JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB TITLE: Technician / Demonstrator: Art and Design
2. HRMS REFERENCE NUMBER: HR14086
3. ROLE CODE: FINTECDEM01
4. DEPARTMENT: Art and Design, Faculty of Arts and Media
5. ORGANISATION CHART:
Dean
Associate Dean
Faculty Administrator
Art & Design
Media
BA (Hons)
Graphic Design
BA (Hons)
Photography
Performing Arts
Partner Colleges
BA (Hons)
Fine Art
6. JOB PURPOSE:
This will include:
 Any duties required in relation to setting up teaching facilities for
classroom based lecturers and setting up equipment and resources for
more complex, practical lessons in Printmaking workshops/studios in
line with the requirements of the member of academic staff.
 Event preparation: This will include any duties required in relation to
setting up presentation facilities for events, such as lectures,
exhibitions, conferences, open days and recruitment fairs; setting up
more complex resources for research and advanced teaching/public
events on and off University premises.
 Responsibility for procurement, equipment maintenance and review
and Health and Safety: including identifying resource requirements,
recommending purchasing options, tendering and costing, storage and
maintenance of stock items and existing kit and responsibility for health
and safety matters in relation to facilities, equipment and materials.
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To provide technical demonstration, support and guidance across the
Departmental provision in printmaking processes, book binding,
equipment and materials, via both conventional in-situ
demonstration/instruction and printed & web-based documentation for
both staff and students as directed by academic staff and/ or the Head
of Department.
7. BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Department is dynamic and future-focused, with excellent staff, an
innovative curriculum and diverse research interests. Our students are our
primary focus, and they benefit enormously from the collective expertise in the
Department. The 2012 Guardian Higher Education League table placed the
University of Chester’s Art & Design Department as the highest ranking
Department in the Northwest for overall student experience.
Work in Fine Art is long established at The University of Chester, with Graphic
Design and Photography launched in 2004. The Department now offers single
and combined honours in Fine Art, Graphic Design and in Photography. An
MA in Fine Art has run successfully for many years, and an MA in Design has
been running since 2011.
There are currently 514 undergraduates (181 in Fine Art, 198 in Graphic
Design and 135 in Photography) and 14 postgraduates. There are a small
number of PhD students. We have 16 academic staff supported by Visiting
Lecturers, 4 technical staff and a dedicated secretarial team. The Faculty
relocated in 2007 to the Kingsway site and facilities have expanded with the
recent addition of gallery and office space. There is a dedicated studio space
for Fine Art and Graphic Design and Photography is supported by two studios,
an analogue monochrome darkroom, a colour mini lab plus two base rooms
with computer facilities. There is a woodwork workshop, foundry textile space,
printmaking studio, a general graphic finishing studio and shared lecture
theatre and seminar/classroom access.
The exhibition/gallery space was opened in the spring of 2011. It forms the
ground floor of a new build office block and a re-landscaped quadrangle which
is an outdoor exhibition and performance space. Library provision is based on
the main campus, which is a twenty-minute walk away. The Department
shares the site with the Department of Performing Arts, which offers degrees
in Dance, Drama and Popular Music. Kingsway is also home to programmes
in Journalism offered by the Department of Media. The Media Department is
otherwise based at our Warrington Campus and offers degrees in TV
Production; Radio Production; Commercial Music Production; Advertising;
Media Studies; Film Studies, Digital Photography and Journalism.
The Department of Art and Design also oversees a small number of Honours
Level Foundation Degrees at partner FE Colleges and BA degree level
programmes with a number of partners in the region and abroad.
The Department made its third research audit submission in 2013 and is
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currently awaiting the outcome due to be announced in December 2014.
Research activity in the Department is co-led by Maxine Bristow, Reader in
Fine Art who was a subject panel member for RAE 2008 and the Department
benefits from The Faculty of Arts and Media hosting of the Centre for
Research in Arts and Media (CCRAM). Colleagues exhibit and publish
regionally, nationally and internationally, and engage in both traditional and
practice based research. The Department is currently engaged in a major
AHRC funded project and staff contribute to number of university funded
research projects.
8.0 WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS:
8.1 Communication
 In collaboration with academic staff, to deliver practical technical
demonstration seminars to support the learning of students at levels 4,5,6
and 7 on printmaking and reprographic techniques in the areas of art and
design practice.
 To occasionally initiate and create learning materials; this will include
interactive e-learning materials as well as guidelines introducing students
to key concepts.
 To interpret schemes of work into a delivery strategy for the sessions
which will accompany each module.
 To complete tendering documents and other relevant documentation in
relation to procurement of equipment.
 To produce printed & web-based documentation for both staff and
students as directed by academic staff and/ or the Head of Department.
 To answer generic queries from students and staff on a daily basis.
 To discuss equipment and material specifications and tendering
requirements with suppliers.
 To deliver demonstrations in practical classes. This may involve preparing
resources in advance, or demonstrating the correct use of equipment to
students. This may be done autonomously, without the presence of a
member of academic staff, however a member of academic staff must be
available to the role holder to offer support where required.
 To instruct undergraduate and postgraduate students in the preparation of
materials and use of equipment for their individual research projects.
 The role holder may be required to provide exam invigilation support.
8.2 Teamwork and Motivation
 To operate as a member of the Technical team within the Department of
Art and Design, reporting to the Head of Department.
 To operate as an effective member of the Department of Art and Design.
 The role holder does not have any supervisory responsibility.
8.3 Liaison and Networking
 To liaise with academic staff regarding their requirements for resource set
up.
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To liaise effectively with academic staff regarding the learning outcomes of
their modules to ensure the role holder can develop the technical
workshops sessions in line with their requirements.
To liaise with academic staff and students regarding requirements for large
scale exhibition/shows and events on and off University premises.
To attend regular departmental meetings and programme team meetings
when requested.
8.4 Service Delivery
 To develop teaching materials and workshop session content in line with
the requirements of the module leaders.
 To give feedback to students on their performance in technical workshops,
and to suggest ways to develop their skills further.
 To provide feedback to staff on student performance, in relation to their
development of technical skills, and areas for support and further
development.
 To assess student prior knowledge and competence in order to adapt the
sessions to suit the needs of the learners.
 To provide a helpful, reactive service to the requests of academic staff
regarding resource set up, practical preparation required and
demonstration requirements, etc.
 When delivering information to students, the role holder will be required to
adapt the provision of information to meet the individual needs of the
students.
 To respond to students requests for assistance with projects, exhibition
work and process support, maintaining a professional approach and
context to support students in order to promote development and prevent
dependency.
 To support students in art and design by preparing for final shows and
interim exhibitions of work, clearing studios, helping to monitor and hang
degree shows and other exhibitions that, from time to time, the
Department may host on and off University premises.
 To work flexibly in support of the Department’s work. Some evening and
weekend working on and off site may be required to prepare for and
support for example, exhibitions, open and applicant days.
8.5 Decision Making
 To make independent decisions regarding the content of sessions, with
reference to the member of academic staff as required.
 To make collaborative decisions with academic staff regarding the
contents of sessions.
 To provide advice to students to enable them to make decisions on the
appropriate action to take to use technical resources and develop media
handling skills to meet project/assignment requirements.
8.6 Planning and Organising Resources
 To plan and organise, with reference to academic support, the content and
delivery of technical sessions for students.
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To plan and organise the content of sessions to meet the requirements of
staff and students within the Department.
To maintain Departmental technical equipment.
To provide students with access to technical equipment and facilities.
To keep facilities in order.
There is no requirement to plan or organise the work of other staff within
the Department.
8.7 Initiative and Problem Solving
 To report equipment faults and failings to the relevant University
department.
 To work to develop technical workshop content and delivery methods with
a minimum level of instruction from academic staff, often to tight
timescales.
 To interpret schemes of work, lesson plans and module descriptors in
order to develop effective demonstration content.
 To solve standard day to day problems that may arise, e.g. equipment
failure.
 To solve more complex problems in relation to specific equipment or
machinery, e.g. analogue and digital printmaking, binding and finishing
resources.
 To solve more complex problems in relation to the delivery of information
to students, e.g. finding the best way to demonstrate skills or explain
techniques and adapting these to the skills and knowledge of the individual
students.
 To provide technical advice to students in order to enable them to achieve
maximum potential or to point them towards relevant sources of further
information.
 To ensure facilities, machinery and equipment are maintained to the
required standard and inform the Head of Department should equipment
fall below this standard.
 To undertake repairs to facilities, machinery and equipment when possible
and economical to do so or to arrange repair by suitably qualified persons
within the parameters established in consultation with the Head of
Department.
8.8 Analysis and Research
 To monitor student attendance at technical sessions and report absences
to the appropriate programme leader.
 To research into new equipment and software upgrades.
 To maintain stocks of all relevant consumables-materials, maintain
equipment designated to particular workshop-studio-suites.
 To source replacement equipment at competitive rates as agreed with the
Head of Department.
 To monitor the need/demand for consumables and budget for future
demand.
 To research and test new techniques and research protocols, to meet the
requirements of academic members of staff, which may later be
demonstrated to students.
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To support student projects through providing assistance in process
manipulation and hardware/software usage.
To work within the University’s Research Governance Framework.
8.9 Sensory and Physical Demands
 Uses specialist art and design media technologies, specialist course
related hardware and software.
 Physical demands associated with setting up equipment for practical
lessons e.g. lighting and power supplies, specific equipment for practical
arts session etc and large scale exhibition/events.
8.10 Work Environment
 The role holder will be based in workshop, office, classroom, and field
environments.
 To be responsible for the storage, safe supervision and loan of equipment
to persons who have been trained in its use.
 To be familiar with COSHH regulations and all procedures in the use of
equipment under the requirements of the Health and Safety Policy.
 To maintain safe and well managed equipment.
 To provide support and guidance where necessary in the safe and
competent use of facilities and equipment.
 To take a shared responsibility for the health and safety of students in their
care, ensuring correct use of protective equipment, correct use of
equipment and to ensure all Departmental health and safety processes are
followed.
8.11 Pastoral Care and Welfare
 To show a basic sensitivity to students and colleagues who may be
showing signs of distress.
8.12 Team Development
 To contribute to the development of new staff and colleagues who may
need assistance.
 As a member of the Technical team within Art and Design, to contribute to
training colleagues on new techniques and inform on new technical
developments as appropriate.
8.13 Teaching and Learning Support
 To contribute to inductions for new students, as requested by academic
staff.
 To provide ad hoc, one off instruction sessions on uses of certain
equipment and techniques.
 To provide instruction sessions on printmaking, binding and finishing
practice and software techniques, e.g. equipment set up and handling,
using print and production technology.
 As part of the curriculum, to deliver technical instruction, technical support,
demonstrations, learning support and guidance to students, as directed by
academic staff and approved by the head of department.
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When undertaking the above duties, the role holder will be expected to
deliver information to students on an autonomous basis, i.e. the member
of academic staff may not be present in the workshop/class but must be
available if required.
To contribute to the provision of information in all areas of the curriculum
to students at all levels.
8.14 Knowledge and Experience
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See Person Specification
8.15 General
 The role holder is not expected to undertake an academic teaching role.
There is no requirement in the role for resolution of academic problems,
intellectual issues or issues of scholarly learning support. A member of
academic staff is always available to assist the role holder with any issues
that may occur within the scope of the role.
 To undertake any other duties commensurate with your grade, and/or
hours of work, as may reasonably be required of you.
 To take responsibility for upholding and complying with the University’s
Equality and Diversity policies and for behaving in ways that are consistent
with fair and equal treatment for all.
 To comply with all University Health and Safety and research ethics
policies.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Job Title:
Technician/Demonstrator
Department:
PERSON SPECIFICATION Art and Design
Criteria
Essential /
Desirable
Method of
identification
Qualifications:
Essential
Application
Form/Certificates
Experience of working with both traditional intaglio and
planographic non toxic and digital print processes and
techniques.
Essential
Application
Form/Interview
Experience in printmaking related software tools.
Essential
Experience of exhibition level presentation.
Essential
Experience in binding/print finishing methods.
Essential
Evidence of competence across a range of printmaking and
binding/finishing processes.
Essential
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Experience of working in an Educational environment.
Desirable
Application
Form/Interview
Ability to support students through solving technical problems.
Essential
Approachable and possessing good communication skills.
Essential
Commitment to the maintenance of safe working practices.
Essential
Evidence of self development in printmaking technology and
skills.
Desirable
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Undergraduate Degree or equivalent in Fine Art Printmaking or
related subject.
Proven Experience:
Delivering academic and service excellence:
Managing self and inspiring others:
Willingness to be part of a planned but flexible working schedule.
Essential
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and high level of
computer literacy.
Essential
Ability to expedite multiple administrative tasks to deadline in
a complex environment.
Essential
Application
Form/Interview
Experience of managing and researching Printmaking, book arts
and related materials and resources.
Desirable
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
Application
Form/Interview
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Working together:
A good team worker with an ability to work on his or her own
initiative.
Essential
Application
Form/Interview
Respect for diverse perspectives of students and colleagues
and their relation to research, teaching and the student
experience.
Essential
Interview
Ability to contribute to department research initiatives in
printmaking and book arts.
Desirable
Application
Form/Interview
Organisational and stakeholder awareness:
Essential Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly
demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the shortlisting stage.
Desirable Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when
more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.
Method of identification is where the selection panel will match the candidate’s skills and abilities to the required
criteria outlined (i.e. application form, interview, test)
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UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
FACULTY OF ARTS AND MEDIA
DEPARTMENT OF ART AND DESIGN
TECHNICIAN/DEMONSTRATOR
SALARY SCALE
University Scale OS6, points 19 - 22, £22,685 - £24,775 per annum payable monthly in
arrears.
RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT
It is a requirement of this post that within 12 months of appointment, the post-holder
should live within a 30 mile radius or within a one hour travelling time by public
transport from the University.
HOURS OF WORK
Monday to Thursday
9.00am - 5.30pm
Friday
9.00am - 4.30pm (less one hour lunch break each day)
A flexible approach to work will be required as there may be occasions when it would be
necessary for you to work additional hours as dictated by the workload.
HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT
22 days per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years), rising to
27 days after five years' continuous service. Two extra statutory days per annum during
the Christmas period.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Successful candidates will be required to complete an Occupational Health
questionnaire, and may be required to undergo a medical examination.
ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES
Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to interview, proof of qualifications as
outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment,
copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services.
PENSION SCHEME
The University operates two pension schemes for support staff:
 The default scheme is the Higher Education Defined Contribution Scheme
(HEDCS), which is administered by Friends Life.
 The Cheshire Local Government Pension Scheme, to which the University is
an admitted body.
All support staff are entitled to participate in one of these schemes. Some staff will
be automatically enrolled into a scheme, depending on their age and earnings, but if
they do not wish to remain a member of the scheme, they will be entitled to opt out
after enrolment.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for
employment fairly.
SMOKING POLICY
The University operates a No-Smoking policy.
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PROBATIONARY PERIOD
A nine months' probationary period applies to all University posts.
CLOSING DATE
Candidates should apply for this vacancy via our online recruitment website
(https://jobs.chester.ac.uk/wrl/) by 12th November 2014 quoting reference number
HR14086
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