AVFX and Creative Arts Lab Technician

Position Summary
Bring technical expertise into the places where creative learning happens. The AVFX and Creative Arts Lab Technician provides hands-on support to students, faculty, classrooms, labs and studios, with a primary focus on the Animation and Visual Effects program and secondary support for affiliated creative arts programs as approved by the supervisor. The role helps learners confidently use program-specific software, hardware and production technologies; keeps learning spaces, equipment and software ready for instruction; provides first-level troubleshooting; and works with faculty, Information Technology Services, and vendors to resolve technical issues and support program growth. This is a student-centred opportunity for a collaborative problem-solver who enjoys explaining complex digital production processes, maintaining specialized technology and helping creative work move from concept to screen.

Position Responsibilities
Student and Instructional Support

• Supports class/lab/studio activities including practical work and ensures proper support for student learning in creative arts programs, primarily Animation & Visual Effects. Provides a secondary level of support related to other creative arts programs as discussed with and approved by the supervisor.
• Assists in use of animation and visual effects applications and software packages (and other creative arts applications as directed) and their features with a focus on student support in application use.
• Answers question and refers students to faculty when questions relate to curriculum/course content rather than technical knowledge.
• Assists faculty with technical aspects of project delivery and process demonstration in AVFX.
• Ensures alignment of student support with instructional goals through collaboration with faculty.
• Collaborates with faculty in ensuring software versions are updated as necessary and monitors software version consistency across all learning spaces.
• Ensures learning spaces and all equipment (hardware, software, peripherals, audiovisual, furniture) are prepared for each academic term.
• Works with students, faculty, and Arts Centre Staff to prepare files for year-end showcase.
• Work with other support staff as directed by the Associate Dean to ensure adequate coverage for high-priority classes.

Routine and Program-Specific Technical Support

• Provides first-level program specific troubleshooting on all program-related hardware and software related incidents, prioritizing student in-class issues.
• With ITS support and assistance, performs regular maintenance on all computer equipment and peripherals.
• Identifies and resolves all routine program-related technical hardware and software issues with the support of ITS as needed. Identifies program related technical and learning space issues and escalates to the appropriate authority for resolution.
• Identifies and escalates situations requiring immediate attention.
• Logs student support interactions and reports to program for analysis.
• Helps other Creative Arts Technicians (various titles) when required.
• Supports other Creative Arts Technicians (various titles) in performing regular maintenance upgrades to hardware and software as required.
• Researches and recommends hardware and software for program growth and currency.

Equipment and Materials Maintenance/Inventory

• Receives and processes AVFX Hardware (with ITS as needed).
• Liaises with ITS and Vendors in support of the equipment needs of the creative arts portfolio.
• Assists ITS in the planning and installation of equipment.
• Assists ITS in testing of software and render farm requirements.
• Maintains a current inventory of all AVFX equipment allocated to lab spaces, faculty offices, online students, on loan to other departments, in storage, and out for maintenance.
• Works with supervisor and relevant service areas to monitor and update student agreements as necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Two years of post-secondary training, completion of a community college certificate, including a trades apprenticeship, or equivalent preparation in Animation and Visual Effects, 3D Game Design or a related field. Extensive relevant industry experience may substitute for formal credentials.
• Over one and up to two years of previous job-related experience, including two years of experience with 3D animation software and hardware.
• Working knowledge of 3D animation subject matter, software and production tools used in an AVFX-related program, including Maya, ZBrush, Houdini, Blender, Nuke or Natron, Unreal Engine, Adobe applications and Photoshop.
• Experience with Windows and troubleshooting common Windows-related issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex processes and software to novice users.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with strong troubleshooting, adaptability and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• A four-year undergraduate degree, or a three-year undergraduate degree plus one additional year of university study, in Animation and Visual Effects, 3D Game Design or a related field, or equivalent preparation.
• Working knowledge of other creative arts software packages.
• Experience setting up and using production-tracking software such as Autodesk Flow Production Tracking / ShotGrid.
• Technical certification related to animation software or hardware.
• Knowledge of PCs and drawing-tablet input devices for animation purposes.
• Experience with render-farm maintenance and testing protocols and with Rocky Linux.

Work Environment and Role Requirements

• On-campus work is required; hybrid work may occur casually. Remote work is not available for this position.
• Frequent periods of concentration and sensory attention, with regular use of computer screens and other equipment.
• Light physical effort, including sitting, standing and movement for modest periods; the role may involve moving items over 15 kg / 33 lb and periodically lifting heavier objects.
• Regular exposure to noise and dust from desks or computers and exposure to contaminants through shared work surfaces.
• Potential exposure to equipment-related hazards, including electric shock and pinched fingers or toes when handling equipment.
• Overtime may be required during peak periods at the beginning and end of academic terms or during significant network or hardware failures affecting learners.
• No job-required travel is identified.

Benefits and Compensation Information
An additional 15% of the hourly rate in lieu of vacation, statutory holidays and benefits.

Desired Start Date: November 23, 2026

Position End Date:
This is a conditionally funded position until June 30, 2027

Hours of work:
You will be employed on a full-time basis. It is understood that the hours of work involved will vary and be irregular and are those hours of work required to meet the objectives of your employment. Normal hours of operation are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, M – F

Note to Applicant
Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.

To enrich the intellectual, economic, cultural, and social development of Central Alberta, we value the contributions of individuals with diverse perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, individuals of all sexual orientations, and persons of any gender identity or expression.

Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected].

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• **Subject to Budget Approval**
• This position will remain open until filled; however, the first review of applications will begin on November 10, 2026.
• A strong internal candidate has been identified.
• This is a conditionally funded position until June 30, 2027.