Required:

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of related experience; or a combination of related education and work experience to equal 8 years.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and diagnose technical problems.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative organizational environment.
• Demonstrated strong written communications skills (as evidenced by a cover letter and resume).
• Demonstrate the commitment to effectively work with and engage a diverse student population with special focus on Black, American Indian, Southeast Asian, Latino, Pacific Islander, and Asian International students
• Strong commitment to providing excellent customer service.

Preferred:

• Experience working with and troubleshooting/maintaining maker technology, including but not limited to 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC Mills, vinyl cutters, soldering irons, sewing machines.
• Experience managing student staff, including hiring, training, and daily supervision.
• Strong problem-solving, multitasking, and organizational skills.
• Experience with emerging technologies, makerspaces, or the “maker” movement and philosophy.
• Aptitude for learning and applying new software and technologies.
• Public speaking and/or teaching experience.

Makerspace Lab Manager (Library Associate 3)

Salary Minimum: $49,500 plus, Depending On Qualifications

The Makerspace Lab Manager provides leadership around the management and development of the Makerspace located in the Health Sciences and Walter Libraries. This work applies an in-depth knowledge of maker technology (e.g, 3D printers, CNC Mills, Laser Cutters) to ensure ongoing support and operations of the Makerspace. The incumbent will be responsible for the development and teaching of workshops, conducting in-depth consultations, supervising student employees, contributing to policy and procedures, and monitoring technology trends to align the Makerspace with new and emergent needs. They will form strong connections with the makerspace in Walter Library and innovation spaces on campus in order to promote best practices and share information.

The Makerspace Lab Manager is part of the Engagement, Outreach, and Community Partnerships (EOCP) department and reports to the Director of EOCP. The successful candidate will work with the EOCP Director to help faculty integrate the Makerspace and making/design concepts into coursework and facilitate courses using the space. In addition, they will partner with the Director and EOCP colleagues to develop programmatic goals and future directions for the space that reflect user needs, new opportunities, and trends in academic makerspaces.

The Engagement, Outreach, and Community Partnerships department leads an overall strategy and operations for experiential learning, social innovation, and entrepreneurship services in the Libraries. The work is grounded in the Libraries strategic commitments for student engagement, learning, knowledge creation, and creativity. The department leads the Libraries’ makerspaces, Media Services, Virtual Reality, and the Toaster Innovation Hub, as well as advocating for new investments and services around social innovation and place-based experiential learning. EOCP members take a highly intentional and critical approach to this work, incorporating new tools and programming when user needs’ and pedagogy support it.

Essential Functions
Management of Daily Makerspace Operations (50%)

• Hire student workers and train them in equipment use, safety protocols, and guidelines for supporting users and creating a welcoming environment.
• Develop a work schedule for student staff, assign tasks and oversee their work. Collaborate with colleagues to cover any gaps in coverage due to absence or illness.
• Maintain budgets, reports and statistics necessary for the running of the Makerspace, reporting its use and planning for the future.
• Oversee repair and maintenance of equipment and space. Collaborate with Libraries and University IT to ensure computer hardware and software are current.
• Assure that all equipment, policies, and procedures comply with University, State and Federal codes, regulations and/or policies.
• Maintain an inventory of supplies and consumables that support equipment use, design thinking, crafting and general making. Use feedback from users and observed needs to select new supplies for purchase.
• Model/foster a culture in the space that is welcoming to a diverse range of users and levels of experience.

Support for Workshops, Curricula, Learning and User Projects (25%)

• Collaborate with the Director of EOCP to support faculty interested in incorporating the Makerspace into their courses. This could include developing/assisting with assignments, hosting classes in the Makerspace, and teaching targeted workshops.
• Organize and lead development of workshops and training sessions that help users develop new skills and advance personal and professional interests. The Manager may develop and teach sessions or collaborate with library staff, student workers, or Makerspace users to develop and teach courses.
• Lead support for user projects and offer consultations around approaches, tools and techniques. This includes the work of student employees who are answering user questions. Collaborate with the Emerging Technology Support Specialist to identify and complete special projects and provide in-depth user support.
• Create example objects, starter projects, “Make of the Week,” and other resources that get new users making, inspired, and developing skills.
• Develop and deliver print, streaming, and in‐person educational materials to empower users to complete curriculum-integrated work, develop new skills, and turn ideas into prototypes.

Program Development and Promotion (20%)

• Share information about the space and user projects through various channels including the website, digital signage, physical signage and exhibits, presentations and short news stories, working with the HSL Communications Team and others on campus for a coordinated approach.
• Analyze the needs of current or potential Makerspace users, and respond with appropriate programs, training, equipment and resources.
• In collaboration with the EOCP Director, research and benchmark makerspaces at peer institutions around the globe to bring best practices to the HSL Makerspace.
• Keep current with developments in the field.
• Explore and support making through small-scale experiments and interdisciplinary partnerships with providers and collaboration with other spaces within Health Sciences, university, and Twin Cities communities.
• Develop relationships with the Walter Library Makerspace and other campus makerspaces and identify opportunities for collaboration and information sharing.

Service and Other Duties (5%)

• Service on Libraries groups and committees as necessary and under the direction of the Director of EOCP.
• Provides backup support as needed for other functional work or activities of the department.
• Complete other work and special projects as assigned.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.