Staff - Union
Organizational Status
Reports to the Manager, Studios, Exhibition, and Facilities; works directly with photography faculty and the photo digital technician; liaises and cooperates with other faculty, technicians, and staff in the department as well as colleagues in Building Operations & Risk Management.
Work Performed
Consequence of Error/Judgement
As this position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of film photography facilities at BC Binning Studios and requires contact with faculty, staff and students, the incumbent is given wide latitude for exercising independent initiative and judgment in order to create a good teaching and learning environment. Prompt attention to potential problems in all areas of responsibility is essential to the smooth running of these areas of the department.
Supervision Received
Works independently under the general direction of faculty and administration and in collaboration with other technicians. Reports to the Manager, Studios, Exhibition, and Facilities Receives initial instruction on duties and thereafter only on new or unusual problems.
Supervision Given
Supervises student practice in the darkroom areas and the work of Work Learn student staff. Demonstrates techniques to other staff, undergraduate, and graduate students; frequently assists and advises faculty. Partners with the Photo Digital technician on hiring Work Learn student staff and supervises Work Learn student assistants in the film processing and darkroom areas and ensures that they have adequate training in order to oversee use of specialized equipment, chemicals and materials in the absence of the Technician. Coordinates other tasks as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Job Category
CUPE 116
Job Profile
CUPE 116 Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title
Photo and Exhibitions Technician
Department
Studio Support Students | Department of Art History, Visual Art and Theory
Compensation Range
$4,757.00 - $5,187.00 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
July 29, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
May 8, 2026
This position is 0.20 FTE Sessional position for August 21, 2025 - May 8, 2026.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
The Photo and Exhibitions Technician supports instruction, practice, and research in the Department of Art History, Visual Art, and Theory. Major responsibilities include: orienting students at all levels in darkroom film photography techniques; maintaining darkroom and associated traditional film processing facilities, equipment, chemicals and supplies at BC Binning Studios, contributing to exhibition installation and de-installation at the AHVA Gallery, Audain Art Centre and other departmental exhibition areas on campus.
The department is housed in several buildings at UBC Vancouver campus: the Frederic Lasserre Building, Auditorium Annex A, the Old Fire Hall, B.C. Binning Studios, Dorothy Somerset Studios, and the Audain Art Centre. Based at BC Binning studios, the Technician interacts frequently with AHVA's Visual Art faculty, sessional lecturers, staff, graduate and undergraduate students.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Manager, Studios, Exhibition, and Facilities; works directly with photography faculty and the photo digital technician; liaises and cooperates with other faculty, technicians, and staff in the department as well as colleagues in Building Operations & Risk Management.
Work Performed
- Develops and delivers technical instruction of darkroom film photography techniques in scheduled visual art (VISA) courses and on request to graduate students
- Demonstrate proper handling and use of photography equipment and digital imaging equipment to photography classes at all levels; ensures chemical handling safety standards are met and complied with
- Availability outside of scheduled class time, to assist students in photographic and imaging techniques in the darkroom and film processing areas.
- Supervises darkrooms and maintains photography, film processing, darkroom and work areas for student and faculty use, including preparing chemicals, performing routing equipment maintenance, and developing signage and usage guides.
- Prepares materials and equipment for all demonstrations
- Coordinates with the Photo Digital Technician for the ordering of supplies and monitoring stock inventory for darkrooms, classes, student and faculty use
- Coordinates work learn support for darkroom and film processing areas
- Researches, makes recommendations, and advises faculty and administration on new products and techniques in the areas of traditional film photography.
- Identifies and supports opportunities for ad hoc student exhibitions and critiques at BC Binning Studios.
- Contributes to the installation of exhibitions and temporary installations at the AHVA Gallery, Audain Art Centre (5-6 exhibitions per year) and ad hoc exhibitions throughout AHVA facilities.
- Assists with dismantling exhibitions, displays, and art installations.
- Alerts Campus Security, Administration and/or Facilities Management immediately of core building concerns and/or security issues in the areas overseen.
- Liaises with other university departments as required.
- Performs other related duties that may arise.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
As this position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of film photography facilities at BC Binning Studios and requires contact with faculty, staff and students, the incumbent is given wide latitude for exercising independent initiative and judgment in order to create a good teaching and learning environment. Prompt attention to potential problems in all areas of responsibility is essential to the smooth running of these areas of the department.
Supervision Received
Works independently under the general direction of faculty and administration and in collaboration with other technicians. Reports to the Manager, Studios, Exhibition, and Facilities Receives initial instruction on duties and thereafter only on new or unusual problems.
Supervision Given
Supervises student practice in the darkroom areas and the work of Work Learn student staff. Demonstrates techniques to other staff, undergraduate, and graduate students; frequently assists and advises faculty. Partners with the Photo Digital technician on hiring Work Learn student staff and supervises Work Learn student assistants in the film processing and darkroom areas and ensures that they have adequate training in order to oversee use of specialized equipment, chemicals and materials in the absence of the Technician. Coordinates other tasks as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
University degree or technical college training of at least three years in both technical and creative aspects of photography, including a demonstrated knowledge of film processing, darkroom printing processes and other advanced techniques; a thorough understanding of both field and studio equipment and techniques, including 35mm and large format cameras. Knowledge of studio art theory and practice, and art history is recommended. Demonstrated ability to coordinate and schedule the work of students, and instruct/demonstrate traditional film photographic processes.
Experience supporting and installing exhibitions and art handling is an asset. Physical ability to perform duties of the job (e.g. lifting, standing, working at heights). Familiarity with audio/visual equipment and computers. Ability to work well within a team environment. Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations. Problem-solving skills and the ability to complete work unsupervised. Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner. Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. Ability to exercise tact, discretion and judgment.
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