Physical Computing Studio Steward - Student Assistant Specialist (FWS)

The New School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

The New School MFADT is seeking a part‑time on‑campus Studio Steward to keep the physical computing studio organized and stocked. You will reset soldering benches and prototyping stations, maintain labeled storage, replenish safety supplies, and count inventory to prepare restock lists for staff.

You will assist students during open studio hours, help locate tools and components, and direct them to posted safety protocols and the appropriate staff member for training or sign‑off.

Qualifications

• Enrolled New School student with a Federal Work-Study award
• Working familiarity with basic electronics components, microcontrollers, and hand tools
• Methodical about labeling, counting, and record‑keeping
• Completion of required shop or lab safety orientation before independent shifts

Responsibilities

• Keep soldering benches, tool racks, and prototyping stations sorted: return tools to labeled locations, reset benches between uses, replace consumable safety supplies from program stock, confirm PPE is present and signage legible.
• Sort and label bins of sensors, breadboards, jumper wires, microcontrollers, fasteners, and filament; count stock against par levels on a set schedule; compile restock lists for staff to order.
• Spot‑check student‑facing multimeters, bench power supplies, and hand tools against a staff checklist; tag and quarantine damaged items; log issues for staff follow‑up.
• Repair and calibration stay with staff.
• Collect component orders addressed to MFADT from the mail window; unpack, verify against packing slips, and shelve into inventory.
• Lay out program‑owned components, mats, and hand tools for peer‑run Dorkshops; deploy program‑owned surge protectors into existing outlets; pack down, inventory, and store afterward.
• Help peers locate components and tools during open studio hours, and point them to posted safety protocols and the responsible staff member or Making Center technician for anything requiring training or sign‑off.

Skills

Basic electronics

Microcontrollers

Hand tools

Labeling & counting

Shop safety orientation

Tools

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

Breadboards

Sensors

Electronics tools

Job description

Maintains the organization, stock levels, and everyday readiness of MFADT physical computing work areas on the 12th floor at 6 East 16th Street, so students can work independently and staff have an accurate picture of what the spaces need.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Keep soldering benches, tool racks, and prototyping stations sorted: return tools to labeled locations, reset benches between uses, replace consumable safety supplies from program stock, confirm PPE is present and signage legible.
• Sort and label bins of sensors, breadboards, jumper wires, microcontrollers, fasteners, and filament; count stock against par levels on a set schedule; compile restock lists for staff to order.
• Spot‐check student‑facing multimeters, bench power supplies, and hand tools against a staff checklist; tag and quarantine damaged items; log issues for staff follow‑up.
• Repair and calibration stay with staff.
• Collect component orders addressed to MFADT from the mail window; unpack, verify against packing slips, and shelve into inventory.
• Lay out program‑owned components, mats, and hand tools for peer‑run Dorkshops; deploy program‑owned surge protectors into existing outlets; pack down, inventory, and store afterward.
• Help peers locate components and tools during open studio hours, and point them to posted safety protocols and the responsible staff member or Making Center technician for anything requiring training or sign‑off.

The Physical Computing Studio Steward keeps the studio organized and stocked by resetting soldering benches and prototyping stations, maintaining labeled tool and component storage, replenishing safety supplies, and counting inventory against par levels to prepare restock lists for staff. The steward spot‑checks student‑facing equipment against a staff checklist, tags and quarantines damaged items for staff follow‑up, and receives, verifies, and shelves incoming component orders. The role also sets up and packs down materials for peer‑run Dorkshops and helps students find tools and components during open studio hours, directing them to posted safety protocols and the appropriate staff member or Making Center technician for anything requiring training or sign‑off.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Enrolled New School student with a Federal Work-Study award
• Working familiarity with basic electronics components, microcontrollers, and hand tools
• Methodical about labeling, counting, and record‑keeping
• Completion of required shop or lab safety orientation before independent shifts

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with common physical computing components such as microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi), sensors, breadboards, and basic electronics tools.
• Completion of relevant Making Center or studio safety trainings, or willingness to complete them before starting.
• Detail‑oriented approach to inventory, labeling, and following checklists consistently.
• Approachable and patient when helping peers locate tools and materials, with an interest in supporting a shared, well‑kept workspace.

WORK MODE

On-Campus Position - Employees in this position are expected to work on‑campus during regularly scheduled work hours due to the nature of the work being that which is not feasible, or not in the best interest of the organization, to be performed remotely.

#LI‑DNI

Hourly Rate: $20/hr 15 hours/week

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

Since our founding in 1919, The New School has redrawn and redefined the boundaries of intellectual and creative thought as a preeminent academic center.

At our university, students have the academic freedom to shape their unique, individual paths for a complex and rapidly changing world.

As a New School employee, you will be a part of the university’s mission to prepare and inspire students to bring about positive change in the world.