Apply on Employer Site

Inside Higher Ed · 15 hours ago

MakerSpace & Woodshop Technician

Swarthmore, PA

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$63K/yr - $80K/yr

2+ years exp

Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college known for its academic rigor and social responsibility. The MakerSpace & Woodshop Technician plays a critical role in ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment while supporting various studio arts courses and managing the MakerSpace and woodshop operations.

Digital MediaEducationHigher EducationJournalismRecruiting

Responsibilities

Supports the Art Department Studio Arts courses being taught in the space, including Sculpture and 3D Design, as well as any other future courses offered in the space

Work with the Senior MakerSpace and Woodshop Manager on planning, setup, and maintenance of the Woodshop and Digital Fabrication tools and space including selecting and installing equipment

Assist in developing policies and training programs in consultation with the Director of Learning Spaces Innovation, Senior MakerSpace and Woodshop Manager, and the MakerSpace Committee as appropriate

Help identify new equipment and technologies, new making activities and programs, educational materials/techniques for classes and training, including the formation and sustaining of maker communities

Assist with managing supplies, including restocking materials and maintaining inventory in consultation with the Studio Art faculty, ITS, and other users

Assist with hiring, training, and supervising student employees to help manage the facility

Collaborate, organize, publicize, and facilitate college-community workshops with other departments across campus

Collaborate with fellow Information Technology Services (ITS) colleagues, librarians, faculty, staff, and students to integrate innovative making and technology practices into teaching, learning, and creative MakerSpace projects

Assist with documenting and showcasing what happens in the MakerSpace using the web, social media, ITS blog, Instagram and other media

Provide consistent supervision of the Woodshop and MakerSpace during open hours to maintain a safe, supportive learning environment

Enforce safety policies and procedures for woodworking, metalworking, and digital fabrication equipment

Conduct safety orientations, equipment certifications, demonstrations, and refreshers for students, faculty, and staff

Monitor tool usage and address unsafe behaviors or conditions promptly

Provide incident response and documentation in collaboration with the Senior MakerSpace and Woodshop Manager

Maintain woodshop tools for optimal working condition assuring safety and functionality

Maintain a clean, organized, and accessible workspace in all shop and fabrication areas

Qualification

Woodshop safety management3D designFabricationAdobe Creative SuiteWoodworking tools expertiseCNC machines operationBudget trackingWorkshop facilitationCreative problem-solvingTeam collaborationAdaptability

Required

Bachelor's Degree with two years of professional experience within the industry or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience

Extensive knowledge of (and experience with) managing training and safety in a Woodshop/MakerSpace environment

Experience in woodworking and maintaining a woodshop with knowledge of woodworking tools, machines, techniques, and processes

Experience and skill in one or more of the following areas together with a willingness to develop skills in the new areas: 3D design and fabrication, 3D printing, 3D printer slicer software, sewing and textiles, or other specialized types of making

Software and hardware skills should include some combination of: Adobe Creative Suite; 3D modeling/creation tools (Rhino, SolidWorks, Autodesk apps such as Fusion 360, CAM software); Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or other microcontrollers; 3D scanning; photography; sewing machines and weaving, CNC machines, casting techniques (plaster, resins, etc.), the Internet of Things

Ability to conduct workshops and demonstrations

Creative problem-solving instincts, the ability to learn quickly, and an interest in utilizing both traditional and non-traditional tools

The vision to understand and appreciate the intellectual, cultural, and sociopolitical development of undergraduate students in the context of a small liberal arts institution

Works successfully with diverse community members across campus