Winter Studio Assistant

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

Reports to: Area Coordinator

Dates: October 7th, 2026 – April 30th, 2027

Housing: Supplied by the Ranch with a rental cost, see below

Pay Rate: $20/hour

Hours Per Week: 35-40 hours in artistic studios, see descriptions below

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; priority will be given to applications received before July 17, 2026.

Position Description

Winter Studio Assistants at Anderson Ranch Arts Center work directly under the Studio Coordinator and Artistic Director within their assigned area. Assistants may work across two studios, with assignments determined by applicants’ skills and experience in relevant media.

Applicants should indicate all areas in which they have experience or interest. Studio pairings will be made flexibly based on departmental needs and applicant skill sets.

Areas of Support:

  • Ceramics
  • Children’s Program
  • Painting / Printmaking
  • Photography & New Media
  • Sculpture
  • Wood / Digital Fabrication

Applicants are encouraged to apply if they have experience in any of the listed areas, as there is flexibility in how departments may be paired for this position.

Position Summary

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 equipment and supplies; and assisting with inventory management, including tracking supplies used by participants for invoicing purposes.

Studio Assistants also support a range of organizational activities, including Children’s after-school Art Break programs, preparation for Residency events, and gallery installations, along with other related duties as assigned.

Expected Skills & Qualifications:

  • Proven knowledge and experience in their designated area(s)
  • 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 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 Media / Painting & Printmaking

  • The Studio Assistant supports all winter and spring programs in the Photography, Painting, and Printmaking areas at Anderson Ranch Arts Center. These programs include, but are not limited to, Studio Sessions, Artist-in-Residence programs, field trips, and special events.
  • A primary responsibility of this position is the daily cleaning, organization, and maintenance of studio spaces and equipment. The Studio Assistant also facilitates dialogue with students, residents, visiting artists, and faculty, supporting an engaged and productive studio environment.
  • Administrative responsibilities include inventory management, maintaining spreadsheets, tracking materials used for invoicing, and supporting other program-related documentation and logistics.
  • The Photography & New Media Assistant additionally supports technical operations within the Photography area, including printing, photographing, software assistance, and digital workflow support. Responsibilities include assisting residents with projects, troubleshooting computer and printer issues, performing general lab and building maintenance (including weekends), and preparing materials for demonstrations.
  • This role requires strong technical knowledge of camera systems, digital and film capture, and digital workflows using Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Epson printers. Familiarity with alternative processes is highly desirable. Additional skills such as experience with Processing or other coding languages, general computer maintenance, Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, and scanning equipment are beneficial but not required.
  • Candidates in Painting & Printmaking should have a strong understanding of painting techniques and/or printmaking workflows within an active community print shop. This role requires attention to detail, the ability to self-direct, and comfort working with participants of all ages. Assistants should be able to move fluidly between painting studios and printmaking facilities. Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and spreadsheet management is a plus.
  • The Studio Assistant reports jointly to the Studio Coordinators for Painting, Drawing & Printmaking and Photography & New Media.

Digital Fabrication / Wood & Furniture Design

  • The Studio Assistant supports all winter and spring programs in the Digital Fabrication and Wood & Furniture Design studios, including the Artist-in-Residence program, Facilitated Studio Practice, field trips, and special events.
  • This position assists participants with fabrication processes, troubleshooting projects, and maintaining all equipment within the Digital Fabrication Lab and Wood Shop. Responsibilities also include equipment maintenance, studio organization, and support of instructional demonstrations.
  • The Assistant should have a working knowledge of woodworking techniques, hand tools, and shop safety protocols, including equipment such as table saws, band saws, planers, jointers, and related machinery.
  • Within the Digital Fabrication Lab, equipment includes FDM and SLA 3D printers, 3D scanners, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and 4-axis CNC routers. Familiarity with these tools is preferred but not required. Proficiency in CAD software such as Rhinoceros or Fusion 360, as well as Adobe Creative Suite, is highly desirable.
  • Additional responsibilities may include supporting other departments, assisting with Ranch-wide events, and monitoring studios after hours to support resident access. All safety protocols must be followed and enforced during these times.

Ceramics

  • The Ceramics Studio Assistant supports all winter and spring programs in Ceramics, including the Artist-in-Residence program, Studio Sessions, field trips, children’s programming, and special events.
  • A primary responsibility of this position is the daily cleaning, organization, and maintenance of ceramic studio spaces and equipment.
  • The Assistant works closely with the Ceramics Coordinator to prepare materials, mix glazes and slips, and reclaim clay as needed. Responsibilities also include assisting with kiln operations, including loading, firing, and unloading both electric and gas kilns under the direction of the Studio Coordinator.
  • This role requires a willingness to learn new processes and techniques as needed, along with strong attention to detail and a collaborative work ethic. Strong customer service skills and the ability to work with diverse participants are essential.
  • Additional duties may include supporting other departments, Ranch-wide events, and the Children’s program. The Ceramics Studio Assistant reports to both the Ceramics Studio Coordinator and the 3D Director.

Sculpture / 3D Studios (Wood & Furniture Support)

  • The Sculpture Studio Assistant supports all winter and spring programs across the Sculpture and 3D studios, including Artist-in-Residence programs, Facilitated Studio Practice, field trips, and special events.
  • This position requires familiarity with foundational sculptural processes, including mold-making, fabrication, metalworking, and woodworking techniques. Basic knowledge of welding (wire-feed), oxy-acetylene torch use, and shop tools such as chop saws and table saws is expected. Experience with digital fabrication processes is beneficial.  but not required.
  • The Assistant supports residents and participants, assists with studio maintenance, reinforces safety protocols, and may monitor studios after hours to support resident access to equipment. All safety procedures must be followed at all times.
  • This position may work across all 3D departments and is expected to be flexible, collaborative, and willing to learn new processes as needed.

Other Duties

  • The statements above describe the general nature and level of work expected in this role and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.
  • All staff may be required to perform additional duties outside their primary responsibilities as needed. Studio Assistants will rotate supporting Children’s workshops and afterschool programs as required.
  • This job description may be updated or revised at any time during 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 area you are applying for 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.

https://andersonranch.formstack.com/forms/winter_studio_assistant_application

 

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

 

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