Textiles Student Assistant

The New School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

The New School is looking for Student Assistants in the Textile and MFA FDS department to cultivate a diverse and welcoming learning environment.

Responsibilities include assisting students and faculty, providing information, and maintaining organization of the shop spaces. Candidates must possess excellent communication skills, be adaptable, and be able to lift items up to 25 lbs. The position offers an hourly rate of $17.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Familiarity with Google Suite (Calendar, Gmail, Docs, Sheets, etc.).
• Ability to lift items up to 25 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate a welcoming learning environment.
• Provide high-level customer service to users.
• Assist with reservations and equipment requests.
• Monitor patrons and assist them.
• Perform basic reception duties.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Google Suite familiarity

Job description

Position Overview

Parsons School for Design, a division of The New School, seeks Student Assistants in the Textile and MFA FDS department within the Making Center. The Parsons Making Center is a collection of more than 70,000 square feet of labs, shops, studios, and open workspaces that provide curricular support for making across a broad range of mediums and disciplines and supports experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment and a respectful shop culture for students, faculty, and staff.
• Provide a high level of customer service, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor and attitude in all interactions with students, faculty, and staff.
• Report to shift on time and review priority tasks with the supervisor.
• Monitor patrons entering and exiting the shop space and be ready and available to assist them.
• Provide information to students, faculty, staff, and the general public regarding department services, policies, and procedures.
• Perform basic reception duties including greeting visitors and answering phone calls professionally and courteously.
• Assist students and faculty with reservations and equipment requests.
• Assist Making Center Staff with shop upkeep, organization, and maintenance, including:
  • Overseeing and updating inventory and utilizing web checkout systems daily.
  • Domestic and industrial sewing machines, and ironing stations.
  • Daily overseeing of dye lab, machine knitting lab, J3 sewing lab, and/or J3 textile sewing lab.
  • Floor looms, felting station, donation closets (in JJ1 Textiles Studios).
  • Checking students in/out of the space using Webcheckout (in JJ1 Textiles Studios).
  • Checking tools in/out in Webcheckout.
  • Maintaining Silver Reed and Dubied Knitting Machines.
  • Answering basic questions about equipment and lab policies.
  • Performing tasks to assist in the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of various machinery.
  • Performing regular upkeep of shops and spaces to maintain organization and cleanliness.
  • Completing special projects as assigned.
  • Participating in training sessions and staff meetings.
• Primary duties entail assisting students and faculty with the checkout of tools/equipment, monitoring making spaces, assisting Managers and Technicians with daily processes and projects, and keeping the facilities clean and orderly.

Minimum Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, close attention to detail, and strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions from supervisor and communicate clearly with Making Center users.
• Adaptable and consistent when notifying the supervisor of schedule changes.
• Ability to interact with students, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work without close supervision or alone.
• Familiarity with Google Suite (Calendar, Gmail, Docs, Sheets, etc.).
• Ability to lift items up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to work non‑traditional hours such as evenings and weekends.
• For Machine Knitting support positions, completion of a machine knitting class or other previous machine knitting experience is preferred.

Work Details

Work Mode: In person. Hourly Rate: $17 per hour.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.