Part-Time Nature Lab Coordinator

Rhode Island School of Design; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a part-time Lab Coordinator to join the Nature Lab. The role supports access to the Main Collection (Room 22) and oversees student workers, room scheduling, and safety procedures in a hands-on learning environment.

The successful candidate will train undergraduate Lab Assistants, assist with organism care, and help maintain clean, functional lab spaces across multiple rooms. RISD emphasizes inclusion and environmental justice in its community.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• One year of supervising or leading students, volunteers, or other personnel in a professional setting.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute the minimum requirement.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line operations of Nature Lab and access to Main Collection (Room 22); monitor activities and ensure rules are followed.
• Oversee student workers responsible for circulation and check-out/check-in of specimens and equipment.
• Mentor and train students; support Lab Coordinators in projects using Nature Lab resources.
• Assist in supervision, evaluation, and mentoring of undergraduate Lab Assistants; train in SOPs and lab protocols.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Office software

Attention to detail

Independent work

Workday experience

Web Checkout

Interdisciplinary awareness

Inclusive environment

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Workday

Web Checkout

Job description

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a part-time Lab Coordinator to join the Nature Lab. The Nature Lab furthers RISD’s hands‑on approach to learning by enabling students to investigate ethical, sustainable modes of making informed by natural systems and designed to benefit the environment. Ultimately, it helps everyone who makes use of our resources better understand and articulate the role we play as humans in the ecosystem.

The Lab Coordinator supports front‑line Lab operations during evening and weekend hours. With oversight from the Collections Manager (CM) and training from the Lead Lab Coordinator (LLC), they facilitate access to the Main Collection (Room 22) for the RISD community and the public by performing a variety of functions including support of class reservations and individual visits; processing requests for access and addressing other inquiries; training and oversight of student employees; data tracking and annual reporting; maintaining proper cleanliness and presentability of all Lab spaces; and assistance with the care and maintenance of living organisms and systems at the Lab as needed.

The successful candidate will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

Main Access Point Operations

• Provide for front‑line operations of Nature Lab facility and access to the Main Collection (Room 22); monitor activities in the space and ensure visitors adhere to Lab rules and RISD’s code of conduct; oversee opening and closing procedures.
• Provide facility orientations for faculty, students, and tour groups as well as public visitors; provide information as requested; take and relay messages to appropriate team members as needed.
• Oversee student workers responsible for circulation activities including checking out and checking in specimens and equipment.
• Mentor and train students through one‑on‑one instruction, and support Lab Coordinators in assisting both students and faculty in implementation of projects that rely on Nature Lab resources.

Lab Operations

• Respond to incoming requests for room use; schedule classroom spaces in a timely manner following access guidelines developed by LLC.
• Monitor inventories of instructional, display, maintenance, cleaning, and curatorial materials and supplies and submit purchasing recommendations to the LLC.
• Ensure the proper cleanliness, maintenance and presentability of all Lab spaces and furnishings in Main Collection (Rm 22), Biodesign Makerspace (Rm 11), Imaging Lab (Rm 12), Storage Room (12A), Prep Room (Rm 15); delegate regular cleaning tasks to undergraduate Lab Assistants and ensure that all daily tasks are completed according to routines developed by LLC.

Student Training and Supervision

• Assist in the supervision, evaluation, and mentoring of undergraduate Lab Assistants.
• In coordination with LLC and LC, provide training in Standard Operating Procedures including but not limited to specimen borrowing, repairs, and routine maintenance; Lab opening and closing protocols; maintenance and cleaning routines for all Nature Lab spaces.

Live Organism Care

• Understudy on tasks related to live animal and plant care to fill in for absent Lab Coordinator when needed.
• Assume responsibility for the care of the Lab’s living organisms and systems (including terrestrial and aquatic animals, fresh and salt water aquaria and aquaponics systems) when trained undergraduate Lab Assistants or Lab Coordinators are not available.

Additional Functions:

• Support fundraising and public relations efforts of the Nature Lab by hosting guests and visitors and participating in institution‑wide and departmental projects, workshops, and events. Work closely with the Collections Manager, Director, Public Safety, and Environmental Health and Safety to support a safe and secure working environment.
• Assist the Collections Manager and Director with other projects, programs, events and functions of the Nature Lab, in support of its mission, as directed. Complete other related duties as assigned
• May be asked to support occasional special events outside of standard working hours with advance notice for planning.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A high school diploma is required.
• One (1) year of experience supervising or leading students, volunteers, or other personnel and logistical operations in a professional setting.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the minimum educational requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively and flexibly in a service‑oriented environment.

• Computer experience with the Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and other software used for maintaining records, schedules, and data entry.

• Attention to detail as well as the ability to foster an inspirational learning environment.

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

• Experience with Workday and checkout/cataloging systems such as Web Checkout is preferred.

• Ability and professional experience to comprehend the connections between, and to advocate for, the study of both art and science in a natural science setting is preferred.

• Commitment to supporting an inclusive work environment and the ability to work respectfully and effectively across differences in background, role, and perspective.

Union:

No

Work Schedule:

20 hours per week; 12 months per year

Employment Status:

Part‑time; Non‑exempt; Regular

Grade:

820NE

Work Modality

On‑campus

Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume (Required)

Cover Letter (Required)

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre‑employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes inclusion and belonging as fundamental to its learning and working community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to this community and to our commitment to excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.