Title: Winter Studio Assistant

Classification: Temporary Part/Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Area Coordinator

Dates: October 6th, 2025 – April 24th, 2026

Benefits:

• Employee Housing – Supplied by the Ranch with a rental cost
• Paid Sick Time
• Meals provided during program weeks when the Café is operating.

Pay Rate: $20/hour

Hours Per Week: 35-40 Hours in Artistic Studios, See Descriptions Below.

 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and priority will be given to applications received before July 25th. 

Winter Studio Assistants
Anderson Ranch Arts Center will hire four Winter Studio Assistants to support our programs during the winter season. Assistants work directly under the supervision of the Studio Coordinator and the Artistic Director in their assigned departments.

Applicants with experience or skills in any of the listed areas are encouraged to apply. Each assistant will work across two departments, depending on their skill set. Department pairings are flexible and will be determined based on the needs of the Ranch and the qualifications of the applicants.

Please note: Any assistant may be assigned to support the Children’s Program for approximately 10 or more hours per week. 

• Ceramics
• Photography & New Media
• Painting/Printmaking
• Wood
• Digital Fabrication
• Sculpture
• Children’s (10 hours/week)

 

Studio Assistant Duties
The duties of the Studio Assistant include, but are not limited to:

• Supporting program participants such as Artists-in-Residence and Visiting Artists in the studios
• Maintaining cleanliness and organization of all studio equipment and supplies
• Assisting with inventory management and tracking supply usage for invoicing
• Supporting the setup and execution of organizational events, including Children’s after-school Art Break programs
• Assisting with Residency events and gallery installations
• Performing other tasks as assigned to support the smooth operation of the studio and broader program activities

Expected Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven knowledge and experience in their designated area
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Professionalism in all studio and event settings
• Ability to understand and implement all Anderson Ranch Safety protocols put in place by the leadership staff
• Desire to engage in the Anderson Ranch Arts Center artistic community

 

Physical Requirements:

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Moderate to heavy work that includes moving objects up to 30-50 pounds.
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms.
• Typical tasks as required to actively work and supervise in art studios/facilities in a historic building space with uneven surfaces, stairs, gravel walkways, etc. 

 

Specific Area Core Responsibilities:

 

Photography & New MediaThe Studio Assistant will support all winter and spring programs in the Painting, Printmaking and Photography programs at Anderson Ranch. These programs include but are not limited to: Facilitated Studio Practice, Artists-In-Residence programs, field trips, and other special events. The studio assistant can expect to clean, organize, and maintain the studios as their main focus, and facilitate dialogues with students, residents, visiting artists, and faculty. The Studio Assistant will conduct administrative tasks such as: inventory, online programming, spreadsheet layout and other related tasks. 

• Photography & New Media Winter Studio Assistant will support all winter and spring programs in the Photography area including printing, photographing, and software assistance. 
• This assistant will support the Studio Coordinator in the day-to-day upkeep of studios, assist residents with projects, troubleshoot computer and printer problems, perform general lab/building maintenance (including weekends) and gather materials for demonstrations.
• Assistants will have a strong technical understanding of camera gear, digital and film capture, digital workflow using Photoshop, Lightroom, and Epson printers as well as alternative process techniques.
• Attention to detail and a desire to learn are a must. Experience teaching or assisting in photography or a digital media course is highly desirable. Additional knowledge of Processing or other coding languages, general computer maintenance, the Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium, Final Cut Pro, and slide and flatbed scanners is also helpful, but not required.
• Other duties might include assisting other areas, Ranch-wide events, the Children’s department, and other team-oriented tasks.
• The Studio Assistant reports directly to the Studio Coordinator and Artistic Director of Photography and New Media.

Painting / Printmaking Assistant

• Candidates should know painting techniques and/or a significant background in printmaking and workflow of an active community print shop and be detail-oriented. This position requires a well-rounded candidate who can work well with people of all ages and effectively self-motivate and work independently. Painting and Printmaking Assistants should feel comfortable floating between the painting studios and the print shop. An understanding of the Adobe Suite and spreadsheet layout is a plus. 
• The Studio Assistant can expect to clean, organize, and maintain their area studios daily as their main focus. 
• Safety is our top priority and the Studio Assistant is expected to help enforce protocol for safe material and equipment handling set in place by the Studio Coordinator and Artistic Director.
• Assistants work directly with program participants in all fall, winter, and spring programs, which may include (but is not limited to), students in the Studio Sessions program in Painting and/or Printmaking, artists-in-residence, and children attending field trips. This position is public-facing and social, with an emphasis on customer service.
• Other duties might include assisting other areas, Ranch-wide events, the Children’s department, and other team-oriented tasks.
• The Studio Assistant reports directly to the Studio Coordinator and Artistic Director of Painting & Printmaking.

Digital Fabrication

• The Studio Assistant will support all winter and spring programs in the Digital Fabrication Studio at Anderson Ranch such as the Artist-in-Residence program, visiting artists, Studio Sessions, field trips, and other special events. 
• The Studio Winter Assistant can expect to clean, organize, and maintain their area studios daily as their main focus. 
• They learn to assist program participants with output and troubleshooting their projects as well as how to maintain, service and run all equipment in Anderson Ranch’s Digital Fabrication Lab, such as the CNC router, 3D printers and laser cutters. The Winter Assistant will be willing to learn new processes and techniques as needed. 
• The Digital Fabrication Lab includes FDM and SLA 3-D printers, 3-D scanners, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and 4-axis CNC routers. Experience with basic software is a must. Proficiency with CAD software such as Rhinoceros or Fusion 360, and Adobe Suite is highly desirable. Experience with all types of machines is preferable but not required. 
• Successful candidates have a willingness to problem-solve and troubleshoot operation problems along with a willingness to learn and hone these skills.
• The Digital Fabrication Studio Winter Assistant should have excellent customer service skills, possess a strong work ethic, be detail-oriented, and be a flexible team player. 
• Other duties might include assisting other areas, Ranch wide events and other team-oriented activities. This also includes monitoring studios after hours for resident access to machines. All safety protocol and proper use should be implemented during these times by this position.  
• The Digital Fabrication Studio Assistant will report to both the Digital Fabrication Studio Coordinator and 3D Director.

Furniture Design and Wood 

 

• The Furniture Design and Wood Studio Assistant will support all winter and spring programs in the Furniture Design and Wood studio at Anderson Ranch such as the Artist-in-Residence program, visiting artists, Studio Sessions, field trips, and other special events. 
• The Studio Winter Assistant can expect to clean, organize, and maintain their area studios daily as their main focus. 
• The Furniture Design and Wood Winter Assistant will be knowledgeable about basic and advanced woodworking techniques and practices including but not limited to milling, shaping, basic joinery, assembly, and finishing. The Winter Assistant will be willing to learn new processes and techniques as needed. 
• Anderson Ranch’s Furniture Design and Wood studio includes basic woodworking equipment such as table saws, jointers, planars, bandsaws, routers, and disc sanders. Knowledge of the safe operation of these basic tools is a must. Knowledge of maintenance of these tools is preferable, but not required. 
• They learn to assist program participants with output and troubleshooting their projects as well as how to maintain, service and run all equipment in Anderson Ranch’s Furniture Design and Wood studio. 
• Successful candidates have a willingness to problem-solve and troubleshoot operation problems along with a willingness to learn and hone these skills.
• The Furniture Design and Wood Studio Winter Assistant should have excellent customer service skills, possess a strong work ethic, be detail-oriented, and be a flexible team player. 
• Other duties might include assisting other areas, Ranch wide events and other team-oriented activities. This also includes monitoring studios after hours for resident access to machines. Knowledge of the safety protocols and their implementation is required.  
• The Furniture Design and Wood Studio Assistant will report to both the Furniture Design and Wood Studio Coordinator and 3D Director.

 

Ceramics

 

• The Ceramic Studio Winter Assistant will support all winter and spring programs in the Ceramics such as the Artist-in-Residence program, visiting artists, Studio Sessions, field trips, support the children’s program and other special events. 
• The Studio Winter Assistant can expect to clean, organize, and maintain their area studios daily as their main focus. 
• They will work closely with the Ceramics Coordinator to prepare materials, mix glazes, mix slips and reclaim clay as needed. The Winter Assistant will be willing to learn new processes and techniques as needed. 
• They learn to assist program participants with output and troubleshooting their projects as well as how to maintain, service and run all equipment in Anderson Ranch’s ceramics studios.
• Assistants will be knowledgeable about firing electric and gas kilns. They will load, fire, and unload kilns as specified by the Ceramic Coordinator. Knowledge of the safety protocols and their implementation is required. 
• The Ceramic Studio Assistant should have excellent customer service skills, possess a strong work ethic, be detail-oriented, and be a flexible team player. 
• Other duties might include assisting other areas, Ranch wide events and other team-oriented activities. This also includes monitoring studios after hours for resident access to machines. All safety protocol and proper use should be implemented during these times by this position. 
• The Ceramic Studio Assistant will report to both the Ceramics Studio Coordinator and 3D Director.

Sculpture

• The Sculpture  Studio Winter Assistant will support all winter and spring programs in the sculpture studio such as: Artist-in-Residence program, visiting artists, Studio Sessions, field trips, support the children’s program and other special events. 
• The Studio Winter Assistant can expect to clean, organize, and maintain their area studios daily as their main focus. 
• The Sculpture Winter Assistant will be knowledgeable about basic sculptural practices including mold-making, fabrication processes, metalworking and woodworking techniques. 
• The Sculpture Studio Winter Assistant should possess a basic understanding of wire-feed welding, oxy-acetylene torches, chop-saw and table saw safety. Knowledge of digital processes is a plus, but not mandatory.  The Sculpture Winter Assistant will be willing to learn new processes and techniques as needed.
• The Sculpture Studio is equipped with a range of fabrication tools including welders, table saw, bandsaws, disc sanders and more. Basic knowledge of the safety protocols and their implementation in a sculpture studio is required.  
• Successful candidates have a willingness to problem-solve and troubleshoot operation problems.
• Experience with sculptural processes listed above is highly desirable. Extensive experience in all 3D areas is not required. 
• The Furniture Design and Wood Studio Winter Assistant should have excellent customer service skills, possess a strong work ethic, be detail-oriented, and be a flexible team player. 
• Other duties might include assisting other areas, Ranch wide events and other team-oriented activities. This also includes monitoring studios after hours for resident access to machines. All safety protocol and proper use should be implemented during these times by this position. 
• The Sculpture Studio Assistant will report to both the Sculpture Studio Coordinator and 3D Director.

Childrens

Winter studio assistants may be scheduled for 10-20 hours per week supporting the Children’s program. Candidates should be aware of the following expectations:

 

• Genuine Interest in Working with Children. We seek team members who are enthusiastic about supporting young artists, fostering creativity, and contributing to positive learning environments. A basic enjoyment of being around children is essential. 

• Education-Focused Mindset. An interest in education, pedagogical philosophy, youth programming, and developing teaching skills is strongly encouraged. The role offers valuable hands-on experience for those eager to grow as educators. 

• Supportive Team Player. The assistant should be flexible, collaborative, and ready to contribute to a dynamic, multi-department team. Comfort working under different supervisors with varying management styles is essential. 

• Maintaining Professionalism. The assistant is expected to represent the ranch while in the studio and out in the community. Professionalism in the children’s departments means dressing and presenting appropriately, following directions, asking questions when unsure, and contributing respectfully within the scope of their role. 

• Duties Include:

• • Preparing and organizing art materials for classes (sometimes repetitive or time-consuming tasks)
  • Constructing example projects to inspire young artists
  • Assistant teaching for children’s programs and workshops
  • Being a leader in the children’s craft station at special events
  • Maintaining cleanliness of children’s spaces, including performing less desirable tasks such as emptying sink traps and general clean up
  • Monitoring art supply usage, communicating restock needs, and helping maintain an organized inventory for the children’s department. 

 

Staff Community Responsibilities:

• Community Outreach Leader: All staff members are expected to build and lead partnerships with community organizations as they relate to their area of responsibility, and to actively support the outreach efforts of other team members.
• Engaged & Supportive Team Member: All staff are expected to support colleagues and engage in the programs and events of the Ranch by attending lectures, artist talks, fundraising events, and community-wide events and being available to jump in and help make them a success.
• Support Major Fundraising & Community Events: All staff are expected to support the major annual events that engage the public and fundraisers. These are “all hands on deck” efforts and all staff are expected to participate in ways outside their normal professional functions to make them a success from set-up, to execution, to tear down.
• Professional & Personal Development: Continuing to learn and improve is a job requirement of all staff. Team members are expected to be growing, learning, and improving in their artistic and professional lives.
• Brand Ambassador: All team members are expected to comport themselves in a manner that is fitting with the organization; and represent the Ranch both on and off-campus, as well as online and on social media, keeping in mind that positivity and professionalism are respected and appreciated.

 

Other Duties: 

• The descriptions above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this role. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the role. 
• All personnel are required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
• This job description may be changed or updated at any time throughout employment. 

 

Employment requires successfully passing the pre-employment Background Check.

All inquiries and conversations will remain strictly confidential.

NOTE: The above is an abbreviated representation of benefits defined in the Employee Handbook, which governs all employment terms. No other verbal or written exceptions to those terms are honored without a written directive by the President and Chief Executive Officer and signed by the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

How to Apply:

To apply, please complete the online application form linked below, where you will upload your documents and submit the necessary information to complete the application.

• PDF of a cover letter, stating which 2 areas you are applying to, all relevant experience and skills, and explaining why you would be a good fit for this position and how you can contribute to our programs.
• PDF of Resume/CV
• A single PDF of 5-7 images of your portfolio showing your technical skills and development in your medium.

Online Application

Anderson Ranch is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversifying its workforce.