Job Opportunity: Textiles Technical Advisor / Technician
Summer Studio Residency 

 

Position Overview

Job Title(s): Textiles Technical Advisor / Studio Technician 

Department / Area: Programming, Studios 

Reports To: Operations Manager 

Employment Status: Occasional, limited term contract 

Proposed Start and End Dates: May 25, 2026 – September 11, 2026 (15 weeks) 

Deadline for Applications: May 14, 2026 

Key Responsibilities / Duties:

Applications should demonstrate both technical expertise and the ability to support emerging artists in a professional studio environment. Technical Advisors must instruct / lead four scheduled sessions for residents on June 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Session topics include:

  1. Regular studio maintenance and health and safety
  2. Equipment maintenance fundamentals
  3. Troubleshooting methods
  4. Starting a studio from scratch

Outside of scheduled sessions, Technical Advisors will act as Studio Technicians, providing occasional maintenance in the studios to ensure the successful operation of the residency program. This includes checking machinery/equipment, supply levels, cleaning, communicating with Craft Nova Scotia management, and responding to technical issues as they arise during the residency period. 

Technical Advisors are experienced craft professionals who can guide emerging artists in safe, sustainable, and professional studio practice. This role is intended for individuals with significant studio technical experience who can instruct residents in studio and equipment maintenance while offering discipline-specific advice on establishing an independent studio practice. 

Applicants must have Occupational Health and Safety procedures and/or certification, industry standards, and overall studio best practices. Previous teaching or mentorship experience is considered an asset. 

This is a limited-term contract position beginning on May 25, 2026 for studio preparation and continuing through the residency period from June 1 to September 11, 2026. 

 

Required Qualifications / Skills:

  • Minimum 3 years of professional studio management and/or maintenance; either running a shared studio, institutional studio, or independent space. 
  • Demonstrated experience in equipment servicing and preventative maintenance, troubleshooting methods, knowledge of relevant suppliers (locally, nationally, internationally) and technical service providers, loom and equipment maintenance, dye kitchen maintenance, material management 
  • Must be WHMIS certified 

Preferred Qualifications / Assets:

  • Minimum 3 years instructional experience, either in an occasional, contract or full-time basis 
  • First Aid certification is an asset 
  • Excellent organization skills 
  • Excellent communication skills; responsive 

Compensation: June sessions [16 hours] $50/hr (Instructor rate); remainder $25/hr (Technician rate) 

Location and Work Pattern: Working on-site at 1061 Marginal Rd, Halifax Seaport (Centre for Craft Studios); approximately 3-4 hours per week 

How to Apply: Applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, resume, and two professional references with telephone and email contact information. Applications should demonstrate both technical expertise and the ability to support emerging artists in a professional studio environment.