Makerspace Supervisor (Temporary Non-Benefitted Position)

UMass Boston; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A temporary part-time position at UMass Amherst, supporting the Makerspace operations during afternoons and evenings. This role requires a high school diploma and relevant experience, focusing on training and supervising users while maintaining equipment and programming events. Ideal candidates will have strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach.

Qualifications

• 2+ years relevant experience in academic settings.
• Experience using and maintaining shop equipment required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide training and supervision during makerspace open hours.
• Identify and implement improvements to makerspace operations.
• Troubleshoot and perform repairs on equipment as needed.

Skills

Technical guidance

Safety supervision

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Tools

3D printing

Laser cutting

Woodshop tools

CNC equipment

Job description

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

This role supports the UMass Makerspace during makerspace open hours in the afternoons and evenings. The person in this position, working alongside the rest of the makerspace team, takes on a mix of technical, and managerial responsibilities to support the makerspace community and ensure the makerspace runs smoothly and safely. This role works alongside other members of the makerspace team including staff, students, and volunteers and interfaces with visitors to and members of the makerspace.

Essential Functions

• Provide training, technical guidance, & supervision to visitors and makerspace team members during open hours.
• Identify, design, and implement improvements to the makerspace and makerspace program
• Develop and coordinate makerspace programming and events
• General shop upkeep (cleaning, organization)
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform straightforward repairs. If the problem goes beyond basic maintenance and repairs, work with the equipment manufacturer to diagnose and fix any issues.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• High school diploma with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in academic settings such as makerspaces, studios, workshops, or laboratories.
• Experience with using and maintaining shop equipment and providing safety supervision.
• Experience in fabrication and design.
• Independent initiative. Must have the ability to stay on task and work productively with a minimum amount of supervision or guidance.
• Must be willing and able to create a collaborative learning environment, engage students, and contribute to student success.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, students, and off- campus constituents. Ability and willingness to work empathetically with a diverse student population and contribute to their success.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in a logical sequence.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner, balancing the demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience with 3d printing.
• Experience with laser cutting.
• Experience with electronics and programming.
• Experience with woodshop tools.
• Experience with metal fabrication tools.
• Experience with CNC equipment.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical workshop environment. Occasionally lift and move equipment in the fabrication area.

Work Schedule

• Second shift (M-F 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM) covering afternoon and evening portion of makerspace open hours.
• This is a temporary, non-benefited position.

Salary Information

• $26/hr.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please apply online and submit your resume and contact information for three references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.