Makerspace Supervisor

Olathe; Olathe (KS); On-site; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health and dental coverage

Retirement plans

Educational reimbursement

LiveWell wellness program

Job summary

The City of Olathe is seeking a Makerspace Supervisor to lead a team of Makerspace Specialists and support daily operations. This full-time, in-person role focuses on programming, scheduling, and staff training to deliver engaging community experiences.

Experience with laser cutters, 3D printers, and CAD design is preferred, and strong customer service along with English proficiency is required. The position includes weekend shifts and collaboration with the Makerspace Manager.

Qualifications

• Two years of relevant Makerspace experience or similar in a hands-on environment.
• Experience delivering programs, workshops, or one-on-one instruction on Makerspace equipment.
• One year of supervisory experience in a team-based setting.
• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Proficiency in English; Spanish/ASL helpful.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and develops a team of Makerspace staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and evaluations; PIC coverage on a rotating schedule.
• Leads programming development aligned with library goals and ensures accessible delivery across formats.
• Provides guidance and instruction on Makerspace tools; maintains knowledge of equipment and schedules maintenance; manages inventory.
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders to maximize resources for program delivery.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Training and instruction

Customer service orientation

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Safety orientation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in STEAM or related field

Tools

Laser cutters

3D printers

Sewing/Embroidery machines

Vinyl cutters

Studio A/V equipment

CAD design

Job description

Employment Type Full Time Job Summary Hiring range: $26.01 to $29.72 hourly, depending on qualifications.

Are you a creative leader with a passion for technology, innovation, and public service? The City of Olathe is looking for a Makerspace Supervisor to join our dynamic team! This role is pivotal in driving the success and growth of the makerspace. It offers a unique opportunity to lead a community of makers, foster new ideas, and make a lasting impact in the community. If you are interested in emerging technologies, enjoy teaching, troubleshooting and taking initiative we want to hear from you! This is a full-time in-person position 40 hours weekly with rotational Saturday shifts. The position works closely with the Makerspace Manager and Specialists to offer this public service to the community. For more details, review the full job details and requirements below. The Makerspace Supervisor is a working supervisor role supporting the customer service and operational goals of the makerspace. Working closely with the Makerspace Manager, this position helps supervise a team of Makerspace Specialists and support the day to day operations of the group through scheduling, training, and actively supporting programming. The supervisor also actively contributes to and implements Makerspace and Library programming.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervises and develops a team of Makerspace staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and conducting performance evaluations for employees; shares the responsibility of being the person in charge (PIC) of the building through a rotating schedule that includes covering occasional evening and weekend shifts.
• Participates in and provides leadership in the creation of programming aligned with goals and best practices from the library programming plan; ensures intellectual freedom principles through programs and services; determines developmentally appropriate delivery mechanisms, whether in the library, online, or through community outreach; adheres to departmental and organizational standards, including brand guidelines; collaborates with internal stakeholders, including the library programming team, and maximizes collective resources for effective program delivery.
• Provides guidance and shares knowledge with Makerspace Specialists; offers one-on-one instruction and training to staff and customers of all ages on a variety of Makerspace tools and technologies; maintains updated product knowledge of equipment, materials, and software; develops and executes detailed maintenance schedules and manages inventory of supplies; collaborates with internal stakeholders, including City departments and community partners.

Qualifications

Experience: A minimum of two years of relevant experience or experience working in a similar environment is required, which may include: laser cutters, 3D printers, sewing and embroidery machines, vinyl cutters, studio A/V equipment, and similar tools.

Professional experience delivering programs, workshops, or one-on-one instruction on Makerspace equipment with electronics/circuits, audio & visual, and CAD design backgrounds are preferred.

One year of supervisory experience with the following is also essential: working in a team-based environment requiring work with a variety of people; organizational and time management skills; analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collect, organize, and analyze information; interpersonal and communication skills, including verbal and written communication; safety orientation; and strong customer service orientation.

Education:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A bachelor’s degree in any STEAM discipline, Entrepreneurship, Library Science, or a relevant field is preferred.

Licenses & Certifications:

None

Language:

Proficiency with verbal and written English language required. Additional proficiency with Spanish and American Sign Language preferred.

Environmental or Physical Demands:

This position requires maneuvering equipment and materials which requires lifting of at least 60 pounds on a regular basis, bending, twisting, and reaching. Equipment in the work area may also require exposure to chemicals and fumes.

The City of Olathe consistently ranks as one of the best places to work, live and raise a family. That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because thousands of dedicated City employees work each day to make life better in our community. “Setting the standard for excellence in public service” is not just a saying in Olathe. It is what we do. Olathe’s quality of life is second to none, and we believe our employees deserve the same.

• competitive pay
• health and dental coverage
• retirement plans
• educational reimbursement
• Employees can take advantage of the all-encompassing LiveWell wellness program to help them be their best selves—mentally, physically, socially, and financially.

The City of Olathe values and fosters an innovative, diverse, and inclusive culture.

The City of Olathe champions continuous training and development for employees at all levels. It is our belief that if our employees continue to grow and be successful, both personally and professionally, then the City will serve our residents in the best ways possible. If you’re looking for a career where you can serve others, make a difference, and grow, then your path starts here.