ART/DESIGN STUDIO SEEKS TOOL SAVVY CRAFTSPERSON
Hello possible new colleague. You might be—or have the mind of—an architect, industrial designer, model maker or artist with technical fascinations and we'll be happy to hear from you. You might come from a creative/design background but don’t want to follow a traditional path in a traditional office. You might be 1-2 years (or more) out of school. Or you may be none of those but have the skills and the brain we’re looking for. If so, please read on…
ABOUT US
Nikolas Weinstein Studios is a professional studio of 10 people established twenty-five years ago, with a fabrication shop in San Francisco and a design studio & fabrication shop in Long Island City. The only separation is geography and the digital bond is strong. Combined, we are part machine shop, part engineering lab, and part giant kilns—all in the service of art. For the past twenty-five years we’ve been building sculptural installations for domestic and international clients. We're friendly, focused, smart, professional, and hard-working. We're direct in our communication; understanding that our main purpose is to contribute to the success of the studio. Because we're a small business, we all fill many roles. This means that there may be variety in what you'll be doing and also that you'll be expected to be part of a team, possibly working outside of your job description or comfort zone at times.
The LIC studio is where the artwork concepts are developed and this is primarily the aspect of the projects with which you’ll be assisting. The day-to-day work will be integral with developing the concepts for artworks; ideas, R&D, workflow, and technical stuff. But you will not be conceiving or designing the artworks independently.
THE JOB
Job Summary
This is a multi-dimensional, hands-on position, which offers the right person an opportunity to use their skills in a challenging, team-oriented, technical, and creative environment. The position requires a well-rounded problem solver with good three-dimensional skills who is comfortable with a broad range of tools, equipment, and materials. You must be able to receive directions and then act independently to carry out your tasks. Ideally you should have a technical, art, or craft background. Much of the work that we do is not standard and requires problem solving on a constant basis. We often learn as we go and we solve different problems on each project.
Job Requirements
Solid working knowledge of tools and equipment and their safe use—power tools, woodworking, basic welding and grinding.
Metal working or machining knowledge is a plus. If you know what a tap is, what NPT stands for, or how to use a voltmeter, that’s great.
Self-directed and independent thinking is a must. When given a loose directive of what’s to be done, you’ll need to analyze and define the problem, then plot your own course to meet expectations, while also keeping the team informed about what you’re doing.
Independent worker: you should not only be able to—but prefer to—take responsibility for your own work.
Troubleshooter: if something goes wrong you will need to figure out what is causing it and fix it.
Ability to multitask: you may be pulled in many directions at once. This is a small business and the work is challenging. You should be comfortable with, or invigorated by this prospect.
Hold oneself accountable for quality work: even when nobody’s looking, you must hold up standards because it impacts every step of the work down the line. This is a team effort and others rely on your integrity.
Efficient, careful, and thorough. Calm under pressure.
Ability to keep the big picture in mind while focusing on the minutiae: there are a lot of details to be worked out and problems solved in the work we do. It's important to not get lost down the rabbit hole.
Open to dialogue and accepting of disagreement. Many opinions and ideas are solicited. Not everyone can be right every time but we are all committed to the process and continue to contribute anew, each time.
Strong planning and organizational skills.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Basic administrative computer skills. Ability to compose an articulate e-mail is a plus.
This is an in-person job
Covid-19 Vaccination
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full-time hourly position with medical insurance, 401k and paid time off/holidays.
LOCATION
A drop-dead one-of-a-kind building that is a 10-minute walk to trains (7, E, F, G, M, Q) and has access to dedicated bike paths.
APPLICATION
If you would like to apply for this position, please submit via e-mail: a resume and cover letter. A professional portfolio is not required but you must send images of projects you’ve built or been involved in and detail your involvement. You MUST put "Tool-savvy Problem Solver" in your subject heading or you will not be considered.
This job will remain open until we find the right person. Thanks for making it to the end. We look forward to hearing from you and perhaps meeting you.
