SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS
ACADEMY OF VISUAL ARTS
Senior Technical Officer (25260569)
The Academy of Visual Arts is seeking a highly experienced Senior Technical Officer to lead the technical operations and facility management of our Kai Tak campus. Housed in a Grade 1 historic building, this campus requires a technically rigorous and highly collaborative leader. The successful candidate will not only oversee complex fabrication studios (wood, metal, sculpture, printmaking) but will explicitly be tasked with mentoring a new generation of junior technical staff and fostering a culture of continuous learning and safety.
Responsibilities:
- Team supervision and talents nurturing: Ensure the continuity of quality services provision and culture at AVA, coaching junior technical staff, with continuous and professional on-the-job trainings, covering the daily operation of Sculpture Studio, Wood Workshop, Metal Workshop, 3D Printing Studio, Drawing and Painting Studio, Printmaking Studio, etc.;
- Inspection and maintenance of Kai Tak campus: Carry out inspection exercises of campus and large equipment on a regular basis; review work plans and keep safety protocols up-to-date with reference to established standards;
- Annual campus renovation project: Coordinate with AVA general office in planning, scheduling, and executing renovation work of studios and classrooms, budget control, annual venue conversion to graduation exhibition venues from April; and reinstatation of the venue during summer break;
- Technical support to AVA community: Ensure the safe and efficient operation of facilities and equipment by conducting routine exercises with new technologies and related tools to maintain consistent studio performance and assist in in-class demonstration at all levels;
- Budget Supervision and Procurement of equipment and materials: Coordinate with team members to source suitable tools and materials for different fields of visual arts study in compliance with University’s guidelines in each semester. Closely monitor the budget and maintain comprehensive inventory of tools and equipment and coordinate procurement affairs;
- Studio Enhancement and Coordination: Collaborate with faculty on studio reorganization and enhancement to ensure a safe, positive, and inclusive studio environment that encourages experimentation, creativity and flagship events; and
- Occasional weekend and/or evening work will be required.
Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in Visual Arts, Fine Arts, Engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience; Higher Diploma, Professional Certificate, or Bachelor’s degree in a relevant technical, engineering, or arts field. Extensive, demonstrable practical experience may be considered in lieu of formal academic degrees;
- Solid experience and knowledge in studio/workshop work and operation of studio equipment in the respective areas of 5 years or beyond, inclusive but not limited to 3D printing, prototyping, sculpture, wood working, metal working, welding, plasma cutting, printmaking, etc.;
- While primary expertise in heavy fabrication is required, supplementary knowledge in digital fabrication (3D printing, CNC, Laser) or related software (e.g., Rhino, Fusion360, Blender) is a strong advantage;
- Substantial supervisory experience of 5 years or beyond in leading a team of junior technical support staff members;
- Solid experience in budgetary management, local and international material sourcing, inventory and procurement scheduling with knowledge of supplier links in HK, Mainland China, Europe, North America;
- Knowledge of Hong Kong Occupational Safety and Health Council/Labour Department safety regulations; ability to conduct risk assessments; first-aid trained; with the capacity to ensure chemical storage compliance, manage safe handling protocols, and guide student monitors in safety procedures;
- Ability to maintain Safety Data Sheet (SDS) records, ensure chemical safety, and supervise hazardous-waste procedures; including solvent management, controlled disposal workflows, and correct labelling and segregation of materials;
- Good interpersonal, communication and organizational skills and be a good team leader and team player to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic studio environment;
- Solid command of written and spoken English and Chinese (Cantonese and Putonghua); and
- Proficiency in computer applications, particularly MS Office (e.g., Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and portfolio submission. The initial appointment will be made on a fixed-term contract of two years. Re-appointment thereafter is subject to mutual agreement and availability of funding.
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Procedure:
Applicants are invited to submit their applications at the HKBU e-Recruitment System. Those who are not invited for interview 8 weeks after submission of application may consider their applications unsuccessful. Details of the University's Personal Information Collection Statement can be found at https://hro.hkbu.edu.hk/en/worklife-at-hkbu/employee-favourable-environment.html#privacy-policy.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment for the post advertised, and the appointment will be made according to the terms and conditions applicable at the time of offer.
Review of applications will be conducted between late Mar and mid-Apr 2026, until the position is filled.
