Maker Lab and Studio Space Manager

The Maker Lab and Studio Space Manager is responsible for maintaining studio spaces and managing maker lab resources, including Woodshop and Fabrication Lab in the Department of Art and Design. This position provides support to and instruction for students, faculty, and staff on equipment and resources in maker labs. The Manager oversees daily operations, including: orders supplies, maintaining equipment, hiring, training and managing student staff. This position is responsible for fabricating and repairing studio furniture, studio-safety resets, and facility checks.

This position also serves as the departmental safety officer, as the departmental representative on the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Safety Committee, and acts as the departmental liaison to the Suffolk Office of Environmental Health & Safety (OEHS) and the Campus Planning & Facilities Department. The Manager maintains knowledge of current trends and emerging tools and maker technologies that can be used in support of academic and institutional programming. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required as needed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

General Operations 30%

• Operate and manage Woodshop resources.

• Ensure proper functioning, maintenance and requisition of equipment and tools, and ventilation.
• Train students, faculty and staff on safety and operation of equipment.

Operate and manage 3D printing and laser cutting tools.

• Ensure the proper functioning of Maker Lab printers and devices by providing (or scheduling) repair and maintenance.
• Calibrate laser cutters and other devices on a regular basis.

Select, train, coach, and supervise work-study students.

• Prepare staffing schedule for work-study students.
• Create workflows, assign duties, and prepare and submit student payroll documentation.

Establish long-range goals for planning and implementation of new technologies for digital printing, prototyping, and advanced visualization in coordination with Suffolk Instructional Technology Services (ITS).

• Maintain working knowledge of industry-standard graphic software applications, digital output software, 3D modeling, scanning, and other related technologies.

Manage operating budget for supplies, materials, equipment, and service related to Maker Lab spaces. Advise on capital purchases.Assist with promotion of Maker Lab resources and services internally and externally through print, web, and social media tools.Host demonstrations for orientation and recruitment events.
Instructional Services 35%

• Produce and update Maker Lab Manual and educational handouts and information sheets for distribution to students, faculty, and staff.
• Prepare and deliver department-wide and institution-wide technical workshops and training on Woodshop tools and equipment, 3D printers, and laser cutting.
• Advise faculty and students on 3D and laser printing technology for classes and individual projects, and address questions regarding applications, file preparation, 3D modeling, etc.
• Determine workshop and training needs each semester in consultation with Art and Design Program Directors.
• Create, maintain, and disseminate Maker Lab instructional calendar.
• Provide technical assistance for special events and for visiting artists and designers who require Maker Lab resources in consultation with Department Chairperson. Makes facilities available to non-departmental faculty when appropriate.

Health And Safety 15%

• Serve as departmental Safety Officer and liaison to the Suffolk Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS).
• Ensure department operations are conducted in accordance with the relevant Chemical Hygiene/Safety Plan and that a copy of the plan is available and accessible to all departmental employees.
• Monitor staff safety performance to ensure required practices and techniques are employed.
• Work with supervisors to define areas where high hazard materials will be used and to ensure that the inventory of these substances is properly maintained.
• Work with the Department Chairperson, the Program Directors, and OEHS to obtain, review, and approve standard operating procedures (SOPs), detailing all aspects of proposed research or art activities that involve hazardous agents or practices not covered under the "Basic SOPs for Hazardous Chemicals and/or Materials."
• Ensure users receive instructions and training in safe work practices and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ensure users receive training in the procedures for reporting and responding to accidents, especially involving those hazardous substances and materials.
• Maintain material safety data sheets for materials used in the department.
• Document and report accidents to the Director of OEHS for follow-up.
• Conduct daily safety inspections of labs/studios/workshops.
• Remove waste paints from studios to centralized waste storage and manage sharps waste.
• Perform weekly flushing of eyewash stations.
• Serves as the departmental representative to the CAS Safety Committee.

Studio Space Management 15%

• Manage departments facilities maintenance requests and workflows with the Campus Planning & Facilities Department in consultation with Administrative Services Manager.
• Reset studio instructional spaces in conjunction with student staff for Safe-Distancing during COVID-19 restrictions.
• Assess condition of studios and studio equipment each semester.
• Identify equipment in need of repair and make recommendations for replacement.
• Fabricate furniture, storage, and art installation systems as needed under guidance of the appropriate Program Director and the Chairperson.

Accreditation 5%

• Assist with preparation for CIDA and NASAD report writing and site visits as they relate to Maker Lab resources and services.
• Participate in programmatic, departmental, and institutional accreditation review processes, meetings, and events as needed.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in art, design, or related field required
• 2-5 years of experience working in maker and institutional, academic, or non-profit lab settings or equivalent
• Proficiency operating woodshop equipment and tools such as band saws, sanders, drills, woodworking tools, dust collection systems, etc.
• Proficiency operating 3D printing and production equipment and laser cutting technologies
• Familiarity with graphic applications for 3D prototyping and scanning, and/or architectural or object design
• Excellent collaboration, organizational, and time management skills
• Experience with technical training and teaching
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders
• Excellent communication, presentation, and customer services skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and troubleshoot problems with minimal supervision
• Proficient written and verbal skills

Please see job description

PI192263411