Blacksmithing and Metalworking Studio Assistant

Help bring EOU’s blacksmithing forge back to life! As the Blacksmithing and Metalworking Studio Assistant, you’ll work hands-on with tools, equipment, and materials in the Art Department’s forge and metal shop. Students in this position gain unique experience restoring and organizing a creative studio space, writing instructional guides, and learning real-world metalworking practices. This role is perfect for students with an interest in sculpture, industrial design, or hands-on tool work who want to contribute to building safe and functional learning environments at EOU.

Supervisors Name & Title	Auburn Isaak, Educational Program Assistant for the Visual Performing Arts
Student Job Title	Blacksmithing and Metalworking Studio Assistant
Department	College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Position Funding	Work-study required
Number of Student Positions	Multiple
Job Category	Student employee
Job Level & Compensation/Wage	$14.55 per hour (Level 2)
Job Location	On-campus, in-person
Job Duration	Academic Year (September to June) Not expected to work during enrollment breaks
Type of work schedule	Part-time; hours are flexible and will be scheduled around student availability and agreed upon with the supervisor.
Estimated numbers of hours per week	5-10 hours
Experiential Learning:	Students will learn how to assess, restore, and maintain blacksmithing and metalworking equipment while developing skills in studio organization, safety practices, and technical writing. The position offers a rare opportunity to connect classroom learning with historical and contemporary practices in the metal arts. By the end of the experience, students will have developed problem-solving, documentation, and hands-on skills that are highly transferable to careers in the arts, industrial design, and beyond.
Professional Development:	Students will gain experience working with specialized tools and equipment including forges, anvils, grinders, and welders. Training will emphasize safe tool use, documentation, and collaborative studio practices. Students will also strengthen their writing and organizational abilities through the creation of step-by-step instructional guides and maintenance systems for future users.
Summary of Job Duties/Responsibilities/Essential Functions:	– Assess the condition of blacksmithing and metalworking tools in consultation with faculty/staff. – Clean, restore, and organize the forge and metalworking space. – Document restoration steps, equipment specs, and operational limitations. – Research and draft operation guides for processes such as forging, grinding, cutting, and welding. – Create step-by-step instructional checklists for equipment. – Label and organize tools, tool storage, and supply areas. – Assist in testing and demonstrating equipment with supervision. – Help construct and weld items needed for departmental use
Minimum Qualifications:	– Must be enrolled at EOU with Federal Work Study eligibility. – Willingness to engage in physical labor and hands-on tool work.
Preferred Qualifications:	– Experience in welding, metal work, or blacksmithing. – Strong interest in sculpture, metal arts, or industrial design.
Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:	– Attention to detail and commitment to safety. – Strong writing and documentation skills. – Ability to work independently and take initiative after training.
Required Application Material:	– Cover Letter – Resume
Send Application Materials To:	Auburn Isaak isaakar@eou.edu
Job Opening Date:	10/02/2025
Job Closing Date:	Open Until Filled
First Day of Application Review:	Reviewing as applications come in
Estimated Start Date:	October 2025
Special Message	Eastern Oregon University is an EEO Employer and welcome applications from women, members of historically underrepresented minority groups, US Veterans, and persons with disabilities. EOU is committed to providing equal opportunity in its recruitment, admissions, educational programs, activities and employment without illegal discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, national origin, race, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or any status as protected by state or federal law.
Position Description