Innovation Zone Shop Supervisor (Temporary University Specialist)

The Office of First Year Programs & Learning Communities (FYP&LC) offers a menu of programs designed to assist students with their transition to college as well as aid in their persistence, success, and retention at the University of Connecticut. The UConn Innovation Zone (IZone) was designed to provide cutting-edge innovative and creative project-based learning as a foundation to students’ overall experience. The IZone, located in Werth Residence Tower, features prototyping equipment, 3D printing, laser cutting, electronics, wood working, textiles and more. The IZone is designed to support and encourage project-based learning at all levels and provides training and workshops on topics such as safety, machine usage, prototyping skills, and design. The IZone is envisioned to be a community space where students, faculty, staff, and partners gather to share resources and knowledge, work on projects, network, and build. 

The incumbent, under the general supervision of the IZone Makerspace Supervisor, assists with administrative activities and provides technical assistance and support of the Innovation Zone Program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

 

1.       Monitors IZone spaces and supervise students carrying out exercises; provides assistance in determining equipment, supplies, and physical set-up of projects as needed.

2.       Assists with planning program events, outreach activities, and creating promotional materials.

3.       Serves as a resource for students, faculty, and outside groups on matters relating to the IZone.

4.       Coordinates program logistics and administrative support for program staff.

5.       Ensures cleanliness and proper working order of spaces. Performs maintenance and minor repair of makerspace equipment.

6.       Assists in maintaining up-to-date inventory of supplies.

7.       May provide instruction of “making” course(s), first year experience course(s), and/or mentor students on academic probation.

8.       Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1.       Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field.

2.       Demonstrated ability and experience using a variety of tools and equipment typically used in a makerspace or similar laboratory setting.  

3.       Knowledge of occupational health and safety best practices, hazards, safety precautions, risk management, and emergency protocols for training, operation, and maintenance.

4.       Exceptional communication (written and presentation) and interpersonal skills.

5.       Understanding of the maker culture and passionate about creating and maintaining an ecosystem of “makers” at UConn.

6.       Willingness and ability to work nights and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

1.       Experience working as a “maker” in higher education.

2.       Experience working with instructors and/or students in developing workshops, events, and/or curriculum, preferably makerspace-related.

3.       The ability to apply a variety of concepts, techniques, and practices of a scientific and technical nature.

4.       Demonstrated experience and skill in trouble shooting difficult problems with equipment, project/experiment designs, computers, and machine tools, including electrical and mechanical.

 

Commitment: This is a part-time in-person, 25-35 hours a week position. Willingness and ability to maintain a flexible schedule to support the needs of students. Occasional weekend and evening hours may be required to meet the needs of the service/population. Salary will be $30 per hour.

Application Process: Interested candidates should send a letter of interest; resume/CV; and names and contact information for three professional references to: Cody D. Ryan, Innovation Zone Supervisor, Office of First Year Programs and Learning Communities at Cody.D.Ryan@uconn.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.

For more information, contact: Cody Ryan at cody.d.ryan@uconn.edu