Digital Studio Technician, PT

Join PAFA as a part-time Digital Studio Technician and put your digital photography and tech skills to work in a dynamic arts environment! Support digital labs, assist artists and students, and contribute to PAFA's digitization efforts-all from the heart of the Arcadia Fine Arts Library in Center City Philadelphia.

ABOUT PAFA
Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is America's first school and museum of fine arts. Located in the center city of Philadelphia, PAFA is intimate in scale with a strong sense of community. PAFA offers several non-degree and certificates in studio art and art appreciation programs. PAFA's museum has an outstanding collection of American art, and the museum actively collects and exhibits contemporary art, including work in new media. Additionally, PAFA is home to the Brodsky Center, a print and papermaking center focused on the creation of innovative editions by contemporary artists.

PAFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment that welcomes and encourages recruiting and retaining qualified candidates from diverse groups. PAFA provides equal opportunity to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran.

POSITION: Digital Studio Technician
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) seeks a part-time Digital Studio Technician to support the maintenance and operations of PAFA's digital labs, equipment, and digitization initiatives. This role provides direct technical assistance to faculty, and instruction and oversight to students in digital photography, lighting, printing, and software. The technician will also support PAFA's digitization program through high-quality object photography and post-processing for web and print.

This position is based in PAFA's Arcadia Fine Arts Library, where digital equipment is checked out, and includes staffing support at the library circulation desk.

This is a part-time position with fixed hours that align with the Arcadia Fine Arts Library schedule. Occasional flexibility may be required for events, special projects, or extended deadlines. The ideal candidate is collaborative, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Instruction & Support

• Train and assist students in digital camera use, including lens selection, lighting, and relevant software.
• Instruct students in the use of strobe and continuous lighting equipment.
• Provide assistance with Adobe Creative Cloud applications, particularly Photoshop and Lightroom
• .Lead demonstration sessions on photographic, lighting, and printing equipment.

Studio & Equipment Maintenance

• Perform regular maintenance and updates on studio digital equipment, including cameras, computers, and printers.
• Manage checkout procedures for cameras, lighting, and accessories for in-lab and off-site use.
• Maintain inventory of supplies (e.g., paper, ink) and order replacements as needed.
• Set up and maintain user printing accounts for students.
• Ensure compatibility and optimal functionality of software, firmware, and hardware.

Digitization & Collections Photography

• Photograph museum collection objects under the direction of the Director of Archives, Library, & Collections.
• Post-process RAW image files for web, cataloging, and publications.
• Perform quality control on digital assets and metadata.
• Conduct advanced post-capture image work including stitching, file restoration, and adjustments for oversized or damaged materials.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure safe, efficient digitization workflows that meet professional standards.

Library Support

• Provide staffing coverage for the Arcadia Fine Arts Library circulation desk.
• Assist with library operations during assigned hours.

QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BFA in Photography, Digital Media, or a related field, OR a minimum of 2 years' experience as a professional photographer.
• Proficiency in digital photography equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting, and scanners (Hasselblad experience preferred).
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Photoshop and Lightroom.
• Familiarity with RAW workflows using Capture One or Lightroom.
• Ability to train and support users with various multimedia formats, including 3D objects, sound, and video.
• Excellent color judgment and visual accuracy.
• Strong computer skills for file management, post-processing, and digital instruction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a museum, archive, or library setting.
• Knowledge of metadata standards (Dublin Core, EXIF, IPTC, XMP).
• Understanding of intellectual property, copyright, and fair use related to multimedia.
• Familiarity with Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Maya, Cinema 4D, and SketchUp Pro.
• Experience with large-format and fine art printing (Epson/Canon) on diverse media such as canvas and silk.
• Experience with various strobe and lighting setups for photography and video.
• Experience handling fragile artwork and equipment with care.
• Knowledge of Mac OS X (Catalina or later).
• Experience with spreadsheets or databases for inventory and asset management.
• Familiarity with automation techniques, batch processing, and checksums.