Volunteer Studio Grip Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $22.00 Hourly
Location : Missoula Mountain Campus
Job Type: Hourly Staff Full-time
Job Number: 202400739
Department: College of the Arts & Media, University of Montana
Opening Date: 07/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/2/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Description
The School of Visual and Media Arts invites applications for a Equipment and Facility Manager to oversee procedures that ensure the safe operation, maintenance, and organization of 3D arts workshops, equipment, and materials. The position manages inventory, delivers instructional demonstrations, and maintains safe, well-equipped learning environments that support teaching and creative practice. By fostering functional, welcoming, and inspiring studio spaces, this role contributes to the long-term success of the School of Visual and Media Arts and the artistic development of its students and faculty.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain, inspect, troubleshoot, and coordinate repairs for 3D arts equipment, including developing and implementing preventive maintenance procedures and schedules.
• Maintain safe, clean, organized, and functional 3D arts studios and workshops by coordinating facility maintenance and serving as a liaison with campus service departments.
• Develop, implement, and enforce safety procedures; maintain regulatory compliance, safety documentation, hazardous waste processes, and emergency response protocols.
• Support instruction by preparing studios and equipment, providing technical demonstrations and safety training, and supervising the safe use of facilities and equipment.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise student employees and volunteers who support studio operations and maintenance.
• Manage inventories of equipment, tools, materials, and supplies, including purchasing, receiving, budgeting support, and checkout procedures.
• Plan and support equipment installations, studio improvements, exhibitions, special projects, and fabrication of custom studio and display components.
• Support School of Visual and Media Arts events and outreach activities
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Three (3) years of experience creating or assisting with three-dimensional artwork using materials such as clay, metal, stone, wood, or other sculptural media.
• Two (2) years of experience developing, implementing, or enforcing workshop safety procedures.
• Two (2) years of experience performing routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of power tools and mechanical equipment.
• Proficiency in sculpture shop processes, including kiln operation, woodworking, welding, and/or lost wax metal casting.
• Ability to safely operate, inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot workshop tools, equipment, and facilities.
• Strong organizational, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, and electronic recordkeeping.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain both within 12 months of hire.
• Ability to work safely in an active workshop environment with exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals, machine noise, and powered equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Fine Arts or a related field, with a concentration in ceramics, sculpture, or another three-dimensional art discipline.
• Five (5) years of experience creating or supporting three-dimensional artwork.
• Four (4) years of experience developing, implementing, or overseeing workshop safety procedures.
• Three (3) years of experience performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting of power tools and mechanical equipment.
• Experience supervising or managing employees, student workers, or volunteers.
• Experience teaching or instructing students or other learners in a school, college, or university setting.

Physical Requirements
(Qualified candidates must be able to meet minimum requirements and perform the primary functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.)

• Lifting: Ground to 60 inches, up to 35 lbs. Ground to 30 inches up to 100 lbs. (two-person lift if 100 lbs).
• Carrying: Front carry up to 50 pounds for 10 feet.
• Pushing and pulling forces required (push, and pull artwork, materials, and equipment): up to 100 pounds
• Walking various distances, continuously, throughout the day on even and uneven surfaces.
• Trunk rotation from a standing or kneeling position.
• Balancing when climbing and working on a ladder.
• Reaching with your arms in all directions, including overhead with 5 pounds in both hands, sustained.
• Working overhead from various positions (standing, squatting, and kneeling).
• Use of various hand grip circumferences and firm hand grip positions while manipulating various tools and equipment (maximum 50 pounds).

Physical Screen will be administered prior to a final offer of employment.
Additional Information
Compensation Title: Equipment/Facility Manager
Union: FOCUS-MFPE
Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (some flexibility available), 12 months/year
Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum
Benefits Include: Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.
A complete application includes:

1. Letter of Interest - addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as "Dear Search Committee" or "Dear Hiring Manager" is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume - listing education and describing work experience
3. Three (3) Professional References - names and contact information

Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action: Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of "mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM's non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.
Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.
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