Makerspace Team Lead 19 Hour

La Porte County Public Library; La Porte (IN); Hybrid; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Part time

Job summary

La Porte County Public Library is seeking a Makerspace Team Lead to oversee daily operations of the LPCPL Exchange and support the Learning Services Team. The role emphasizes hands-on customer service, program delivery, and supervision of staff and volunteers in a busy makerspace environment.

You will coordinate classes, assist patrons with devices and tools, and ensure safety and equipment upkeep across all maker spaces.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and specialized training applicable to position.
• Public service orientation and genuine customer service.
• One year of experience with makerspaces or similar facilities.
• Required to complete training on maker and STEAM equipment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to use and troubleshoot equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters.
• Proficiency with computers and standard office equipment.
• Valid Indiana driver's license.
• Take charge in emergency situations.

Responsibilities

• Assign and supervise daily work of staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Provide first point of contact for customers and in person requests for assistance.
• Provide hands-on customer service, research assistance, answer questions, help customers with devices and makerspace equipment.
• Assist customers with library website, digital content, accounts, and online tools.
• Operate a point-of-sale system and manage cash transactions and paperwork.
• Collaborate with staff to plan, conduct, and promote classes and events.
• Lead projects as assigned and maintain customer accounts.
• Perform routine maintenance and safety checks on maker equipment.
• Manage reservations for spaces and equipment.
• Set up, clean up, and resupply for classes and events.
• Inventory toolkits and workstations; maintain supplies.
• Provide services at other library locations as needed.
• Perform light cleaning and report more complex issues; monitor safety.
• Apply library policies consistently with customers and staff.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Equipment troubleshooting

Maker education

Computers & devices

Education

High school diploma

Maker/STEAM equipment training

Tools

3D printers

Laser cutter

Vinyl cutter

Laser engraving

CNC equipment

Job description

Description

JOB TITLE: Makerspace Team Lead

CLASS/GRADE: Clerical III

POSITION TYPE: Hourly

REPORTS TO: Makerspace Supervisor

RESPONSIBILITY

Supports the educational and maker initiatives of LPCPL as part of the Learning Services Team with a focus on day-to-day operation of the maker and collaboration space known as the LPCPL Exchange.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assign and supervise daily work of support staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Provide first point of contact for customers and in person requests for assistance.
• Provide hands‑on customer service, research assistance, answer customer questions, help customers find library materials and services, assist customers with use of computers, personal devices and makerspace equipment.
• Use the library’s website to locate information, resources, and services, and assist customers in navigating digital content, account features, and online tools.
• Operate a point‑of‑sale system and cash handling, counts, collects, and records cash and credit transactions; completes paperwork as required.
• Work in collaboration with staff to plan, conduct, and promote, library classes, events, and initiatives.
• Work with customers and staff using a problem‑solving mindset with demonstrated ability to overcome design challenges involving critical thinking, decision‑making, creativity, and information processing.
• Lead projects as assigned.
• Maintain customer accounts.
• Perform routine basic maintenance and safety and mechanical inspections of maker equipment.
• Manage reservations for use of spaces and equipment.
• Perform duties required for set up, clean up, and resupply for classes and events.
• Inventory and maintain the various toolkits and workstations in the makerspace.
• Provide services as described above at other Library locations as needed.
• Perform light cleaning and janitorial tasks. Monitor and report more complex issues with cleaning, mechanical systems, and building issues.
• Apply Library policies consistently with all customers, staff, and vendors.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent and specialized training applicable to position.
• Public service orientation and commitment to excellent and genuine customer service.
• One year of experience with makerspaces or similar facilities preferred.
• Required to complete training on maker and STEAM equipment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to communicate processes clearly, explain terms, concepts and technology and assign responsibility and provide feedback.
• Ability to use and troubleshoot equipment issues such as 3D printers, hand and stationary tools, vinyl cutters, sewing machine, laser cutter/engraver, and desktop CNC.
• Proficiency with computers, the internet, Microsoft Office, email, library specific software and standard office equipment. Ability to learn new technologies.
• Valid Indiana driver’s license.
• Take charge in emergency situations.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Knowledge of library materials and services appropriate for a variety of customers.
• Understand, endorse, and communicate LPCPL’s policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and respect when interacting with customers and coworkers.
• Complete assigned projects. Make decisions and work independently and interpedently.
• Solve problems in a professional manner with customers, co‑workers and Leadership.
• Manage confidentiality of customer records and sensitive information.
• Read, listen, comprehend, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Attend conferences, workshops and training sessions as part of on‑going professional development.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequently move about the makerspace to perform tasks; includes walking, standing, sitting, bending, reaching, and kneeling.
• Regularly lift and carry library materials, supplies, and boxes up to 25 lbs; regularly push carts and bins weighing up to 100 lbs.
• Manual dexterity for typing, handling materials, and operating makerspace and office equipment, computers, and carts.
• Sufficient vision to read print and digital materials, including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• Clearly listen and communicate with staff in a timely manner, in person, by phone, and in writing.
• Assist with room setup and takedown, including moving tables and chairs as needed.
• Adhere to safety standards and wears Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): gloves, safety glasses, face shield, hearing protection, masks, & aprons.
• Exposure to chemicals used in makerspace, exhaust fumes, odors, and dust particles.
• Exposure to noise and vibration levels from makerspace equipment.
• Must be able to respond to alarms, sirens, and overhead pages promptly.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate library vehicles.
• Travel as required for meetings, events, training and conferences.