Makerspace and Innovation Specialist

The Innovation and Makerspace Specialist is responsible for planning, developing, and managing the Library’s Makerspace operations, resources, and programming. The specialist is in charge of managing all technology and resources in the makerspace, including purchase recommendations, maintaining inventory of equipment, handling upgrades and repairs, in addition to other organizational duties.

The Innovation and Makerspace Specialist will recruit, interview, hire, train, and supervise student personnel to: assist with the makerspace’s operations, including Makerspace Creative Assistants, Makerspace Outreach and Promotions Specialists. These students assist with the daily operations, social media content creation, and promotional materials.

The Innovation and Makerspace Specialist constantly interact with students, student workers, faculty, staff on applying makerspace technology into events, club activities, and curriculums. This position will also participate in community events representing Wilson Library Makerspace.

This role oversees the opening and closing of the Makerspace Sunday-Thursday and the opening of the library on Sundays. As well as, supervision of the Library Assistant student workers.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience working in a makerspace or workshop environment
• Excellent verbal and written command of English language
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1+ years experience working in a library setting (academic, public, or special library)
• Degree major in: computer science, engineering, or related field
• Proficiency in coding languages (e.g., Python, HTML, CSS, Javascript, C++)
• Experience troubleshooting various technology and operating makerspace equipment such as: 3D printers, laser cutters, die cutting machines, and sewing machines
• Familiarity of CAD programs (TinkerCAD, Blender, etc.)
• Experience with 3D prototyping and printing
• Experience working with Raspberry Pi and/or Arduinos
• Experience working at community events and creating outreach programs and workshops
• Knowledge of Library of Congress Classification
• Experience working with Springshare products
• Experience working with ExLibris Alma
• Experience supervising & managing personnel
• Experience delivering customer service a technology-rich environment

Specific Duties:

• Oversee daily operations of the Makerspace. Provide leadership and support to student staff to achieve departmental goals. Manage and track equipment inventory. Maintain user documentation and manuals. Monitor supplies and equipment to ensure readiness for upcoming projects. (Percentage of Time: 30%)
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, schedule, evaluate, Supervise and manage Makerspace student personnel [Makerspace Creative Assistants AND Makerspace Outreach and Promotions Specialists]. Offer professional development opportunities, mentorship, and guidance. (Percentage of Time: 25%)
• Support the Makerspace and Outreach Librarian to manage assigned projects, ensure equipment is operational and safely used, troubleshoot technical issues, and enforce regulatory compliance. (Percentage of Time: 15%)
• Develop, plan, coordinate, and execute various outreach events, workshops, and displays for library Makerspace. Build partnerships with various departments on campus, faculty, students, student organizations, and surrounding communities. Assist with the planning and organizing of the annual Makerspaces for Innovation and Research in Academics (MIRA) Conference and Mini Maker Fair. (Percentage of Time: 15%)
• Maintain and grow the Makerspace’s online presence, including Instagram and events/workshops on LibCal. Create flyers, videos, posters, and other promotional content. Maintain the Makerspace LibGuide. (Percentage of Time: 10%)
• Perform Circulation duties such as: opening or closing the library building, managing library communication (library chat, circulation and Interlibrary Loan emails), troubleshooting technology issues with the computer lab and copiers, supervising Library Assistants (student personnel), maintenance of circulating library materials (including but not limited to Interlibrary Loan) on Sundays and serve as backup coverage for other days, and other duties as assigned. (Percentage of Time: 5%)

Salary Range Maximum: $33.65 Minimum: $26.52

Benefits Summary: Applicants, please note that actual compensation is determined by several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to job-related skills, depth of experience, certifications, relevant education or training, and specific work location, among others. The offered wage or salary is only one aspect of an employee’s total compensation. Benefits include a comprehensive health and wellness plan, tuition remission program for employee, spouse, and dependent children, a generous contribution to the University’s 403B retirement plan, and a generous time off plan. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of a background check and employment verification.

Location: La Verne Main Campus