Senior Technician: Fine Arts Workshop

Department: Fine Arts - Wits School of Arts

Job Summary

The Senior Technician is responsible for the overall management and operation of the Fine Arts Workshop, providing high-level technical, practical, and administrative support to staff and students in support of teaching, learning, research, and creative practice. The role includes responsibility for the effective management of workshop operations, ensuring full compliance with Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental (OHSE) standards across the workshop and related facilities, as well as the supervision and management of personnel working within the workshop.

Key Responsibilities

Workshop Management and Operations

• Manage and administer the Fine Arts Workshop, including carpentry and steelwork facilities.
• Oversee the tool store, workshop spaces, and associated equipment.
• Ensure that all machines, tools, and equipment are properly serviced, maintained, and in safe working order.
• Maintain workshop cleanliness, organisation, and functionality.
• Manage budgets and procurement of materials for the workshop and related spaces.

Technical Support and Teaching Assistance

• Assist and instruct students in technical production processes, including welding and fabrication of steel sculptures, construction of stretchers, canvases, frames, and panels, and structural elements for installation-based artworks.
• Advise students and staff on material selection, technical feasibility, and production methods.
• Produce or assist with sketches, working drawings, and basic engineering solutions where required.
• Support installation, hanging, and display of artworks for exhibitions and examinations.

Health and Safety

• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHSE) standards at all times within workshop and studio spaces.
• Supervise students in the safe use of tools, machinery, and equipment.
• Maintain safety equipment and protective gear and ensure appropriate usage.

Administration, Budgeting, and Procurement

• Plan, propose, and manage the workshop budget.
• Monitor stock levels and maintain inventory of tools, materials, and equipment.
• Procure materials, tools, and machine components, including sourcing quotations and liaising with suppliers.
• Maintain records relating to equipment, assets, bookings, servicing, and decommissioning where necessary.

Facilities and Cross-School Support

• Assist with the maintenance of Fine Arts student studio spaces and exhibition areas.
• Ensure that students restore spaces altered for individual project requirements.
• Coordinate or oversee minor repairs, servicing, and maintenance of workshop and studio furniture, equipment, and infrastructure.
• Work collaboratively with the Workshop Assistant and delegate tasks as required.
• Participate in the broader technical support structures of the Wits School of Arts and contribute to cross-departmental collaboration where necessary.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• A three-year Technical Diploma or equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant technical experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical support within an arts, educational, or creative environment.

Required Skills and Competencies

• High-level carpentry and metalwork skills, including proficiency in welding steel.
• Strong design, fabrication, and construction capabilities.
• Experience managing workshop machinery for cutting, joining, and fabrication.
• Excellent workshop management and administrative skills.
• Proven budgeting, procurement, and inventory management experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficient computer literacy.
• Wide knowledge of materials and processes relevant to contemporary art practices.

Added Advantages

• Experience in masonry, craftwork, or light construction.
• Experience working in galleries, artist studios, art schools, and/or museum environments.
• Experience with framing equipment.