Part Time Lab Technician - Columbus Propeller Makerspace

Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Columbus Propeller Makerspace collaborated with Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana to host a Propeller Lab Technician in Columbus. The role supports installation, troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, and inventory of equipment, materials, and tools at Columbus Propeller Makerspace and Moravec Hall mini-makerspace.

The technician helps maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment, provides instruction to members on proper equipment use, and works with Ivy Tech staff to support hands-on

Qualifications

• Certificate or technical certificate in a related technical field.
• Ability to safely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot tools and equipment.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate with individuals with varying levels of technical experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, welcoming environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, calibrate, clean, and troubleshoot makerspace equipment.
• Assist with installation and setup of new equipment and technology.
• Perform basic repairs and coordinate outside repairs when needed.
• Develop and maintain a preventive maintenance program for all equipment.
• Create and maintain an accurate inventory of equipment, tools, materials, and supplies.
• Submit warranty cards and maintain copies of warranty documentation.
• Maintain a library of manuals, resources, and other information for makerspace equipment.
• Provide instruction on the safe and proper use of equipment to makerspace members.
• Assist members with basic equipment questions and troubleshooting.
• Promote a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment.
• Assist the Executive Director with day-to-day makerspace operations.
• Provide institutional support as requested by Ivy Tech administration, including participation in college projects and grant-related activities.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Instruction & training

Team collaboration

Education

Technical certificate or equivalent

Tools

CNC routers

Laser cutters

3D printers

Woodworking

Metalworking

Welding

Plasma tables

Job description

The Propeller Lab Technician provides support for the installation, troubleshooting, repair, maintenance, and inventory of equipment, materials, and tools used at Columbus Propeller Makerspace and the Moravec Hall mini-makerspace. The Lab Technician helps maintain a clean, organized, safe, and welcoming environment in both spaces and provides instruction to members on the safe and proper use of makerspace equipment. The position works collaboratively with Columbus Propeller and Ivy Tech Community College staff to support hands‑on learning, technical education, workforce development, and community engagement. All activities should be conducted with an appreciation for and respect of the diversity of people, perspectives, working styles, and views.

Major Responsibilities

Equipment and Maintenance

• Maintain, calibrate, clean, and troubleshoot makerspace equipment.
• Assist with installation and setup of new equipment and technology.
• Perform basic repairs and coordinate outside repairs when needed.
• Develop and maintain a preventive maintenance program for all equipment.
• Create custom parts, jigs, fixtures, and other items as needed to support Propeller activities.
• Create and maintain an accurate inventory of makerspace equipment, tools, materials, and supplies.
• Submit warranty cards and maintain copies of warranty documentation.
• Maintain a library of manuals, resources, and other information for makerspace equipment.

Safety and Member Support

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment in both makerspace locations.
• Inspect equipment and work areas for safety concerns and report issues.
• Assist with safety orientations and equipment training.
• Provide instruction on the safe and proper use of equipment to makerspace members.
• Assist members with basic equipment questions and troubleshooting.
• Promote a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Ivy Tech and Organizational Support

• Assist the Executive Director with day-to‑day makerspace operations.
• Provide institutional support as requested by Ivy Tech Community College administration, including participation in college projects and grant‑related activities.
• Support the Propeller Board of Directors and Executive Director with reports, grant applications, and membership initiatives.
• Participate in community service activities on behalf of Ivy Tech Community College to strengthen the college’s relationships within its service area.
• Participate in professional development to maintain and grow technical knowledge and skills.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Propeller and Ivy Tech Community College.

Pay Rate - $16/hour

Minimum Qualifications

• Possesses a certificate, technical certificate, or other relevant credential from a regionally and/or nationally accredited institution in a technical field directly related to the position; or Equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and relevant hands‑on experience.
• Ability to safely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot tools, machinery, and technical equipment.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with varying levels of technical experience.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a makerspace, fabrication lab, manufacturing environment, technical training facility, or similar setting.
• Experience with CNC routers, laser cutters, 3D printers, woodworking, metalworking, welding, plasma tables, or other fabrication equipment.
• Experience with equipment maintenance and preventive maintenance programs.
• Experience creating custom parts, jigs, fixtures, or prototypes.
• Experience providing technical instruction or training.

Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well‑being, growth, and financial security of our part‑time employees. These benefits include: Health & Wellness Access to a comprehensive vision care plan with low‑cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses Employee Assistance Program offering no cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources Financial & Retirement Benefits All employees can contribute pre‑tax or post‑tax dollars through payroll deduction to build retirement savings Educational Benefits Fee remission for employees, spouses, and legal dependents. For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.

Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well‑being, growth, and financial security of our part‑time employees. These benefits include: Health & Wellness Access to a comprehensive vision care plan with low‑cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses Employee Assistance Program offering no cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources Financial & Retirement Benefits All employees can contribute pre‑tax or post‑tax dollars through payroll deduction to build retirement savings Educational Benefits Fee remission for employees, spouses, and legal dependents. For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.

At Ivy Tech, you’ll be part of something bigger, where collaboration fuels innovation, learning is a shared journey, and meaningful goals become life‑changing achievements. As Indiana’s only full‑fledged community college, we’re deeply rooted in our mission to empower students, strengthen communities, and support one another every step of the way. No matter your role, you’ll be valued, supported, and inspired because here, people come first. Our faculty and staff are united by purpose, driven by passion, and proud of the difference we make together. Join a team where your work matters. Discover your potential. Make your impact. Ivy Tech is the largest singly accredited community college system in the nation. Providing education across Indiana, we motivate and inspire students as they pursue their futures. To achieve this, it takes a community of over 6,500 employees in 75 locations.

Competitive benefits and professional development programs The most advanced technologies in our classrooms and training facilities Collaborative and innovative culture with a focus on creativity and employee belonging Commitment to adapting to meet Indiana's workforce needs and fostering a sustainable, inclusive workplace