share their knowledge, and inspire students to excel in their chosen field of study.

Reporting to the Program Director of Art and Design, this role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth operation of our creative labs, where creativity meets technical expertise. The ideal candidate will have a strong design background combined with proficiency in laboratory techniques and equipment.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

The Art and Design Lab Technician is predicated on the following five contributing areas:

• Creative Lab Environments Management
• Creative Lab Environments Maintenance
• Safety and Compliance
• Teaching and Curriculum
• Professional Development
• CREATIVE LAB ENVIRONMENTS MANAGEMENT

Administrative and Technician Duties

• Oversee the day-to-day administrative operations of the creative labs (Fashion Design, Interior Design, Jewellery Design labs etc.), managing inventory, equipment maintenance and procurement of supplies.
• Ensure and maintain cleanliness and organization with the creative lab environments.
• Accurately record equipment usage, maintenance and inventory
• Develop and manage budgets for the creative lab environments
• Collaborate with the Program Director and other staff members to develop and implement administrative procedures to streamline workflow and improve efficiency.
• Prepare and update instructional materials, manuals, and documentation related to lab procedures and equipment usage.
• Develop online training modules.
• Undertake other administrative tasks as assigned by the Program Director to ensure the smooth functioning of the creative lab environments.
• Display a commitment to efficiently completing college administrative tasks.

Students, Faculty and Community Engagement

• Demonstrates sensitivity and a respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, cultural, and religious background of students.
• Provide technical support to students and faculty members, troubleshooting equipment issues, and offering guidance on best practices.
• Conduct demonstrations and in-class training for students on specific machinery.
• Be available through booked meetings when students require additional support using new equipment.
• Facilitate approved academic accommodations by collaborating with Academic Advisors in Student Services to accommodate students with special requirements (e.g. alternative assessment options, increased assignment timelines, accessible course content, or level and nature of classroom participation)
• Foster collegiality and engage with the greater community by participating in faculty meetings, forums and program reviews as necessary.

Events

• Promote, contribute and co-organize events with the designated LCV representative, such as the Student Experience Coordinator associated with the creative lab environments (e.g. Competitions, Industry Spotlight, Student-led/focused events, Open House, Open lab hours (Garment mending events), Pro-D day, SWEAT, Workshops etc.).
• CREATIVE LAB ENVIRONMENTS MAINTENANCE

Facilities

• Manage machine repairs and replacement
• Oversee adequate space setup.
• Collaborate with the LCV Graphic Designer to create and update signage fore the creative lab environments.

External Vendors, Service Providers and Sponsors

• Liaise with external vendors and service providers to schedule repairs, installations, and maintenance activities, ensuring timely resolutions to minimize disruptions to creative lab environments.
• Maintain open communication channels with external parties to address concerns promptly and ensure smooth interactions
• Adhere to budgetary constraints while effectively managing resources to support various program needs.
• Negotiate competitive pricing and identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality standards.
• Regularly review expenditures and adjust resource allocation to optimize financial efficiency.
• Identify potential sponsors aligned with program objectives and values.
• Develop strategic partnerships to enhance educational opportunities, provide additional resources and industry connections for students.
• Coordinate sponsorship agreements, promotional activities, and recognition initiatives to foster mutually beneficial relationships.
• SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
• Maintain professional, safe and dynamic creative lab environments.
• Ensure adherence to safety standards and regulations, including handling of hazardous materials.
• Possess mechanical acumen, particularly in industrial sewing machines, and adapt quickly to new equipment.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and ethical guidelines related to design practices and materials sourcing.
• TEACHING & CURRICULUM

The technician role requires a maximum of 30 hours per week, therefore teacha minimum of one and a maximum of three sections* each term, as assigned by the Program Director for Art and Design and/or Chief Academic Officer

(*Sections are subject to change)

Teaching

• Demonstrate a passion for student-centred teaching and flexibility in teaching style while effectively planning and preparing for classes
• Adhere to the scheduled class times for teaching classes, maintain office hours and attend meetings at the designated times. Promptly inform the Program Director of any necessary changes and obtain approval for any alterations in class times or locations
• Establish a student-centred classroom environment and engage students in the learning process.
• Manage the learning environment through administering the college’s academic and attendance policies. (e.g. Take and submit attendance for every class, assign grades and maintain course/student records by established deadlines)
• Communicate effectively with students and respond to students in a timely manner.

(e.g. via LCV internal communication system, email, or online conferencing and messaging tools)

• Display a commitment to pursuing teaching excellence.

Curriculum & Quality Assurance

• Design, develop and deliver course curriculum (e.g. course outline, assignments and rubrics, course handouts, lectures, labs, studios, and presentations) and instructional plans which includes scaffold learning and sparks curiosity, engagement and promotes research practices among students
• Facilitate student learning, provide effective instruction, and feedback, and perform evaluations of student learning for all assigned classes, using each course's standard course outline as a guide and adhering to a student-centered approach
• Collaborate with other faculty and administrators in developing program curriculum, standards and policies, including reviewing and participating in textbook selection process where appropriate
• Support the compliance requirements for regulatory bodies (e.g. DQAB, PTIB).
• Display a commitment to adhere to curriculum and quality assurance best practices
• PRO FESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Fully participate in the Faculty Development Review process
• Remain current in academic or program discipline through activities such as professional membership in associations, conference attendance, industry practices, maintaining licensure or certification, and/or developing one’s own studio/material practice though the creative lab environments.
• Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in design technology and materials.
• Engage in continuing education through course work, workshops, MOOCs, etc. as per individual development plan
• Participate in LCV-sponsored professional development activities and events.
• Commit to continuous learning and a growth mindset
• OTHER
• Maintain a regular presence on campus with designated office hours for student support and offer assistance as directed by the Program Director or the Chief Academic Officer
• Apply professional experience to enrich learning by integrating industry perspectives and relevant trends into courses.
• Foster a respectful and supportive environment grounded in principles of inclusion, equity and diversity.

Key Relationships

• Chief Academic Officer
• Academic Advisors
• Faculty
• Students

Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s Degree ( minimum) in design or a related discipline (i.e. Engineering, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Jewellery Design etc.). Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 3 years related and increasingly responsible experience in Academia or industry
• Educational /teacher training or advanced certification preferred
• Excellent computer literacy skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud especially Adobe Photoshop, illustrator & InDesign and Microsoft Office 365

Skills:

• Ability to tread industrial sewing machines
• Ability to research and self-learn information (via YouTube, etc) about machines within the creative lab environments in order to maintain the spaces and keep the equipment up to date
• Demonstrated time management, project management and detail-orientated organizational skills
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills, including the ability to build successful relationships with faculty team, students, staff and other stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, combined with critical thinking
• Action and results oriented with the ability to work effectively under pressure to meet frequently occurring deadlines
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate others to meet/exceed deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to act effectively as a member of a team.
• Active listening skills, appropriate response abilities and displays diplomacy, tact and respects confidentiality
• Outstanding conflict resolution and de-escalation skills

Abilities and Attributes:

• Exemplify the core values of LCV: Commitment, initiative, quality, sharing and mutual consideration
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, entrepreneurial mindset and a positive attitude
• Plan, coordinate, and motivate activities while demonstrating leadership and influence
• Cultivate professional rapport with various departments and diverse stakeholders to foster effective collaboration
• Contribute to strategic planning and analyze data & trends for informed decision making
• Uphold confidentiality and professionalism in all tasks and interactions
• Adapt to changing assignments, work independently under pressure with minimal supervision, and meet deadlines efficiently

All employees at LaSalle College Vancouver are defined by key attributes which we value. These attributes are: action oriented, innovative/creative, resourceful, respects peoples’ individuality and differences, engaging/effective communicator, committed to sharing knowledge and best practices, have a global perspective, embraces change, client/customer focused, and resilient.

If you, or someone in your network, is interested in pursuing these exciting career opportunities, please submit a PDF compatible resume along with a cover letter that contains the expectations.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all applicants in advance but only those applicants who meet the specific job requirements will be contacted.