Job Description

ABOUT CSVPA

Located in the heart of Cambridge, the Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA) is a leading institution for aspiring artists, designers and performers. We offer a wide range of Postgraduate, Undergraduate, Foundation, and Diploma courses across Art & Design, Fashion, Music, and Performing Arts. We don't just teach creative skills, we inspire bold ideas, nurture curiosity, and encourage fearless experimentation. Our goal is to equip students with the confidence to innovate, push boundaries, and shape the future of the creative industries. Our alumni have gone on to work for world-leading brands such as Chanel, Vogue, and Esquire magazine, and many have been accepted into prestigious institutions such as Parsons, Central Saint Martins, RADA, and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. At CSVPA, our commitment to student success extends beyond the studio. We take pride in delivering an art, design and performing arts education that not only develops talent but also equips students with the skills, confidence, and industry connections needed to succeed in today's competitive creative landscape.

JOB OVERVIEW

We are seeking a Photography & Print Technician (0.6 FTE) to ensure the effective provision and availability of specialist equipment and workshop spaces, supporting student learning and staff delivery across our photography and printmaking facilities.



You will be responsible for maintaining and operating photography equipment (including darkrooms, digital equipment, and studios) and overseeing our small printmaking workshop. You will support students with both digital and analogue photographic workflows and provide guidance in basic printmaking processes. Some training in darkroom or printmaking can be available to help you develop your skills further, if required.



The role is offered at 18,000 for three days per week per annum (equivalent to 30,000 per annum full-time), to run throughout the calendar year (i.e. not only during term-time). Annual leave entitlement is assigned according to the 0.6 FTE fractional appointment.

REPORTS TO

You will be directly responsible to the Head of the Graduate School, working within the framework set by and under the general direction of the Rector of CSVPA.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Organise, maintain, and operate photography and printmaking equipment and workshop spaces, including darkrooms (black & white/colour), photographic enlargers, DSLR cameras, printers, and printmaking exposure units, presses and associated equipment and materials.

Supervise the safe and efficient use of the darkroom, photo studio, and printmaking workshop.

Provide technical assistance, guidance, and demonstrations to students across levels, including workshops in darkroom printing and basic printmaking techniques (e.g., monoprint, dry-point, linocut, screenprinting).

Support students' digital workflow, including RAW processing, colour management, and output for print and/or screen.

Support staff and students in obtaining, booking, and using resources.

Keep accurate records of equipment and consumables and advise on procurement needs; order supplies and materials as required using the college's purchasing system.

Help students prepare and install work for internal and external exhibitions.

Implement Health & Safety policies in all areas of responsibility.

Participate in staff development and training activities as agreed with the line manager.

Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role, as agreed with the line manager.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Qualifications & Experience

A degree in a related subject and/or equivalent experiential learning.

Knowledge of a photographic darkroom environment, processes. And techniques.

Knowledge of a printmaking workshop environment, processes and techniques.

Knowledge of photographic print output and finishing techniques.

Ability to support students exhibiting work in a range of settings.

Willingness to develop photographic and/or printmaking skills as part of ongoing professional development.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

Excellent technical skills in analogue and digital photography, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator) and knowledge of digital workflows.

Experience of demonstrating photographic skills and supporting students in studio, darkroom, and digital environments, and/or alternative photographic methods (such as cyanotype).

Understanding of DSLR cameras, RAW file processing, and photographic printing.

Experience of printmaking processes, such as monoprint, dry-point, screen-printing, and/or other printmaking techniques.

Good organisational and time management skills; able to prioritise workload and work independently.

Excellent communication skills and a student-focused approach.

Knowledge of safe working practices in workshop and darkroom environments, with a commitment to upholding Health & Safety policies.

A commitment to professional development and continuous learning.

BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS

The working hours for this role are 8:00pm 17:00pm, three days a week, throughout the calendar year (precise days to be determined in negotiation with line manager).

Occasional travel may be required to support student exhibitions or off-site activities.

Willingness to work towards professional accreditation or further training relevant to the role.

DESIRABLE

Familiarity with alternative photographic processes such as salt prints or cyanotype.

Basic troubleshooting skills for analogue and digital camera equipment.

Knowledge of printmaking workflows and the use of small-scale printing presses or hand-printing techniques.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Building on our core values, Pioneering, Persevering, People, we pledge to deliver a programme of events, guest speakers, and focus groups to ensure we offer respect and understanding to all communities.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values - Pioneering, Persevering, People - we pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers, and focus groups to ensure we offer respect and understanding to all communities.

SAFEGUARDING

CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.



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