The Chesapeake Arts Center (CAC) is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic maker to join our team as a MakerSpace Technician for our Open Studio program.
The Michael Stanley MakerSpace integrates STEM and the ARTS by providing an environment that supports the development of hands-on skills, design, and critical thinking. Our space aims to bring all the above disciplines together to facilitate a community for art, entrepreneurship, and making. The MakerSpace includes spaces for a variety of disciplines, including a woodshop, screen printing studio, a laser and vinyl cutting lab, and 3D printing lab.
The MakerSpace serves a diverse population of users, from children to adults, from beginners to advanced makers. MakerSpace patrons include students, teachers, hobbyists, retirees, and is open to the public during Open Studio hours.
This employee will supervise the MakerSpace during Open Studio hours. During these hours, members will be utilizing the facilities for their personal projects. The MakerSpace Technician will be responsible for supervising members, maintaining the equipment and facilities, and instructing safety trainings on various machinery. The Technician will report any Open Studio issues or needs as well as the status of ongoing tasks and projects to the MakerSpace manager. Previous experience and proficiency in one or more areas of making is expected. The applicant must complete all basic safety courses and demonstrate proficiency prior to working Open Studio hours alone.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
● High school diploma.
● Expertise in, or ability and motivation to learn woodworking tools and equipment, including, but not limited to: variety of saws and sanders, planer, jointer, bandsaw etc.
● Familiarity with or ability and motivation to learn digital fabrication machinery, which includes: the laser cutter, vinyl cutter, and 3D printer(s).
● Adherence to strict safety standards in regards to all machinery and physical space. ● Experience collaborating and working in a team-driven environment.
● Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
● Ability to problem solve while being organized, completing MakerSpace tasks, and taking accountability.
PREFERENCES
● Previous experience with, and knowledge of one or more of the following: mechanical design, fabrication, prototyping, and troubleshooting various equipment (e.g. bandsaw, laser cutter, etc). ● Experience in graphic design and 3D modeling software (e.g., Illustrator, Inkscape, Fusion 360, Solidworks, OpenScad, SketchUp).
● Process development, prototyping, and/or other relevant design experience. ● Experience teaching and working with students in both formal and informal settings; includes safety instruction on equipment.
● Ability to execute multiple projects, meet scheduled milestones, and meet deliverables on time with high quality outputs.
● Personal artistic/maker practice valued.
● Passion for involvement with the local maker/artist community.
● Interest in working in the non-profit sector is strongly desirable.
RESPONSIBILITIES
● Maintaining MakerSpace equipment and facilities, including cleaning, organizing, upgrading, and repair.
● Ensuring Open Studio adherence to safety standard policies.
● Supervising Open Studio members utilizing the MakerSpace.
● Providing assistance and advice to Open Studio members (not making the projects for them). ● Instructing safety trainings on a variety of machinery.
● Mastering safety and basic maintenance on all equipment in the MakerSpace. ● Manufacturing internal jobs for CAC events and activities (fabricating laser cut projects, screen printing t-shirts, etc.).
● Reporting material and maintenance needs to the MakerSpace manager.
● Using internal systems (Canvas) to register students for memberships and classes.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected for this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
PERKS/COMPENSATION
● Hourly rate of $20/hr.
● Flexible Scheduling, 6 - 12 hrs weekly. Must be available on weekends.
● Access to the MakerSpace and all equipment to facilitate your personal work. ● Free safety trainings in all MakerSpace areas (woodshop, screen printing, digital fabrication, 3D printing).
● Participation in an active and engaged creative community.
● Opportunities to propose and teach your own catalog courses and workshops. ● Access to Adobe CC Suite.
How to Apply: Email resume and cover letter to Pamala Williams at [email protected].
CAC does not discriminate in offering equal access with respect to employment terms and conditions on the basis of age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or protected veteran's status and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. EOE. No phone calls.
