Makerspace Manager

The University Makerspace is an innovative lab located in the School of Engineering designed for all students to independently design, prototype, and manufacture their creations using a variety of equipment.  This position is responsible for managing the operations of the Makerspace and creating a safe and welcoming environment.

This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt position with benefits. Benefits include: medical & dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, sick & vacation time, tuition remission benefits starting after 90 days (employee) or 2 years (spouse and children) of employment, retirement contributions after 2 years of employment, and eligibility for the University’s home purchase assistance program consistent with program requirements. (Please note that eligibility for all University benefits is subject to applicable policies, practices, and requirements.)

This position is eligible for a $1,000 hiring bonus.

The full job description is available at: https://bit.ly/3sz1bdc

Responsibilities:

Duties Related to the Management of the University’s Makerspace

• Manage maintenance and operations of all Makerspace equipment and machinery. 
• Provide training to students, faculty and staff as needed in the safe use of equipment and machinery.  Provide troubleshooting when necessary, research additions and replacements as appropriate, and coordinate implementation with faculty, staff, and IT.
• Provide supervision of Makerspace student workers.  Supervisory duties include hiring processes, setting of expectations, training, and disciplinary processes including termination of employment.
• Plan, manage, advertise, and execute Makerspace sponsored events during regular scheduled hours as well as nights and weekends as necessary.
• Manage all purchases, expenses, recordkeeping, inventory, etc. in partnership with school Budget Coordinator(s). Collaborate with University Development team to support fundraising efforts.
• Ensure materials and/or equipment are stocked and ordered as needed and manage budget requests for upcoming fiscal years.
• Coordinate with staff and faculty that use the Makerspace for courses, workshops, and events.  This could include training the faculty on equipment or being in the space during the event to assist.

Duties Related to the Supporting Faculty and Student Projects

• Support students using the Makerspace to promote creativity and innovation, safe work practices, proper material/equipment selection, and use.
• Manage faculty and student requests related to the Makerspace, manage scheduling, and assist with set-up and breakdown of equipment.
• Partner with faculty and students on projects to provide support, guidance and make recommendations as appropriate, machining of parts, testing, modifications, and other creative solutions.

Duties Related to Makerspace Health and Safety

• Partner with University Environmental Health and Safety team member to ensure standard processes are followed and documented as required.
• Consult with Physical Plant personnel concerning engineering laboratory and shop repairs or modifications to maintain specific standards, as needed.
• Manage Hazard Communications requirements; SDS sheets, proper labeling of hazards, personal protective equipment, and related.
• Work with external vendors to schedule repairs or as-needed preventive maintenance, calibrations.

Other duties as relevant to the duties of the position or as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Please note that the above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s purview and responsibility.

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Required: Associates degree or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Preferred: Experience in higher education and/or academic makerspaces
• Or a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.

Certifications and Licenses

• Preferred: None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of electronics and mechanical technology such as 3D printers, robotics, coding, sewing machines, craft supplies, and other similar technology strongly. In absence of proficiency in any device or area, ability to learn and understand the devices is required.
• Effective ability to use and learn computers, technology, software, and applications at level of sophistication required for the duties of the position, including, without limitation, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), the internet, and computerized maintenance management systems, and creative software suites.*
• Strong and effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn safety regulations and procedures, including those related to OSHA.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn laboratory safety practices and standard operating procedures.
• Competence with and commitment to diversity and inclusion; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships, professional rapport, and effectively accomplish work within a University setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively, accomplish organizational goals, communicate clearly, manage conflict, and act proactively.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience with vendor management.
• Ability to consistently handle and follow through with multiple projects and assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

*All University of Portland positions require the ability to use and/or learn to use in a timely manner current or new technologies, software, and applications at level of proficiency and sophistication required for duties of the position. In most situations, the necessity of learning, using, and/or supporting new technologies, software, and/or applications does not change a job description nor make the position one that involves higher level duties.

Please see full job description for information about physical requirements, working conditions, work standards, and statement about reasonable accommodations.