Plastics Technician (Probationary) Jobs

Reporting to the Director, Facilities & Studio Services, with day-to-day supervision provided by the Manager, Studio Facilities, the Plastics Studio Technician is responsible for providing support to OCAD University’s (OCAD U) Plastics Studio. Working in collaboration with other academic and administrative resource areas, the incumbent ensures efficient and safe functioning of the Plastics Studio. The Technician provides the most up-to-date technical resources in safety and processes in support of the work of students, faculty, and other OCADU community members.

Summary Of Responsibilities

• Supervise open studio access time, and participate in hiring, training, scheduling and supervision of class assistants and/or student monitors, where relevant
• Participate in the provision of a safe and secure environment for all members of the OCAD U community and its facilities
• Support students in their learning by acting as a resource regarding materials and processes, and assisting with the technical resolution of assignments
• Work with the Manager, Studio Services, Deans of Faculty, Associate Deans, faculty members and other Academic Staff in support of the university’s educational goals and objectives
• Be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of facilities and equipment by maintaining, repairing and/or sending equipment out for repair, conducting research and recommending the purchase of new or replacement equipment when required, as well as initiating improvements in studio operation and usage
• Be responsible for health and safety by regularly participating in relevant training, explaining hazards associated with materials and equipment, demonstrating, modelling and enforcing proper health and safety procedures, and promptly reporting unsafe conditions to the Manager, Studio Services
• Oversee access to assigned studios for program students, cross-disciplinary students, graduate students, faculty, researchers, and approved community partners
• Support faculty members delivery of curriculum by preparing materials, setting up equipment, and providing individual and small group instruction of specialized techniques or equipment
• Maintain currency in technical developments within the discipline
• Perform administrative duties to support the operation of the Plastics Studio as assigned, including, but not limited to: coordinating the purchase of supplies and resale of materials; maintaining inventory; and supporting budget planning

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent with a minimum of three years’ experience
• Sound knowledge of, and commitment to, healthy and safe work practices and environmental issues concerning the use, disposal, and recycling of materials used by the students
• Ability to maintain equipment, troubleshoot related issues, and perform basic repairs
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to interact with faculty, staff and students
• Sound understanding of materials and process associated with Plastics and related fabrication
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty
• Experience with digital fabrication and software (Solidworks, Rhino, etc.)
• Demonstrated technical expertise in a diverse range of fabrication methods, materials, tools and equipment
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to prioritize and multi-task

Terms of Employment: This position is a full-time (35 hours per week), nine (9) month probationary appointment from August 28, 2023 - May 10, 2024. Salary is commensurate with experience and career achievement, with access to full benefits. This appointment is subject to Performance Review after the probationary period for the purpose of recommending the conferral of Permanent status.

Application Deadline: Applicants should include a current CV, a cover letter outlining the candidate’s interest and skills for the position, and the names and contact information of three (3) references.

The review of applications will begin on June 16, 2023, and will continue until the position has been filled.

Please review the OCAD University’s Safety Measures for all up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 protocols.

OCAD University’s vaccine mandate will be in abeyance until further notice. However, to ensure continuity of teaching, learning and campus activities throughout the year, the University expects all students, staff and faculty to maintain up-to-date vaccination records.

As an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse. OCAD University understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution’s core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

We encourage members of designated equity-seeking groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire .

In order to alleviate the under-representation of racialized and Indigenous administrators, priority in hiring will be given to qualified racialized and Indigenous persons who self-identify as such in the application process. This initiative is a special program under the Ontario Human Rights Code .

OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities .

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.