OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we work, stand, and create.
OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university is a vibrant community of bold, curious, and compassionate artists, designers and scholars who are imagining and creating a joyful, equitable and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity, and arts administration. It embraces collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum, and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national, and global leader in art and design.
It is an exciting time to join the OCAD U community as the University is at a key stage in its institutional transformation, with the implementation of its Academic and Strategic Plan and guiding principles — driving positive impact; decolonization, indigenization and equity; environmental sustainability; emerging as a vibrant hub; student centered approaches; innovation in learning teaching and research; and financial stewardship.
Reporting to the Manager, Studio Services, the Class Assistant (CA), Plastics Studio provides direct support to Plastics Studio Technician and students, by ensuring the facilities support the operations of the department. The CA, Plastics Studio maintains, monitors, prepares, and supplies materials for students and faculty, and identifies opportunities for improvement. In addition, the CA, Plastics Studio may conduct technical demonstrations and provide one-on-one technical assistance with student projects. This position has a mentorship component. With guidance from the Plastics Studio Technician and faculty, the CA Plastics Studio will expand their understanding and capacity of plastics fabrication and the maintenance of studio equipment. Along with the studio staff team, it is the role of the CA, Plastics Studio to provide a safe and supportive studio environment for students to explore plastics fabrication.
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Work under the supervision of the Technician and Manager, Studio Services
- Assist Faculty and Technicians with the preparation of equipment, materials, and supplies for classes or open studios, including demonstrations, as required
- Supervise the Plastics fabrication studios
- Assist in the maintenance and functional operations of equipment and studio facilities
- Implement and adhere to safety procedures
- Sign out equipment
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Graduate of a post-secondary art/design program, or equivalent
- Experience working with plastic fabrication, such as vacuum forming, thermoforming, silicone mold making, plastic casting, manual machining, etc; with an ability to resolve technical issues in the fabrication process
- Familiarity with the common thermoformable and thermoset plastics.
- Knowledge of art and design terminology, history, styles, and mediums.
- Knowledge of digital technology (laser cutting, 3D printing) and fabrication programs (adobe illustrator, photoshop, CAD, MS Office)
- Creative thinker with general troubleshooting and problem-solving skills required
- Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills with a proven record of strong customer service
- Demonstrated attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Terms of Employment: Per the OPSEU Unit 2 Collective Agreement, Class Assistants are appointed for up to one (1) year, with consideration given for subsequent appointments up to a maximum of four (4) years.
Hours of Work: Approximately 35 hours per week over the period of January 6 – May 9, 2025. The weekly schedule is to be confirmed in consultation with the supervisor and may include some evening shifts.
Compensation: $23.02 per hour (plus 8% in lieu of benefits and 4% in lieu of vacation, per the provisions of the Employment Standards Act)
Applications should include:
- A cover letter outlining relevant skills and suitability
- The names of three (3) references.
Please upload all three (3) components as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code
Interested applicants are invited to submit their application in confidence by clicking the “Apply Now” button. The review of applications is on December 16.
Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada for any employer (with a valid work or study permit, SIN and Canadian bank account).
If you require application support, please contact the People & Culture Office. Please note that People & Culture cannot update you on the status of your application as these searches are decentralized. You will only be contacted if you are shortlisted for an interview. If the posting is advertised, we will still accept applications.
As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.
We encourage members of designated equity-seeking groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire.
OCAD U is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities
All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.
