Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and strong industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.
As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships. As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.
We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.
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Competition ID: 4629
Internal Closing Date: June 14, 2026
External Closing Date: Open Until Filled
# of Openings: 3
- Salary Information: 13 - BCGEU Pay Grid - $33.88 to $37.81 per hour
Employment Type: On-Call
Workplace Type: On-Site
Travel Frequency: Occasional travel between campuses is required.
Employee Group: Support Staff (BC General Employees Union)
Days of Work (BCGEU): Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Hours of Work (BCGEU): 9:30am-5:00pm
Hours per Week (BCGEU): Varies
We are currently seeking an Instructional Associate, Fine Arts to join our Faculty of Arts team.
Job Overview
The Fine Arts Instructional Associate assists the Faculty of Arts with overall course delivery in designated departments by assuming responsibility for instruction, student guidance and assessment (including safety quiz marking and participation in the studio component of any course). In addition to instructing students on studio procedures and the use of studio equipment, the Instructional Associate researches, conduct experiments and introduces new materials, equipment and procedures to advance the program. The Fine Arts Instructional Associate’s work may support any program or course offered by the relevant department(s).
Based on an established timetable of student studio assignments and using standard and prescribed safety practices they are expected to perform their duties with a minimum of managerial supervision, and to work effectively with other Instructional Associates, faculty members and staff.
Education and Experience
Bachelor of Fine Arts or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of the course content, studio equipment and supplies currently used in the program.
Knowledge of the techniques and safety aspects involved with areas of supervision which could include woodworking, metalworking, moldmaking, ceramics, photography, digital media, print making, painting and drawing, etc.
Demonstrated ability to use studios and provide demonstrations in a studio setting and develop explanations and procedures related to course content. Ability to demonstrate studio techniques.
5A working knowledge of the operation and routine maintenance of studio equipment involved with areas of supervision which could include woodworking, metalworking, moldmaking, ceramics, photography, digital media, print making etc.
Studio supervision and teaching experience. Be able to demonstrate studio techniques and have practical experience in these. Proven related teaching experience is an asset.
Ability to develop and deliver a safety lecture and testing program for fine arts students.
Preference will be given to applicants with active involvement in the local art community.
Superior organizational and time-management skills in coordinating projects and meeting multiple overlapping deadlines.
Proven ability to effectively prioritize work and manage time in an administrative environment with multiple demands and frequent interruptions.
Proven ability to develop effective multi-person administrative procedures in a systematic, organized fashion.
Working knowledge of the operation of equipment and appropriate PC and Mac computer operating systems and software where required i.e. Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office etc.
Good working knowledge of business records, inventory, ordering and receiving procedures and ability to use a computer efficiently in these tasks. Experience with inventory management is an asset.
Experience with supervising and creating a safe learning environment for students.
Demonstrated working knowledge of WHMIS and other preventative measures required for the safe operation of the studio.
Be well organized and energetic, with good abilities in problem solving, adaptability and interpersonal skills with people of varied backgrounds, including supervisors, instructors, staff and students.
Demonstrated initiative and ability to work autonomously, with minimum supervision, exercising good judgment and initiative.
Ability to support faculty and students in research.
Prior experience assisting in a 3-D or graphic arts department in a post-secondary institution.
Excellent working knowledge of English, both oral and written. Proven excellence in communication skills, both oral and written, exhibiting a high level of tact, professionalism and diplomacy.
Proven ability to comprehend, communicate and comply with established policies, practices and procedures
Superior interpersonal skills, with the ability to patiently and effectively deal with a diverse range of people in a respectful and professional manner.
Proven ability to handle confidential matters and materials with tact and discretion.
Proven ability to take direction and complete assigned tasks on time.
Proven ability to work independently under minimal supervision,
Proven ability to work constructively and cooperatively with a faculty team.
Proven ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and rapidly changing work environments.
Required to travel between campuses and work some evenings and weekends.
As per the KPU-BCGEU Collective Agreement, qualified internal applicants within the BCGEU bargaining unit are given first consideration in filling this position. Internal applicants must apply by 11:59pm on the internal closing date in order to be considered as an internal applicant. Internal applications received after the closing date will be considered as an external applicant.
Salary Information
Salary and wage increments are in accordance with the Collective Agreement.
Total Rewards
As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!
Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.
Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.
Note to Applicants
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.
If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at
[email protected].
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
