Photography Assistant Co-Op

Employer Address: Mount St. Joseph University 5701 Delhi Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45233

Department: School of Arts and Humanities

Status: Non-Exempt

Supervisor Contact Information: Emily Wiethorn, Assistant Professor Art and Design, Emily.Wiethorn@msj.edu, ART 103B

Pay: The Student Employee Pay Wage Policy can be found on myMount

Evaluation Period: Annual performance evaluations if the student works the entire academic year. If the student works one semester, the performance evaluation will be completed after that semester.

Purpose: The Photography Assistant Co-op works closely with the Photography lead Professor (Emily Wiethorn) in running lab functions in the photography classroom, lab, and darkroom for the 35+ students taking photography/animation any given semester. The Co-op is extremely important to the successful running and maintaining of the Photography classroom and darkroom. Overall, the position requires the ability to lift and move heavy things up to 50 lbs. (printer rolls, lighting equipment, boxes of chemicals, etc.) The co-op position does require some manual work requiring physical activity. The experiences in studio/camera/printer operation gained through this Co-op have been influential in former Co-ops receiving graduate school scholarships, teaching positions, and jobs with clay companies in the area, as well as the ability to function independently as photographic artists.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work directly with supervisor on tasks associated with managing chemicals for the darkroom, the digital printers in the classroom, and general maintenance of the photography classroom and equipment inventory.
• Perform weekly assigned tasks that keep the Photography classroom/darkroom and its equipment maintained and ready for use. (This does not include janitorial work or cleaning up after other students: all photography/animation students are required to be responsible for their workspaces and clean up accordingly)
• Take a full inventory of all photographic equipment and help create a check-out system for students.
• Assist supervisor in the maintenance of the digital photographic printers. Including the calibration of the computer monitors, troubleshooting student issues, helping students to print, and general up-keep.
• Keep an active inventory of Ink and chemical levels for re-order
• Report equipment problems and any student misuse of equipment to Co-op supervisor.
• At semesters end, assist Prof. in inventory of materials and equipment.
• Availability- at least 10 hours per week
  
  

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled student at Mount St. Joseph University
• Must have taken CED 220 - Foundations of Professionalism and be enrolled/participate in the Cooperative Education program.
• Ability to work on own initiative, independently, and on deadlines
• Well organized, punctual, and reliable
• The ability to communicate sensitively and tactfully, both orally and in writing, with individuals at all levels within the University
• Availability of 8-10 hours per week (average required for a Co-op position).
• Reliability: When a weekly work schedule is agreed upon with the Professor, it is expected/required that the Co-op will show up to work at this time on time with energy.
• Openness to supervision and mentoring from the Prof.: vital as we work together to foster strong studio habits that promote learning, creativity, safety and cooperation. This includes a mid-semester and end of semester work review.
• Timeliness: Lab Assistant work will be scheduled in Art 106 when classes are not in session.
• Ability to work independently following instruction by the Prof. to manage weekly tasks.
• Flexibility: There is some variability in the weekly hours, sometimes less at the start of a semester, sometimes more in the middle and at the end.
• The habit of timely communication with the Photography Prof/Co-op supervisor, in person and email.
• Time management and organizational skills. These are key to efficiently creating a flow for studio/class operations throughout the semester.
• Attentiveness + accuracy when monitoring or operating photography equipment or chemicals
• The ability to be pleasant to the students taking photography classes, never doing their work for them but facilitating their growth with appropriate answers (sometimes directing them to the Prof. for assistance) and fostering a cooperative studio atmosphere.
• Special in S1/S222: Willingness to follow all COVID protocols.
• An interest in photographic materials, processes, and printing is a plus. Student will also learn professional practices within the medium as well.
  
  

To apply please complete application.

A review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Please click here to review the University's Non-Discrimination Policy.

Mount St. Joseph University is an Equal Opportunity Employer