Makerspace Manager - Creativity and Innovation District

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Makerspace Manager - Creativity and Innovation District

Virginia Tech - Virginia (Blacksburg)

The School of Visual Arts (SOVA) in the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design (AAD) and the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT) are seeking a full-time Makerspace Manager to oversee operations of the Creativity and Innovation District's (CID) Living-Learning Community (LLC) Makerspace. This state-of-the-art fabrication facility serves both the School of Visual Arts and the LLCs housed within the CID building. The Makerspace encompasses 5 distinct areas: a Woodshop, Metalshop, Digital Fabrication/Print Studio, CNC Milling/Routing Studio, and a large general use workspace. The position is jointly supervised by the director of SOVA and ICAT’s Building Operations Coordinator. The successful candidate will establish and maintain a safe and efficient work space, train (and assist with training) students, and collaborate with faculty and staff members, students, and other partners. The successful candidate will foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for users (and potential users) of the space. The successful candidate will work as part of a team within SOVA, ICAT, and the CID Makerspace to enhance the student experience. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and disciplinary training. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who do not see themselves historically represented in academia. We seek candidates who are interested in engaging students and colleagues in actively building diversity, equity, and inclusion into all facets of our work, including in research, teaching, and engagement. This is a 12-month/calendar year restricted appointment. A start date in mid-July is preferred. Duties and responsibilities of the position include: Manage and oversee Makerspace Safety and Compliance *Act as the Makerspace's safety coordinator, maintaining a safe and organized workspace and ensuring compliance with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and OSHA standards *Serve as the Makerspace’s safety coordinator in communication with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and the Building Operations Coordinator. *Author and update shop safety policies as needed. Manage daily operations of the Makerspace *Provide technical assistance related to the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of the CID Makerspace *Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise student monitors *Author and update as needed instruction manuals for specific equipment *Facilitate and monitor proper usage and maintenance of machinery within the studio environment, including CNC equipment, 3d printers, photo printers, laser cutters, woodworking, and metal fabrication equipment *Serve as the day-to-day contact point for the Makerspace and coordinate consumable purchases and deliveries, maintain operating and wage budgets. Support SOVA classes and CID activities *Coordinate with SOVA faculty teaching within the space to provide assistance with technical demonstration preparation and other class support as needed. *Facilitate inclusive use of the space for residents of the CID through open houses, trainings, and workshops *Oversee facility use requirements in collaboration with SOVA faculty and the Building Operations Coordinator, including required training to access certain tools and equipment outside of scheduled academic courses. On some occasions, evening/weekend work will be required. SOVA, alongside the School of Architecture, the School of Design, and the School of Performing Arts are schools that comprise the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design (AAD). SOVA has majors within four areas (Graphic Design, Creative Technologies, Studio Art, and Art History). SOVA consists of 26 full-time faculty members with approximately 275 undergraduate students, 25 master’s students and doctoral students. SOVA is a collaborative environment that encourages engagement and cooperation among faculty in SOVA’s programs as well as other units across campus. The Creativity and Innovation Living-Learning Community opened in Fall 2021 and is a state-of-the-art 596-bed facility that includes a wide variety of academic, social, research, and collaboration spaces. The Creativity and Innovation Living-Learning Community is a unique residential experience for Virginia Tech. With many partners and stakeholders, CID hosts three living-learning communities: Innovate, Studio 72, and Rhizome in addition to a community of student athletes. With CID we are merging our traditional definitions of a residential college and living-learning community into something new. The College of Architecture, Arts, and Design at Virginia Tech affirms our collective responsibility to encourage, build, and embrace the polyculturalism of our world. We do this by acknowledging and addressing our past, recognizing our current responsibility, and acting in the interests of building and sustaining communities that are truly safe, supportive, and inclusive for all. Our commitment is to continually and proactively engage in these processes for the benefit of our students, staff, and faculty across the college, and the communities around the world we aim to serve.

Required Qualifications:

*Bachelor’s degree *Demonstrated experience in complex organizational and project management skills with the ability to multi-task in a changing environment and adapt to changing situations *Demonstrated experience in managing a technical fabrication shop such as a makerspace *Demonstrated experience with digital fabrication tools and techniques such as Laser Cutter, 3D Printers, Vinyl Cutter, CNC Plasma Cutter, CNC router *Demonstrated experience with Woodworking equipment such as a Table Saw, Bandsaw, Planer, Jointer, Sander, Lathe, Sanders *Demonstrated experience with Metalworking equipment such as a Mig Welder, TIG welder, Plasma Cutter, Slip Roller, Bandsaw, Cold Cut saw, Mill, Lathe *Demonstrated experience or demonstrated potential for success in working with a diverse body of students in an educational setting *Proficiency in computer-aided design using digital modeling and fabrication software *Demonstrated ability to work effectively, efficiently and with positivity as part of a diverse team.

Preferred Qualifications:

*Experience operating CNC milling equipment

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