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Leitrim Sculpture Centre Seeks New Technical Staff

Artistic Production Technician

The Leitrim Sculpture Centre is a national resource for advancing the creative practice and knowledge of visual art making and its collaborative engagement with the ecologies of landscape, place and the rural. Functioning as a testing-ground for new work we foster experimentation across a wide range of material processes in the development of creativity, innovation and learning.

Two new positions will be appointed - The Artistic Production Technicians will provide artists with technical support across all technical areas of the Centre, including: woodwork, stone, metalwork, mouldmaking, ceramics, digital and traditional print areas, general fabrication and construction and gallery installation. The technicians will be part of a small and dedicated team of professionals and relevant training will be provided by the Centre where appropriate.

Term:

The positions are for a fixed term period of 2 years. The LSC reserves the right to terminate the position in the event of the withdrawal of Arts Council or other relevant funding. Probationary period of 6 months will apply.

Remuneration:

Gross - €21,840 pa - Part-time for three days per week - 21 hours in total.

The employee will be required to be flexible in their working week, but generally it will be Monday to Wednesday or Wednesday - Friday. 7hrs per day, 9am – 4pm. Occasional work over weekends will be required, with equivalent time off in lieu.

Additional Benefits:

Opportunities for additional remuneration exist for freelance work outside these hours at the Centre either as an artist’s mentor or a workshop tutor. The Centre will also support the technician in developing their own practice at the Centre through the use of its expansive technical facilities.

Annual Leave

Statutory holidays plus public holidays and an additional two calendar weeks at Christmas when the Centre is closed.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

Skills Required:

Requirements are that applicants will have a track record working within an art organisations or within an educational environment in supporting artists to advance their practice.

Priority areas for support:

  1. Hot Processes such as foundry work, welding, casting, mouldmaking and ceramics
  2. Woodwork and sculptural construction, forming and/or assemblage in a variety of materials and processes
  3. Gallery installation

Technicians/artists experienced in all or some of these areas may apply.

Mandatory

  • Third level qualification in the visual arts or 3 years’ experience working in arts production.
  • Good understanding and knowledge of a broad range of technical and material processes used within the Centre and across the visual arts.
  • Flexibility and ability to move from one process to another.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Excellent computer experience and knowledge of digital media.
  • Fluent in English.

Desirable

  • Patience, flexibility and an ability to respond to the creative process.
  • Your own artistic practice and an interest in art and its creation.
  • Full driving license and vehicle.

How to Apply:

LSC is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants are invited to send:

  • CV or Biography – outlining relevant experience, including any previous or current directorships;
  • Expression of Interest (max. 200 words) – describing how they would make a positive contribution to the Centre.

Please send applications to:

Email: apply@leitrimsculpturecentre.ie

Subject: LSC Staff Recruitment

Application deadline – Sunday 23th March, 10pm

Selection for Interviews and notification by 27 March. Interviews held Thursday 03 April.

Notification by 10 April with a view to commence from May 2025 onwards.


Picture Credit - Kate Oram - Work in progress 2024

Job Description: Artistic Production Technician

Reporting to:

Sean O’Reilly, CEO & Richard Cavaliero, Finance & Operations Manager

MAIN PURPOSE:

Support and facilitate the material and technical requirements of artists in the development of their work.

Oversee and manage the technical installation of all exhibitions and work in the gallery.

Manage and oversee the preparation of all space and equipment for the Workshop Programme in liaison with tutors, technical specialists and Operations Manager.

Conduct safety checks on all equipment and tools used by artists.

Provide Health and Safety support to artists.

Support and facilitate the material and technical requirements of artists in the development of their work:

  • Prepare all workshop spaces and equipment in a safe manner
  • Provide technical and safety support for all artists, in relation to their working environment, H&S and material processes
  • Assist visiting technical specialists support artists in their work
  • Check all booking forms are in order and prepare workspaces and equipment for artists accordingly
  • Communicate with artists and staff about work planned and in process
  • Induct artists in the safe operation and use of plant and equipment
  • Ensure users restore and clean technical areas immediately after being used.
  • Use email and relevant Word documents to communicate with artists, the CEO and Operations Manager with regards to artists and workshop technical requirements and needs and keep up to date records of these.
  • Stay up to date with best practice in all areas.

Oversee and manage the technical installation of all exhibitions and work in the gallery:

  • Manage and conduct the install of exhibitions
  • Oversee and delegate technical team for all installation of exhibitions
  • Consult with the Artistic Director when planning the installation of all exhibitions and other events such as pop-up projects, festivals and off-site
  • Maintain and operate all digital exhibition equipment and keep up-to-date with technological advances for displaying artwork and multi-media installation.

Manage and oversee the preparation of all space and equipment for the Workshop Programme in liaison with tutors, technical specialists and Operations Manager.

  • Support tutors setting up, delivering (when a technician is required) and cleaning up afterwards on all Workshops, which may be at weekends.
  • Advise on the purchase of new plant, equipment and tools

Conduct safety checks on all equipment and tools used by artists.

  • Conduct safety checks on tools and equipment before use
  • Secure all equipment, tools and materials after use, update inventory and be up-to-date with current legislation concerning their use, the training required to use them by staff and artists, and the regularity of their inspection either by someone internal or external, and advise the Operations Manager accordingly.
  • Maintain a complete list of equipment and tools and make sure these are known to and easily accessible to artists, where they are available to them.
  • Maintain, organise and keep records for all the LSC portable equipment.
  • Stay up-to-date with new technologies with regards LSC equipment so that LSC can continue to provide modern facilities.
  • Repair equipment when required.
  • Oversee the work of sub-contractors or technical staff in the maintenance of the technical equipment.

Provide Health and Safety Advice & Support to artists and staff

  • Support the Operations Manager to review and update the LSC Safety Statement, making sure it is updated when new equipment and plant are permanently brought into the Centre.
  • Be the lead H&S Advisor for relevant technical areas and make sure all H&S paperwork and technical records are kept up to date and are provided to Operations Manager
  • Carry out ongoing Plant and Equipment Checks in specified technical areas of responsibility at point of us and report to Operations Manager.
  • Carry out ongoing visual check on portable equipment brought into the Centre by artists.
  • Ensure all artists sign and comply with the LSC H&S Statement and Agreement.
  • Check and ensure artists are sufficiently qualified and/or capable of operating tools and machinery in a safe manner. Give training to them if needed.
  • Take immediate and appropriate action to correct behaviour or situations presenting an immediate and real risk to Health and Safety.
  • Ensure that all artists wear appropriate protective wear and equipment.
  • Record all Health and Safety incidents.
  • Address immediately all emerging Health and Safety issues and repair work required to protect the facility, staff, users and visitors.
  • Ensure all required H&S signage is properly installed and clear to users

General

  • Work in a manner that is sensitive, friendly and responsive to the needs of artists and the creative process.
  • Work in a friendly, communicative and calm manner with all artists and staff.
  • Be a main key holder for all technical areas of the Centre and ensure the facilities are secured.
  • Ensure arrangements are in place to cover your duties when you are away.
  • Temporarily cover the work of other staff during absence as reasonably requested.
  • Assist in organising meetings and events as reasonably requested.
  • Act in a manner conducive to establishing and maintaining good relations with the public and the Centre’s stakeholders.
  • Support the safe movement and storage of materials and equipment and dispose of material waste in an environmentally friendly manner. Separate waste where relevant for recycling processes.
  • Ensure the Centre and its contents are secure.
  • Attend training when requested or where legally required.
  • Carry out occasional repairs and maintenance to the buildings in cooperation with the Operations Manager.