Art and Design Technician (Part-time) in Edinburgh

We have a vacancy for a skilled, enthusiastic and well-organised technician who has a genuine interest in Art and Design and a natural artistic flair, with the ability to use their own initiative. The successful applicant would have relevant experience, preferably within a school environment although not essential, as well as a good all-round knowledge of Art and Design.

Main Responsibilities:

• To be part of a team within the Faculty of Art and Creative Technologies but also to be capable of working independently and organising daily tasks with a flexible approach.
• To attend regular meetings with the Art & Creative Technologies Faculty.
• To prepare apparatus for lessons, clubs when required.
• To trial practical activities if required.
• To clean and tidy away apparatus and to ensure that the classrooms are prepared for the next lesson.
• To assist teachers during practical activities in lessons, such as supervision of small group work, when required.
• To clean up spillages and apparatus when required.
• To maintain order and organisation of the resource bases and studios. To ensure each teaching room is tidy and clean, including the cleaning of sinks, draining boards and the tidying of bookshelves.
• To prepare and fire ceramic work and ensure safe use of clay, glazes, oxides and the kiln.
• To clean equipment on a regular basis and undertake any essential repairs.
• To support the Curriculum Leader in maintaining an inventory of equipment and resources and for maintaining apparatus. To order equipment in consultation with the Curriculum Leader.
• To ensure Health and Safety knowledge is kept up to date and to attend necessary Health and Safety training. To report all Health and Safety hazards to the Curriculum Leader.
• To provide technical support in the preparation of and during audio-visual activities.
• To have responsibility for local purchases of consumables.
• To ensure all tools and equipment are stored securely after use.
• To ensure all students’ work and unused material is returned to the appropriate storage area.
• To assist in preparing exhibition, productions, classroom and corridor displays within the department and across the whole school.
• Construction of frames for paintings, armatures for sculptures, stretchers for canvas.
• Assisting with the hanging of exhibitions; liaison with Estate Facilities staff for larger jobs that require assistance.
• To carry out other tasks reasonably requested by the Curriculum Leader, in accordance with the post holder’s skills and qualifications.

Ideal Candidate:

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• A relevant HNC/HND, degree, or equivalent professional qualification in Art and Design.
• Some experience of working at this level would be desirable but applications from newly qualified graduates with Art and Design experience will be welcomed.
• All-round knowledge of Art and Design.
• Basic joinery/woodwork skills.
• Thorough understanding of Health & Safety procedures/systems.
• Excellent IT skills, including knowledge of Microsoft packages, eg Word, Excel.
• Ability to motivate others.
• Commitment to the personal development of each child and to the ethos of St George’s.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience of working in a school environment.
• Experience or knowledge of printmaking techniques, ceramics production, including kiln firing (not essential to role).

Personal Qualities:

• The ability to work under own initiative.
• Good inter-personal and communication skills, both written and spoken.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and work to deadline.
• A willingness to be flexible.
• Proven ability and intention to work co-operatively within a team.
• Ability to retain calmness under pressure and work effectively in a busy environment.

Package Description:

Competitive remuneration and benefits package including:

• Reduced school fees and wraparound care at St George’s School.
• Pension Contribution.
• Staff lunches.
• Access to school buses on school bus routes for all staff (small charge payable).
• Professional learning and development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Opportunity to benefit from the use of the many school facilities; libraries; sports facilities etc.
• Death in service benefits for all staff.
• Opportunity to join our community and contribute to social, music, drama and other events and activities.