University of Minnesota
Makerspace Project Assistant
University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199
About the Job
This position is in-person only; remote work is not available. Hours/Availability: 5 hours on MWF and 7 hours T-Th; schedule may change on a weekly basis.
Rate of Pay:
$18–$20 per hour.
Position Summary This role supports daily operations, instructional programming, and ongoing development of the Makerspace in the Health Sciences Libraries, with secondary coverage in the Virtual Reality Studio. It collaborates with the Makerspace Lab Manager, Engagement, Outreach, and Community Partnerships staff, and serves users—including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Responsibilities
Daily Operations & Staffing (40%)
Staff the Makerspace in the Health Sciences Library during scheduled shifts, providing front‑line support to patrons.
Assist patrons with project planning, tool use, software workflows, and troubleshooting across a range of experience levels.
Support opening/closing procedures, monitor space usage, maintain cleanliness and organization, and document incidents.
Assist with inventory management of makerspace tools, materials, and consumable supplies.
Provide coverage for scheduled shifts and assist with operational needs in the Virtual Reality Studio as needed.
Instruction & Workshops (40%)
Teach beginner and intermediate workshops using established makerspace curriculum, including hands‑on instruction with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills, 2D vector design tools, and 3D CAD software.
Serve as an instructional resource during workshops and open hours, supporting patrons through demonstrations, guided instruction, and individualized assistance.
Contribute to the refinement, documentation, and updating of makerspace curriculum and instructional materials in collaboration with library staff.
Support outreach, programming, and instructional initiatives that serve undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff across the University.
Equipment & Technical Support (20%)
Assist with routine maintenance, calibration, diagnostics, and repair of makerspace equipment.
Monitor equipment condition and usage, document technical issues, and coordinate with staff on repairs, maintenance schedules, and equipment improvements.
Support safe operation of equipment through adherence to established procedures and reporting of safety concerns.
Qualifications Required
Demonstrated experience working in a makerspace, fabrication lab, design studio, or comparable technical learning environment.
Demonstrated experience providing hands‑on support or instruction with digital fabrication tools and equipment.
Experience assisting users with projects, troubleshooting technical issues, and explaining complex concepts to individuals with varying levels of experience.
Strong problem‑solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently, make sound decisions in a shared technical environment, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
Ability to follow established safety procedures and operational guidelines in a workshop or lab setting.
Minimum GED or high school diploma.
Preferred
Experience teaching or leading workshops, trainings, or instructional sessions using established curriculum.
Experience with 2D vector design software and 3D CAD design software commonly used in makerspace environments.
Experience with equipment maintenance, calibration, and repair in a makerspace or lab setting.
Experience supporting interdisciplinary users, including undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff.
Familiarity with library‑based makerspaces or academic support environments.
Project‑based experience contributing to space planning, workflow improvements, or program development.
Physical Requirements
Ability to frequently move or lift items weighing up to 40 pounds.
Ability to move equipment, materials, and carts on wheels weighing up to 100 pounds.
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform hands‑on work in a workshop environment.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range:
$18.00 – $20.00, depending on education/qualifications/experience. Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.
How to Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.
Please attach the following documents in Word or PDF format
(DO NOT copy and paste.)
Resume
Cover Letter
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
UMTC is one of the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
UMTC is proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
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Rate of Pay:
$18–$20 per hour.
Position Summary This role supports daily operations, instructional programming, and ongoing development of the Makerspace in the Health Sciences Libraries, with secondary coverage in the Virtual Reality Studio. It collaborates with the Makerspace Lab Manager, Engagement, Outreach, and Community Partnerships staff, and serves users—including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Responsibilities
Daily Operations & Staffing (40%)
Staff the Makerspace in the Health Sciences Library during scheduled shifts, providing front‑line support to patrons.
Assist patrons with project planning, tool use, software workflows, and troubleshooting across a range of experience levels.
Support opening/closing procedures, monitor space usage, maintain cleanliness and organization, and document incidents.
Assist with inventory management of makerspace tools, materials, and consumable supplies.
Provide coverage for scheduled shifts and assist with operational needs in the Virtual Reality Studio as needed.
Instruction & Workshops (40%)
Teach beginner and intermediate workshops using established makerspace curriculum, including hands‑on instruction with 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills, 2D vector design tools, and 3D CAD software.
Serve as an instructional resource during workshops and open hours, supporting patrons through demonstrations, guided instruction, and individualized assistance.
Contribute to the refinement, documentation, and updating of makerspace curriculum and instructional materials in collaboration with library staff.
Support outreach, programming, and instructional initiatives that serve undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff across the University.
Equipment & Technical Support (20%)
Assist with routine maintenance, calibration, diagnostics, and repair of makerspace equipment.
Monitor equipment condition and usage, document technical issues, and coordinate with staff on repairs, maintenance schedules, and equipment improvements.
Support safe operation of equipment through adherence to established procedures and reporting of safety concerns.
Qualifications Required
Demonstrated experience working in a makerspace, fabrication lab, design studio, or comparable technical learning environment.
Demonstrated experience providing hands‑on support or instruction with digital fabrication tools and equipment.
Experience assisting users with projects, troubleshooting technical issues, and explaining complex concepts to individuals with varying levels of experience.
Strong problem‑solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently, make sound decisions in a shared technical environment, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
Ability to follow established safety procedures and operational guidelines in a workshop or lab setting.
Minimum GED or high school diploma.
Preferred
Experience teaching or leading workshops, trainings, or instructional sessions using established curriculum.
Experience with 2D vector design software and 3D CAD design software commonly used in makerspace environments.
Experience with equipment maintenance, calibration, and repair in a makerspace or lab setting.
Experience supporting interdisciplinary users, including undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff.
Familiarity with library‑based makerspaces or academic support environments.
Project‑based experience contributing to space planning, workflow improvements, or program development.
Physical Requirements
Ability to frequently move or lift items weighing up to 40 pounds.
Ability to move equipment, materials, and carts on wheels weighing up to 100 pounds.
Ability to stand for extended periods and perform hands‑on work in a workshop environment.
Pay and Benefits Pay Range:
$18.00 – $20.00, depending on education/qualifications/experience. Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.
How to Apply Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.
Please attach the following documents in Word or PDF format
(DO NOT copy and paste.)
Resume
Cover Letter
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e‑mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624‑8647.
Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
UMTC is one of the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
UMTC is proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
#J-18808-Ljbffr