Slugworks Assistant Lab Manager

University of California, Santa Cruz; California (MO); On-site; USD 92,550 - 108,100; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Santa Cruz is seeking a Lab Manager for the Slugworks space to support daily operations, safety, and student staff supervision. The role collaborates with the Slugworks Manager to ensure a safe, welcoming, and well-equipped environment for experiential learning.

The incumbent oversees equipment maintenance, safety compliance, staff supervision, and operational continuity, contributing to training and project guidance for students and clubs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Experience operating makerspace or teaching lab facilities and familiarity with fabrication tools.
• Strong understanding of health and safety compliance in such environments.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for diverse users.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Safety & Training initiatives by certifying student staff to supervise equipment areas.
• Supervise and mentor student workers, including shift coverage and performance feedback.
• Maintain facility safety, inspections, and equipment maintenance.
• Manage inventory, supplies, PPE, and procurement records.
• Coordinate with Baskin Engineering staff and campus partners for training and logistics.

Skills

Safety training

Staff supervision

Lab operations

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Budget tracking

Procurement processes

Technical troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Engineering/physical sciences/art-design with technology focus

Tools

Canvas

Access control systems (Kisi/Brivo)

Inventory management tools

Job description

Appointment Information

Budgeted Salary: $92,550 - $108,100/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits
Schedule: Full-time, Fixed, 40 hrs per week, Mon‑Fri, Day shift.

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Slugworks Lab Manager, the Slugworks Facility Assistant Lab Manager supports the day‑to‑day operations of the Baskin Engineering creative/makerspace. The incumbent works collaboratively with the Slugworks Manager to maintain a safe, welcoming, and well‑equipped environment for students engaging in experiential learning and project work. The Assistant Lab Manager shares responsibility for equipment maintenance, safety compliance, student staff supervision, and operational continuity.

Job Duties

40% – Safety & Training Support

• Leads the “Training the Trainers” initiative by preparing and certifying student staff to safely supervise equipment areas and assist with peer training.
• Develops and conducts student‑facing machine certifications and safety walkthroughs, ensuring all users demonstrate competency before accessing equipment independently.
• Assists in the development, posting, and enforcement of SOPs for all equipment and processes.
• Supports the training and certification of users on low‑to‑moderate risk and higher‑risk equipment.
• Helps maintain training records and access control systems, ensuring only authorized users operate equipment.
• Contributes to the creation and delivery of safety orientations, workshops, and Canvas‑based training modules.
• Monitors user activity to identify and address unsafe behaviors or practices in real time.
• Stays current on EH&S regulations and assists with compliance documentation, chemical inventory, and hazardous waste coordination.

25% – Student Staff Supervision & Mentorship

• Assists in interviewing, hiring, and onboarding student staff in collaboration with the Slugworks Manager.
• Provides direct supervision and mentorship to student workers, including shift coverage, task delegation, and performance feedback.
• Assists with student staff timesheet approval and monitors adherence to work schedules.
• Supports leadership development among student staff through informal mentorship and structured training opportunities.
• Fosters an inclusive, collaborative team environment that models excellent customer service and safety practices.

15% – Lab Operations & Equipment Management

• Conducts regular facility inspections to ensure equipment is functioning properly and the space remains clean, organized, and safe for users.
• Performs routine maintenance on tools and equipment and coordinates with vendors or BELS staff for complex repairs.
• Assists in managing inventory of consumables, supplies, and PPE, placing orders as authorized and tracking expenditures.
• Ensures students and users properly clean, store, and dispose of materials after use, maintaining the facility in accordance with safety standards.
• Interfaces with Baskin Engineering Lab Support, Environmental Health and Safety, and Baskin Engineering Facilities as needed.
• Supports procurement processes and maintains records of equipment warranties, service contracts, and supply orders.
• Serves as a key point of contact for daily operational questions and troubleshooting.

10% – Student Project Support & Collaboration

• Provides engineering and design guidance to students, clubs, and project teams using the facility.
• Provides direct residential club oversight and space management, coordinating storage allocations, project workspaces, and access for active student organizations.
• Assists student organizations with project logistics, tool access, general lab safety, and basic budgetary/procurement questions.
• Participates in quarterly stakeholder meetings with student groups, clubs, and instructional staff to gather feedback and identify operational improvements.
• Collaborates with other Baskin Engineering staff who support student clubs, particularly regarding campus event preparation, competition preparation, and travel logistics.
• Helps document and archive student projects to promote visibility and celebrate achievements within the Slugworks community.

10% – Outreach & Communication

• Assist in maintaining website, Canvas training, and social media content, including equipment listings, training schedules, and facility hours.
• Helps track and map resources offered at Slugworks and other comparable on‑campus or community facilities.
• Supports cross‑campus collaboration on training approaches and shared resource initiatives.
• Participates in Slugworks Executive Planning Committee meetings and contributes to a cohesive, well‑coordinated lab support environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Demonstrated experience with makerspace, machine shop, or teaching lab operations, including familiarity with common fabrication tools (3D printers, laser cutters, mills, lathes, welding equipment, hand and power tools).
• Basic understanding of health and safety compliance regulations relevant to a makerspace environment.
• Effective oral and written communication skills to interact with diverse users.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize competing tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills for operational challenges.
• Customer service orientation with ability to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Experience supervising/mentoring students or junior staff.
• Familiarity with budget tracking and procurement processes.
• Proficiency with Windows and Macintosh operating systems, and willingness to learn new software platforms (Canvas, access control systems, inventory management tools).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a small team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical sciences, art/design with a technology focus.
• Experience working in higher education makerspace, machine shop, or similar instructional facility.
• Formal training or certification in relevant areas (e.g., welding certification, CNC operation, laser safety officer training).
• Experience with access control systems (e.g., Kisi, Brivo) and learning management systems (e.g., Canvas).
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and accessible design of learning spaces and programming.
• Experience coordinating with student organizations or project‑based design courses.
• Familiarity with environmental health and safety compliance in an academic setting.
• Experience with basic equipment maintenance and repair.
• Experience coordinating with student organizations, including advising clubs on project execution, safety practices, and event logistics.
• Experience facilitating community meetings, town halls, or user groups to gather feedback and implement iterative improvements.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre‑employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on‑site.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect and will sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years that determined they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

EEO Statement

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti‑discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.