The Office of First Year Programs & Learning Communities (FYP &LC) seeks a Learning Community Innovation Zone makerspace supervisor to lead an exciting and cutting-edge program in the new NextGen Residence Hall. The LCIZ Makerspace Supervisor will assist students in open-ended exploration, imaginative learning, and engagement to inspire creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The successful candidate will oversee the development and on-going operation of the LCIZ, coordinate the day-to-day administrative activities as well as provide technical and scientific support.

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 Learning Community (LC) Program provides cohorts of students with opportunities to investigate areas of interest through faculty-led courses and co-curricular activities. Learning Communities offer a small college feel on a large campus; they promote meaningful and sustained interactions with faculty, staff, and student leaders; and they provide an effective structure for curricular coherence, deeper learning, student success, persistence, and engagement.

The Learning Community Innovation Zone makerspace is designed to introduce students to cutting-edge innovative project-based learning as a foundation to students' overall educational experience. The LCIZ makerspace, located in NextGen Hall is a 1500 square foot space featuring prototyping equipment, 3D printing, laser cutting, and engraving. The LCIZ 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 LCIZ is envisioned to be a community space where students, faculty, and staff gather to share resources and knowledge, work on projects, network, and build.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in administrative planning and the development and evaluation of policies and procedures for LCIZ access and usage, departmental programs, safety procedures, and the proper operation and safe use of technical equipment and tools.
• Responsible for maintenance, inventory, repairs and security of LCIZ makerspace equipment, tools, and supplies. Develop procurement (materials usage) plans for student acquisition of consumables.
• Coordinate the development and management of maintenance contracts, subcontracts and contractors; participate in vendor negotiations, and provide input on proposals and issues. Evaluate and monitor vendor performance and contractual obligations.
• Collaborate with LC Faculty Directors, graduate students, and undergraduates to introduce and engage students and others in LCIZ makerspace courses, workshops, modules, activities, or events.
• Hire, train, schedule, supervise, lead, and evaluate student employees assigned in the LCIZ.
• Develop and conduct safety training and/or courses for the space and for use of individual machines and tools; develop a tracking system to ensure individuals using the space are following safety protocols.
• Oversee or participate in various events or activities that may require occasional evening and/or weekend hours.

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. Proficiency and experience in applying the principles and practices in the operation and maintenance of manual and computer numeric control (CNC) machine tools and other fabrication equipment.
4. Knowledge of occupational health and safety best practices, hazards, safety precautions, risk management, and emergency protocols for training, operation, and maintenance.
5. Ability to train, teach, and mentor individuals with varying skills and ages in tool and equipment usage for student or team projects (formal or ad hoc training and support).
6. Exceptional communication (written and presentation) and interpersonal skills.
7. Demonstrated ability to work with a broad spectrum of people with a range of backgrounds, perspectives, skill sets, and communication styles.
8. Understanding of the maker culture and passionate about creating and maintaining an ecosystem of "makers" at UConn.
9. Willingness and ability to work nights and weekends.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's degree in an appropriate field.
2. Experience working as a "maker" in higher education.
3. Experience working with instructors and/or students in developing workshops, events, and/or curriculum, preferably makerspace-related.
4. The ability to apply a variety of concepts, techniques, and practices of a scientific and technical nature.
5. Demonstrated experience and skill in trouble shooting difficult problems with equipment, project/experiment designs, computers, and machine tools, including electrical and mechanical.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time 12-month position. Salary will be commensurate with successful candidate's qualifications and experience. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

TO APPLY

Please upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three (3) professional references via UConn Jobs ( www.jobs.uconn.edu ). The cover letter and/or resume should demonstrate how the applicant meets any, or all, of the posted qualifications for this position. Include the Search # 2018003 in all correspondence. Screening will begin immediately. Employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. (Search # 2018003)

The job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 25, 2017.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.


To apply please click here!