Makerspace Project Assistant

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota Makerspace in the Health Sciences Libraries is seeking a Project Assistant to support daily operations, instructional programming, and ongoing development of the Makerspace and the Virtual Reality Studio. The role involves teaching beginner and intermediate workshops, assisting patrons, and helping improve instructional materials and workflows.

This in-person position requires strong technical skills with digital fabrication tools, the ability to troubleshoot complex

Qualifications

• Experience in a makerspace or fabrication lab.
• Experience providing hands‑on support or instruction with digital fabrication tools.
• Ability to explain complex concepts to users with varying experience levels.
• Strong problem‑solving and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Ability to follow safety procedures in a workshop setting.
• GED or high school diploma minimum.

Responsibilities

• Staff the Makerspace during scheduled shifts, ensuring safe use of equipment.
• Assist patrons with project planning, tool use, and troubleshooting across experience levels.
• Provide coverage for shifts and support the Virtual Reality Studio as needed.
• Teach beginner and intermediate workshops using established curriculum with digital fabrication tools.
• Assist with maintenance, calibration, and repair of makerspace equipment.
• Document issues, monitor safety, and contribute to space planning and program development.

Skills

Makerspace experience

Hands-on support

Instruction & teaching

Communication

Team collaboration

Safety procedures

Education

GED or high school diploma

Tools

3D printers

Laser cutters

CNC mills

2D vector design software

3D CAD software

Job description

About the Job

The Makerspace Project Assistant supports the daily operations, instructional programming, and ongoing development of the Makerspace in the Health Sciences Libraries, with secondary coverage in the Virtual Reality Studio. This position works in close collaboration with the Makerspace Lab Manager and the Engagement, Outreach, and Community Partnerships staff to support a wide range of users, including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff across the University of Minnesota, and community partners.

The Makerspace Project Assistant serves as a peer-level technical and instructional resource, independently teaching beginner and intermediate workshops using established makerspace curriculum, while also contributing to the continuous improvement of instructional materials, workflows, and programs. The role combines hands‑on technical support, equipment maintenance, and patron assistance with active participation in space planning, operational improvements, and program development.

This position requires strong technical competency with digital fabrication tools and software, the ability to troubleshoot and maintain complex equipment, and the capacity to communicate clearly with users of varying experience levels in a shared, interdisciplinary makerspace environment.

This position is in-person only; remote work is not available.

Hours/Availability: 5 hours on MWF and 7 hours TTh; schedule may change on a weekly basis.

**This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.**

Responsibilities

Daily Operations & Staffing (40%)

• Staff the Makerspace in the Health Sciences Library during scheduled shifts, providing front‑line support to patrons and ensuring safe, effective use of equipment and spaces.
• Assist patrons with project planning, tool use, software workflows, and troubleshooting across a range of experience levels.
• Support daily operational tasks such as opening and closing procedures, monitoring space usage, maintaining cleanliness and organization, and documenting issues or incidents.
• Assist with inventory management of makerspace tools, materials, and consumable supplies.
• Provide coverage for scheduled shifts and assist with operational needs in the Virtual Reality Studio as needed.

Instruction & Workshops (40%)

• Teach beginner and intermediate workshops using established makerspace curriculum, including hands‑on instruction with digital fabrication tools and software such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills, 2D vector design tools, and 3D CAD software.
• Serve as a peer‑level instructional resource during workshops and open hours, supporting patrons through demonstrations, guided instruction, and individualized assistance.
• Contribute to the refinement, documentation, and updating of makerspace curriculum and instructional materials in collaboration with library staff.
• Support outreach, programming, and instructional initiatives that serve undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff across the University.

Equipment & Technical Support (20%)

• Assist with routine maintenance, calibration, diagnostics, and repair of makerspace equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills, and related technologies.
• Monitor equipment condition and usage, document technical issues, and coordinate with staff on repairs, maintenance schedules, and equipment improvements.
• Support safe operation of equipment through adherence to established procedures and reporting of safety concerns.

Qualifications

Required:

• Demonstrated experience working in a makerspace, fabrication lab, design studio, or comparable technical learning environment.
• Demonstrated experience providing hands‑on support or instruction with digital fabrication tools and equipment, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills, or related technologies.
• Demonstrated experience assisting users with projects, troubleshooting technical issues, and explaining complex concepts to individuals with varying levels of experience.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, make sound decisions in a shared technical environment, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to follow established safety procedures and operational guidelines in a workshop or lab setting.
• Minimum GED or high school diploma.

Preferred:

• Experience teaching or leading workshops, trainings, or instructional sessions using established curriculum.
• Experience with 2D vector design software and 3D CAD design software commonly used in makerspace environments.
• Experience with equipment maintenance, calibration, and repair in a makerspace or lab setting.
• Experience supporting interdisciplinary users, including undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff.
• Familiarity with library‑based makerspaces or academic support environments.
• Project‑based experience contributing to space planning, workflow improvements, or program development.

Physical Requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation (if applicable)

• Ability to frequently move or lift items weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to move equipment, materials, and carts on wheels weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform hands‑on work in a workshop environment.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $18.00 - $20.00/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About University of Minnesota

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.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.