Student Assistant, Equipment Resource Center - Photography and Media Resources

Parsons School for Design, a division of The New School, seeks Student Assistants in the Photography Labs and Equipment Resource Center within the Making Center. Parsons Making Center is a collection of more than 70,000 sq. ft. of labs, shops, studios, and open workspaces that provide curricular support for making across a broad range of mediums and disciplines and support experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The student assistant should be a personable, proactive, detail-oriented individual who will become integral to the daily workings of the facilities within the Making Center, with the ability to learn new skills and technologies as needed. Duties entail assisting students and faculty with the checkout of tools/equipment, monitoring making spaces, assisting Managers and Technicians with daily processes and projects, and keeping the facilities clean and orderly. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment and a respectful shop culture for students, faculty, and staff.

• Provide a high level of customer service, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor and attitude in all interactions with students, faculty, and staff.

• Report for shift on time and review priority tasks with the supervisor.

• Monitor patrons entering and exiting the shop space and be ready and available to assist them.

• Provide information to students, faculty, staff, and the general public regarding department services, policies, and procedures.

• Perform basic reception duties including greeting visitors and answering phone calls professionally and courteously.

• Assist students and faculty with reservations and equipment requests.

• Assist Making Center Staff with shop upkeep, organization, and maintenance including: 

  • Darkroom and Alternative Process Labs - Students are responsible for setting up and maintaining equipment, mixing and preparing photographic chemicals, and keeping the space clean and organized. Assist other students with darkroom procedures, manage supplies, enforce safety protocols, troubleshoot issues, and document processes. Additionally, you might train new users and help with routine maintenance and repairs to ensure everything runs efficiently.

  • Print and Scanning Labs - In the scanning and print lab, student workers will be responsible for setting up and operating scanning and printing equipment, managing and organizing digital files, and ensuring high-quality output. They will assist users with file preparation, troubleshoot technical issues, and maintain and calibrate equipment. Additionally, the role includes managing inventory of paper, ink, and other supplies, keeping the workspace clean and organized, and providing support and guidance to fellow students on lab procedures and equipment use.

  • Equipment Resource Center - As a student worker assisting technicians in the daily operations of an equipment resource center, you will support the setup, maintenance, and operation of various equipment and tools. Responsibilities include effectively using Webcheckout for managing checkouts and returns, helping with routine inspections, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring equipment is clean and in good working order. You’ll assist in managing inventory, including tracking and restocking supplies, and provide support to users by explaining equipment functionality and usage procedures. Additionally, you’ll contribute to organizing and maintaining a safe and efficient work environment, and collaborate with technicians to streamline daily operations and address any operational challenges.

• Perform tasks to assist in the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of various machinery.

• Perform regular upkeep of shops and spaces to maintain organization and cleanliness.

• Complete special projects as assigned.

• Participate in training sessions and staff meetings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, close attention to detail, and strong organizational and time management abilities.

• Able to understand and follow verbal and written instructions from the supervisor and communicate clearly with Making Center users.

• Adaptable and consistent when notifying the supervisor of schedule changes.

• Attention to detail.

• Ability to interact with students, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to work without close supervision or alone.

• Familiarity with Google Suite (Calendar, Gmail, Docs, Sheets, etc.).

• Ability to lift items up to 25lbs.

• Ability to work non-traditional hours such as evenings and weekends.

WORK MODE

• On-Campus Position - Employees in this position are expected to work on-campus during regularly scheduled work hours due to the nature of the work being that which is not feasible, or not in the best interest of the organization, to be performed remotely. #LI-DNI

HOURLY RATE: $17.00 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

Responsibilities:

Provide a high level of customer service, assist students and faculty with reservations and equipment requests, assist Making Center Staff with shop upkeep, organization, and maintenance, perform regular upkeep of shops and spaces to maintain organization and cleanliness, and complete special projects as assigned.