Previous Employment Offerings

UIUC Student Hourly

Are you a UIUC student looking to work at the Fab Lab? We’re currently looking for Student Hourly Workers and Support Staff. Ideal candidates would have spring and fall in-person availability. Student hourlies will be working hands-on with community members and students on various fabrication and design projects during the Fab Lab’s Open Hours. If availability allows, this position can also lead into supporting and teaching youth workshops and camps during the summer.  2D Design or 3D Design software experience is preferred, but not required.

Description: The CU Community Fab Lab is seeking a Lab Assistant to give lab tours, help patrons with their projects, work on campus and community events, and staff workshops at the lab. This may consist of helping people generate ideas for projects, use the lab machines and tools, produce physical objects out of their ideas, and assisting in keeping the lab clean, organized, and documented. We invite those who have the maker mindset- curiosity, playfulness, empathy, and interest in inquiry and who are willing to learn and teach new technologies and maker techniques to serve our community! 

Qualifications and Preferences: 

• Skills and experience with rapid fabrication technologies are preferred – electronic cutters, laser engravers, screen printing, small board electronics (e.g. Arduino), e-textiles, digital embroidery machines, and 3D printers/scanners.
• Teaching skills and experience with creative design and making with technologies are preferred.
• Must engage in diverse users respectfully (e.g., youth, adults, both university and non-university affiliated community members, professionals, hobbyists, people with different abilities, makers in a range of skill levels, and more). 

• Strong verbal skills and customer service skills are required. 
• Basic digital literacy skills are required–Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Apps, basic file management concepts with Windows/OSX, and online communication tools, such as Google Doc, Calendar, email, and more. 

Application Procedures: 

• We suggest you first come in to meet us at the Fab Lab (1301 S Goodwin, Urbana) to talk to existing staff and get a sense for what the job and workplace are like, if you haven’t already done so. (Open Hours: Sun 1-6pm; Mon-Thu 5-9pm)
• Submit a resume and a cover letter to communityfablab@gmail.com. Feel free to include any relevant portfolios or references, if you have any. 

People of all majors, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religious affiliations, and ability status are strongly encouraged to apply. May require a background check.

https://forms.illinois.edu/sec/1566661771

The CU Community Fab Lab is an open, collaborative, capacity-building makerspace. We strive to enable makers of all kinds through instruction, open access, mentoring, community engagement, and research. We are seeking Graduate Students with the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign to help facilitate and design workshops and curriculum with our community partners, including after-school centers, public libraries and public middle schools.

The Graduate Assistant position is a 25% or 50% appointment with an estimated 10 or 20 hours a week of work. The position is designated 50% community engagement and 50% facility operations. The Graduate Assistant will work alongside the Community Engagement team to (1) Develop new makerspace-oriented curriculum for students in K-8 that is reflective of community needs and interests, and (2) Instruct and facilitate workshops in local after-school programs at libraries, schools, and/or community centers (between 2:30pm and 5:30pm on select weekdays). Graduate Assistants must be comfortable serving as an instructor, and work independently with groups of 4-9 students.  Facility operation responsibilities include scheduled lab assistant duties during our “Open Hours” and researching makerspace development. This research will cover machine operation, lab safety, creating signage, and lab marketing/outreach.

Qualifications:

On-campus MSLIS students in Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

Preferred Qualifications:

• An interest in makerspaces, community informatics, and youth services
• Experience developing curriculum and programming is preferred but not required
• Experience leading or assisting with youth programming

Job Summary

Manage the CU Community Fab Lab and its advanced digital fabrication and rapid prototyping in order to support the core missions of the Fab Lab core missions of design and fabrication related to education, research and entrepreneurship.

Duties & Responsibilities

Project Management:

• Implement and oversee programs as directed by the Fab Lab director
• Independently implement programs: collaboratively set goals, metrics for success, and process; set timelines, track progress, measure success, and report outcomes for all programs of the C-U Community Fab Lab.
• Make recommendations to the Director for major modifications to program. These programs include outreach, education, and services to students, faculty, and community members. (15%)
• Handle digital and in-person communications and information organization tasks with a combination of email and phone as well as collaboration and project management platforms. (15%)
• Supervise staff who primarily work as interns and open lab support. Manage the staffing schedule for open lab hours and workshops; delegate daily operations tasks and keep people informed, accountable, and on target. Propose and collaborate with the director on setting open lab hours, policies, and procedures, and be primarily responsible for their effective implementation. (10%)
• Create and sustain a positive, problem-solver atmosphere conducive to effective collaboration and sharing. Promote participation in an inclusive, creative community; keep staff and patrons motivated in creating and sharing interesting digital fabrication projects; be a role model by demonstrating empathy, diplomacy, and proactive listening. (5%)

Facility and Equipment Management:

• Oversee maintenance and documentation of core fabrication areas and systems. Manage maintenance, repair and upgrades of nearly all fabrication tools in the lab, including 3D printers/scanners, laser engravers, small board electronics, poster plotters, screen printing, casting, molding, milling, and textile machines. This includes overseeing and ensuring regular maintenance, scheduling expert repair, and researching solutions as needed. (20%)
• Maintain a regular presence during daily open hours and classes, which includes some evening or weekend hours, to ensure that the lab is prepared to serve as a classroom and fabrication education space — ensuring it is safe, clean, supplied, organized, and accessible. (5%)
• Manage repair and maintenance records as well as minor tool acquisitions, parts/supplies, and inventory. (5%)

Education and Training:

• Support educational programming, including instructional materials and class support.
• Develop training materials and train lab assistants and high school interns to leverage documentation and local expertise to help them know how to safely, effectively, and creatively use — as well as fix — equipment in the lab. (10%)
• Oversee delivery of workshops as part of program implementation. This includes collaborating on instructor assignments and communicating with instructors on curriculum, audience, scheduling, and review.
• This may include preparation and delivery of one or more workshops open to campus and community members. (10%)
• Provide feedback on open lab and workshops educational experiences, including defining learning objectives and prerequisites as well as assessing documentation, tool/technique instruction methods, and evaluation models.
• Contribute to future modifications of those experiences by making recommendations and measuring success. (5%)

Physical Demands

• Standing : Occasionally
• Walking : Occasionally
• Stairs : Occasionally
• Sitting : Frequently
• Lifting/Carrying : Occasionally
• Pushing/Pulling : Occasionally
• Talking : Occasionally
• Hearing : Occasionally
• Visual Acuity : Occasionally

Working Conditions

• Hazards : Rarely

Additional Physical Demands

Position involves the movement of small laboratory equipment, tables, and chairs. Work is otherwise performed in a maker lab environment.

Minimum Qualifications

·         Bachelor’s degree.

·         One year of work experience supervising a team of staff or instructors.

·         Experience with fabrication tools including one or more of the following: 3D printers, small board electronics, laser engravers, or textile machines.

·         Experience with design software such as Adobe Illustrator or Autodesk Meshmixer.

·         Experience with project management.

·         Design experience, or experience teaching others about digital and physical design.

Preferred Qualifications

·         B.S., B.A., M.S., or M.A. in a field related to science, technology, engineering, or art education.

·         Lab management experience, particularly in the maker and design areas.

·         Teaching young adults informal or informal settings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·         Understanding of digital fabrication technologies.

·         Familiarity with project-based curriculum.

·         Any knowledge of information technology, digital arts, or STEM.

·         Critical thinking skills with diversity, social inclusion, and emotional work.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5002 – Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 5/31/2023. Salary is commensurate with experience.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

(Undergraduate or Graduate Student Hourly)

Start Date: ASAP. Review of applications will begin immediately. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications received by Sunday, Oct 2, 2022, will receive full consideration. 

Compensation: $12-16/hour for approximately 10 hours a week (Include evenings and weekends)

Description: The CU Community Fab Lab is seeking a Lab Assistant to give lab tours, help patrons with their projects, work on campus and community events, and staff workshops at the lab. This may consist of helping people generate ideas for projects, use the lab machines and tools, produce physical objects out of their ideas, and assisting in keeping the lab clean, organized, and documented. We invite those who have the maker mindset- curiosity, playfulness, empathy, and interest in inquiry and who are willing to learn and teach new technologies and maker techniques to serve our community! 

Qualifications and Preferences: 

• Skills and experience with rapid fabrication technologies are preferred – electronic cutters, laser engravers, screen printing, small board electronics (e.g. Arduino), e-textiles, digital embroidery machines, and 3D printers/scanners.
• Teaching skills and experience with creative design and making with technologies are preferred.
• Must engage in diverse users respectfully (e.g., youth, adults, both university and non-university affiliated community members, professionals, hobbyists, people with different abilities, makers in a range of skill levels, and more). 

• Strong verbal skills and customer service skills are required. 
• Basic digital literacy skills are required–Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Apps, basic file management concepts with Windows/OSX, and online communication tools, such as Google Doc, Calendar, email, and more. 

Application Procedures: 

• We suggest you first come in to meet us at the Fab Lab (1301 S Goodwin, Urbana) to talk to existing staff and get a sense for what the job and workplace are like, if you haven’t already done so. (Fall 2022 Open Hours: Sun 1-6pm; Mon-Thu 5-9pm)
• Submit a resume and a cover letter to communityfablab@gmail.com. Feel free to include any relevant portfolios or references, if you have any. 

People of all majors, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religious affiliations, and ability status are strongly encouraged to apply. May require a background check.

C-U Community Fab Lab Manager 
Informatics
School of Information Sciences 
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The School of Information Sciences (iSchool) seeks applicants for the position of C-U Community Fab Lab Manager. This position will Manage the C-U Community Fab Lab and its advanced digital fabrication and rapid prototyping in support of the Fab Lab core missions of design and fabrication related education and research as well as art- entrepreneurship. 

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Management: Implement and oversee programs as directed by the Fab Lab director. 

• Independently implement programs: collaboratively set goals, metrics for success, and process; set timelines, track progress, measure success, and report outcomes for all programs of the C-U Community Fab Lab. Make recommendations to the Director for major modifications to program. These programs include outreach, education, and services to students, faculty, and community members.
• Handle digital and in-person communications and information organization tasks with a combination of email and phone as well as collaboration and project management platforms.
• Supervise hourly staff who primarily work as interns and open lab support. Manage the staffing schedule for open lab hours and workshops; delegate daily operations tasks and keep people informed, accountable, and on target.
• Propose and collaborate with the director on setting open lab hours, policies, and procedures, and be primarily responsible for their effective implementation.
• Create and sustain a positive, problem-solver atmosphere conducive to effective collaboration and sharing.
• Promote participation in an inclusive, creative community; keep staff and patrons motivated in creating and sharing interesting digital fabrication projects; be a role model by demonstrating empathy, diplomacy, and proactive listening.

Facility and Equipment Management: Oversee maintenance and documentation of core fabrication areas and systems. 

• Manage maintenance, repair and upgrades of nearly all fabrication tools in the lab, including 3D printers/scanners, laser engravers, small board electronics, poster plotters, screen printing, casting, molding, milling, and textile machines. This includes overseeing and ensuring regular maintenance, scheduling expert repair, and researching solutions as needed.
• Maintain a regular presence during daily open hours and classes during afternoons and evenings several days a week to ensure that the lab is prepared to serve as a classroom and fabrication education space — ensuring it is safe, clean, supplied, organized, and accessible. 
• Manage repair and maintenance records as well as minor tool acquisitions, parts/supplies, and inventory. 

Education and Training: Support educational programming, including instructional materials and class support. 

• Develop training materials and train lab assistants and high school interns to leverage documentation and local expertise to help them know how to safely, effectively, and creatively use — as well as fix — equipment in the lab.
• Oversee delivery of workshops as part of program implementation. This includes collaborating on instructor assignments and communicating with instructors on curriculum, audience, scheduling, and review. This may include preparation and delivery of one or more workshops open to campus and community members.
• Provide feedback on open lab and workshops educational experiences, including defining learning objectives and prerequisites as well as assessing documentation, tool/technique instruction methods, and evaluation models. Contribute to future modifications of those experiences by making recommendations and measuring success.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree
• One year of work experience supervising a team of staff or instructors.
• Experience with fabrication tools including one or more of the following: 3D printers, small board electronics, laser engravers, or textile machines.
• Experience with design software such as Adobe Illustrator or Autodesk Meshmixer.
• Experience with project management.
• Design experience, or experience teaching others about digital and physical design.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• B.S., B.A., M.S., or M.A. in a field related to science, technology, engineering, or art education. 
• Lab management experience, particularly in the maker and design areas.
• Teaching young adults in formal or informal settings. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Understanding of digital fabrication technologies.
• Familiarity with project-based curriculum.
• Any knowledge of information technology, digital arts, or STEM.
• Critical thinking skills with diversity, social inclusion, and emotional work. 

SALARY AND APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a full-time Civil Service Program Coordinator position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date.  Salary is commensurate with experience.

To Apply:

Applications must be received by February 20, 2022. Apply for this position using the “Apply for Position” button below.  If you have not applied before, you must create your candidate profile at http://jobs.illinois.edu.  If you already have a profile, you will be redirected to that existing profile via email notification. To complete the application process:

Step 1:  Submit the Staff Vacancy Application.

Step 2:  Submit the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability forms.

Step 3:  Upload the following documents:  

• cover letter
• resume (months and years of employment must be included)
• academic credentials (unofficial transcripts or diploma may be acceptable) for all degrees attained. Academic credentials will be verified before hire. 
• names/contact information for three references.

In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position using the “Apply for Position” button below. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, contact the iSchool HR office at ischool-hr@illinois.edu. For questions about the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

University of Illinois faculty, staff and students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption in accordance with applicable University processes.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

Storyteller: Digital Marketing and Aspiring Journalist

The CU Community Fab Lab is seeking someone to fill a communications and design position as our first ever official Storyteller. This position is for someone with an interest and background in communications, digital art, journalism and/or public relations. The job focuses on sharing the many stories that happen regularly at the Fab Lab – and potentially elsewhere in informatics – from interviewing patrons about their creations, to taking photos and videos of events or processes, as well as posting notable art and making from the community and other design spaces around campus. Some benefits of this position:

• It’s a fun job where you can get paid for learning and sharing skills that will help you after graduation or in your next job: production, technology, design, etc…
• Some experience with rapid fabrication technologies and techniques is preferred – art/industrial design, 3D printing/modeling, game design, textiles/costumes, small electronics, programming, etc…  storytellers will rapidly learn about technologies and maker methods of many sorts (from sewing to electronics to drawing) as well as work both individually and collaboratively with staff to share them with the world
• Work with a talented, interdisciplinary team of staff, students, volunteers, aspiring professionals and representatives from our community partners at libraries and schools year round

Duties

We have a work-in-progress list of typical duties and goals for this new role.

Skills and Qualifications

This job is open to both current University of Illinois students and people who have graduated with a Bachelors. We understand not every candidate will meet all of the following qualifications, but wanted to provide a comprehensive list for candidates to aspire to. Employees can develop and reinforce nearly all of these skills by working with us, too.

Social

• We’re looking for someone outgoing, diplomatic and contagiously energetic for this role
• Curiosity, playfulness, empathy and interest in inquiry – the ‘maker DIWO spirit’
• Strong verbal skills and ability to identify and champion value found in new ideas and perspectives
• Know-how to engage patrons of many ages: learn their name and get to know them, establish a rapport and help them talk about their projects and learning process
• Recognize when audience members are losing attention or falling behind and identify with how they’re feeling, speaking to them with both respect and confidence
• Be ready to communicate with a suite of digital tools like Slack, Monday.com (project management), Google Docs/Calendar and email
• Assist in keeping the lab documented, be ready to collect and convey stories to help us with organization and user experience

Technical

• Help to curate displays and accompanying descriptions for notable projects, staff and students tied to the lab
• Familiarity with sharing experiences via photos, media and other deliverables on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Patreon, Github, Instructables, Pinterest and more
• Fluency with some combination of art and design authorship and publishing tools, like digital drawing tablets, iMovie or Adobe Photoshop
• Leverage the internet to find basic information on a subject as well as experiment iteratively to determine how something works – ask questions and figure out how to make and break stuff
• Ability to learn about new technologies, techniques and software individually and collaboratively, including games like Minecraft, hardware interfaces like Aurdino or non-computerized crafts like sewing or screen printing – you certainly won’t have to know how to do everything, but you will need to understand enough of it to explain its value to others

Application Method

• First come in to meet us at the Fab Lab (1301 S Goodwin, Urbana) to talk to existing staff and get a sense for what the job and workplace are like (if you haven’t already)
• Submit a resume (pdf or doc) and links to any relevant portfolios, sample work or example plans to communityfablab@gmail.com
• We will contact you to setup a time for interview(s)

Other Requirements

• Applicants must be 18 or older and may need to go through a simple background check
• Full-time students may only work up to 10 hours a week
• Work hours will typically be during afternoons and evenings with some flexibility
• People of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religious affiliations and ability status are strongly encouraged to apply

Technical Lab Manager

The Illinois Informatics Institute, Fab Lab, seeks a Program Coordinator: CU Community Fab Lab Manager. This position will manage advanced digital fabrication and rapid prototyping tools as well as assisting open hours lab attendants at the CU Community Fab Lab in the service of support of the Fab Lab core mission: design and fabrication related education, research and art-entrepreneurship. Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace difference. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

Summary

Manage advanced digital fabrication and rapid prototyping tools as well as assisting open hours lab attendants at the CU Community Fab Lab in the service of support of the Fab Lab core mission: design and fabrication related education, research and art-entrepreneurship.

Duties and Responsibilities

Project Management: Implement and oversee programs as directed by the Fab Lab Director.

1. Independently implement programs: collaboratively set goals, metrics for success, and process; set timelines, track progress, and measure success; and report outcomes for all programs of the CU Community Fab Lab. Make recommendations to the Director for major modifications to programs. These programs include outreach, education and services to students, faculty and community.
2. Create and sustain a positive, problem-solver atmosphere conducive to effective collaboration and sharing. Promote participation in an inclusive, creative community; keep staff and patrons motivated in creating and sharing interesting digital fabrication projects; be a role model by demonstrating empathy, diplomacy and proactive listening.
3. Supervise hourly staff who primarily work as interns and open lab support. Manage the staffing schedule for open lab hours and workshops; delegate daily operations tasks and keep people informed, accountable and on target. Propose, and collaborate with the director on setting. Open lab hours, policies and procedures.
4. Handle digital and in-person communications and information organization tasks with a combination of email and phone as well as collaboration and project management platforms.

Education and Training: Support educational programming, including instructional materials and class support

1. Develop training materials and train lab assistants and high school interns to leverage documentation and local expertise to help them know how to safely, effectively and creatively use — as well as fix — equipment in the lab.
2. Oversee delivery of workshops as part of program implementation. This includes collaborating on instructor assignments and communicating with instructors on curriculum, audience, scheduling and review. This may include preparation and delivery of one or more workshops open to campus and community members.
3. Provide feedback on open lab and workshops educational experiences, including defining learning objectives and prerequisites as well as assessing documentation, tool/technique instruction methods, and evaluation models. Contribute to future modifications of those experiences by making recommendations and measuring success.

Facility and Tool Management: Oversee maintenance and documentation of core fabrication areas and systems

1. Retain a regular presence during daily open hours and classes during afternoons and evenings several days a week to ensure that the lab is fit to serve as a classroom and fabrication education space — keeping it safe, clean, supplied, organized and accessible.
2. Manage maintenance, repair and upgrades of nearly all fabrication tools in the lab, including 3D printers/scanners, laser engravers, small board electronics, poster plotters, screen printing, casting, molding, milling and textile machines. This includes overseeing and ensuring regular maintenance, scheduling expert repair, and researching solutions as needed.
3. Manage repair and maintenance records as well as minor tool acquisitions, parts/supplies and inventory.

Qualifications

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Education: B.S., B.A., M.S., or M.A. in a field related to science, technology, engineering or art education

Required Experience: One year of experience supervising a team of staff or instructors. Experience with fabrication tools including one or more of the following: 3D printers, small board electronics, laser engravers, or textile machines. Design experience, or experience teaching others about digital and physical design. Experience with design software such as Adobe Illustrator or Autodesk Meshmixer.

Preferred Experience: Teaching young adults in formal or informal settings

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Successful candidates will process the following: Working knowledge of all Fab Lab operations, history, and mission. Experience with project, personnel and information management systems. Understanding of digital fabrication technologies. Familiarity with project-based curriculum. Any knowledge of information technology, digital arts or STEM. Critical thinking skills with diversity, social inclusion and emotional work.

Salary or Appointment Information

This is a full-time Civil Service Program Coordinator position appointed on a [12]-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Application

See the full posting on the Illinois Job Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will be the hours? Where will I work?

This position has regular presence during our operations at the main Fab Lab location (not community sites), including UIUC classes, open lab and summer camps. The Fab Lab does not have much programming in the morning – this position is for someone who is able to work weekday afternoons, three weekday evenings (never Fridays) and Sunday afternoons. The schedule may vary week-by-week and allows for some flexibility but will consistently require work during evenings. The manager will have a small office space at the Fab Lab but in a sense the entire lab (Art Annex 2) is their workspace.

Who will the manager report to? How much autonomy will they have? Do they have help?

They will report to and work closely with Jeff Ginger (Director) and Lisa Bievenue (Director of Informatics). We’re definitely looking for someone who can be an independent leader who can take initiative to drive operations, but that works well collaboratively and diplomatically with others. In our case leadership is thought of more as “lead from the front” than “lead from behind.” They will need to conduct activities actively in tandem with our staff, checking on them regularly and leading by example in-person in an environment with a high degree of mentorship and collegiality. The technical lab manager will have about a dozen staff who will work with them in various roles.

How will the interview process work?

We will invite selected candidates to meet with a hiring committee as well as core-staff review group. They will also participate in a technical knowledge demonstration exercise.

Lab and Promotions Assistant

The CU Community Fab Lab is seeking someone to fill a dual-role service and communications position as a Lab Assistant and Promotions Assistant. Job duties include typical tasks for lab assistants: helping patrons to talk through ideas and learn to use software or tools, assisting with prototyping workshops and classes as well as helping to clean up and otherwise maintain the lab. In addition, this position is for someone with an interest and background in communications, journalism or public relations. Additional duties will entail interviewing patrons to tell stories about creations, taking photos and videos of events or processes, as well as sharing notable art and making from the community and other design spaces around campus. Some benefits of this position:

• It’s a fun job where you can get paid for learning and sharing skills that will help you after graduation or in your next job: teaching, technology, design, etc…
• Some experience with rapid fabrication technologies is preferred – textiles/costumes, small electronics, programming, art/industrial design, 3D printing/modeling, game design, etc… applicants should be willing to rapidly learn technologies and maker techniques of many sorts (from sewing to electronics to drawing) as well as work both individually and collaboratively
• Work with a talented, interdisciplinary team of staff, students, volunteers, aspiring professionals and representatives from our community partners at libraries and schools
• Employment includes spring semester to start and may continue into the summer, depending on performance, funds and staffing needs

This job is ideal for learners who are interested in art, technology and education related fields and who also like to learn about and help other people.

Skills and Qualifications

We understand not every candidate will meet all of these, but wanted to provide a comprehensive list to aspire to! You can build and reinforce nearly all of these skills by working with us, too.

Social

• We’re specifically looking for someone outgoing, diplomatic and energetic for this joint role
• Curiosity, playfulness, empathy and interest in inquiry – the ‘maker DIWO spirit’
• Strong verbal skills and customer service experience
• Know-how to engage patrons of many ages: learn their name and get to know them, establish a rapport and help them guide their own learning; recognizing when learners are not paying attention or falling behind and identify with how they’re feeling, speaking to them with both respect and authority

Organization

• Be ready to communicate with a suite of digital tools like Slack, Monday.com (project management), Google Docs/Calendar and email
• Assist in keeping the lab clean, organized and documented
• Ability to pursue and manage self-driven projects and troubleshoot mechanical and digital problems
• Follow through on your curiosity – explore ideas from multiple perspectives including the web and other staff
• Experience helping patrons follow step-by-step tutorials – logical sequencing to organize ideas and anticipating learner knowledge and needs

Technical

• Familiarity with sharing Fab Lab experiences with photos and resources on platforms like Patreon, Facebook, YouTube, Github, Instructables, Pinterest and more
• Help to curate displays of cool projects and accompanying descriptions or bios
• Be able to use the internet to find basic information on a subject as well as experiment to determine how something works – figure out how to make and break stuff
• Willingness to learn new technologies, techniques and software individually and collaboratively, including games like Minecraft or non-computerized crafts like sewing or screen printing

Application Method and Requirements

• First come in to meet us at the Fab Lab (1301 S Goodwin, Urbana) to talk to existing staff and get a sense for what the job and workplace are like (if you haven’t already)
• Submit a resume (pdf or doc) and links to any relevant teaching portfolios, sample curriculum or lesson plans to communityfablab@gmail.com
• We will contact you to setup a time for interview(s)
• Applicants of any educational background are welcome to apply, you must be 18 or older (younger applicants see the internship option below) and may need to go through a simple background check
• Both students and people with degrees are welcome to apply, students will be limited to 10 hours a week, others are eligible for 20 hours part time starting
• Work hours will be during afternoons and evenings
• People of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religious affiliations and ability status are strongly encouraged to apply

Project Coordinator: Lab Manager (2017)

Official posting on the UIUC Civil Service job board.

Manage the daily operations of the CU Community Fab Lab in order to support the core missions of education, research and art-entrepreneurship.

Major Duties and Responsibilities (detailed duties):

1. Leadership: Foster a positive problem-solver atmosphere conducive to effective collaboration and information sharing; provide guidance to promote participation and morale
2. Project and Facility Management: Provide oversight of staff working on education, grant and engagement projects and as well as core maintenance services
   1. Manage the staffing schedule for open hours, workshops and support of UUC courses; delegate daily operations tasks and keep people accountable and on target
   2. Handle digital and in-person communications and information organization tasks, for both internal and external points of contact, with a combination of email, phone, social media, project management platforms
   3. Ensure that the lab is fit to serve as a classroom and fabrication education space, keeping it safe, clean, organized and accessible; retain a regular presence during daily open workshop and classroom operations in afternoons and evenings
   4. Assist with administrative tasks related to repair and maintenance records as well as equipment acquisition, supplies purchasing and inventory; some degree of technical knowledge of advanced tools like 3D printers, laser engravers and embroidery machines is required in order to make appropriate decisions
3. Education and Training: Assist in development of outreach and educational programming, including teaching and testing of curricular materials
   1. Coordinate implementation of educational programming for special events, including decision-making responsibility for staffing and materials, which requires knowledge of educational programming needs and requirements
   2. Provide feedback on learning objectives, lesson plans, documentation, teaching methods, and evaluation for new and existing courses and workshops,
   3. Run professional development with instructors and lab assistants to use new materials and document workshops, camps and classes

Education:

• Preferred: B.S., B.A., M.S., or M.A. in a field related to science, technology, engineering or art education

Experience:

• Required: Experience leading and coordinating a team of staff and instructors
• Required: Familiarity with design software and/or equipment found in the Fab Lab
• Required: Any design experience, or teaching others about design
• Preferred: Teaching youth or young adults in formal or informal settings

Knowledge Requirements:

• Required: Working knowledge of all Fab Lab operations, history, and mission
• Required: Comprehension of personnel and information management techniques
• Required: Understanding of fabrication technologies
• Preferred: Understanding of project-based curriculum design
• Preferred: Any information technology knowledge, any design knowledge, or any science, engineering or arts content knowledge
• Preferred: Critical thinking skills related to diversity, social inclusion and emotional work

This is a full-time position at the CU Community Fab Lab and is an annually renewable. Pay is commensurate with experience and start date will be as soon as possible after the close date of the search.

Application:

To apply submit a resume and short cover letter through the University of Illinois Job Board system. You will need to supply three references that we may call and talk to about your past work. Candidates are strongly encouraged to visit the Fab Lab for a tour if they have not already, and study this website for more details about our operation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What will be the hours? Where will I work?

The manager has to have regular presence during our operations at the main Fab Lab location (not community sites), including UIUC classes, open lab and summer camps. They don’t have to be there all of the time we’re open, just enough to stay on top of what’s going on. The Fab Lab doesn’t do much in the mornings – this position is for someone who is willing to work most afternoons, some evenings and parts of some weekends. The schedule will vary week-by-week and can be flexible depending on the manager’s needs. They will have a small office space at the Fab Lab but in a sense the entire lab (Art Annex 2) is their workspace.

Who will the manager report to? How much autonomy will they have? Do they have help?

The manager will report to and work closely with Jeff Ginger (Director) and Lisa Bievenue (Asst. Dir of Informatics). We’re definitely looking for someone who can be independent and help to drive operations, but that works well collaboratively with others. In our case leadership is thought of more as “lead from the front” than “lead from behind.” The lab manager will have about a dozen staff who will work for them in various roles.

I’m finishing my [degree] in May, can I start the job then?

We will give preference to candidates who can begin immediately but we may be able to wait for an especially qualified candidate if they’re able to work part-time until May. To be clear, the full-time civil service position would not begin until a candidate has full-time availability.

Lab Assistant

The CU Community Fab Lab is seeking one or more Lab Assistants to give lab tours, help patrons with their projects, and staff workshops at the lab. This may consist of helping patrons generate ideas for projects as well as assisting them in producing physical objects out of their ideas. Lab assistants help patrons use electronic cutters, laser engravers, screen printing, small board electronics like Arduino or e-textiles, digital embroidery machines and 3D printers/scanners.

• It’s a fun job where you can get paid for learning and sharing skills that will help you after graduation or in your next job – teaching, technology, design
• Work with engaging peers and help the greater CU community
• Some experience with rapid fabrication technologies is preferred – textiles/costumes, small electronics, programming, art/industrial design, 3D printing/modeling, game design, etc… applicants should be willing to rapidly learn technologies and maker techniques of many sorts as well as work both individually and collaboratively
• Work with an interdisciplinary team of staff, students, volunteers, aspiring professionals and representatives from our community partners at libraries and schools
• Employment includes fall semester to start and may continue into the spring, depending on performance, funds and staffing needs

This job is ideal for learners who are interested in art, technology and education related fields and who also like to help people. Increasingly education at all levels involves digital literacy and teachers need to keep up with technology to find and retain jobs today. Applicants will be able to help patrons during open lab and work with mentors on existing workshops as well as potentially develop their own activities/demos, ultimately accumulating portfolio-worthy experience. Includes negotiable hours and after-hours use of the facility.

Skills and Qualifications

We understand not every candidate will meet all of these, but wanted to provide a comprehensive list to aspire to! You can build and reinforce nearly all of these skills by working with us, too.

Social

• Curiosity, playfulness, empathy and interest in inquiry – the ‘maker DIY/DIWO spirit’
• Strong verbal skills and customer service experience
• Know-how to engage patrons of many ages: learn their name and get to know them, establish a rapport and help them guide their own learning; recognizing when learners are not paying attention or falling behind and identify with how they’re feeling, speaking to them with both respect and authority

Organization

• Stay on top of multiple events and activities in varying locations with different audiences, using a suite of online communication tools like Google Docs, Calendar and email
• Assist in keeping the lab clean, organized and documented
• Ability to pursue and manage self-driven projects and troubleshoot mechanical and digital problems
• Follow through on your curiosity – explore ideas from multiple perspectives including the web and other staff
• Experience helping patrons follow step-by-step tutorials – logical sequencing to organize ideas and anticipating learner knowledge and needs

Technical

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Apps and basic file management concepts with Windows/OSX
• Familiarity with curating and sharing Fab Lab experiences and photos on Facebook
• Internet research and experimentation experience – to figure out how to make and break stuff
• Willingness to learn new technologies, techniques and software individually and collaboratively, including games like Minecraft or less-computerized crafts like sewing or screen printing

Application Method and Requirements

• First come in to meet us at the Fab Lab (1301 S Goodwin, Urbana) to talk to existing staff and get a sense for what the job and workplace are like (if you haven’t already)
• Submit a resume (pdf or doc) and links to any relevant teaching portfolios, sample curriculum or lesson plans to communityfablab@gmail.com
• We will contact you to setup a time for interview(s)
• Applicants of any educational background are welcome to apply, you must be 18 or older (younger applicants see the internship option below) and may need to go through a simple background check
• Students are welcome, especially those interested in interdisciplinary fields such as library & information science, informatics or art education
• People of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religious affiliations and ability status are strongly encouraged to apply

Technology Education Innovator

The CU Community Fab Lab is seeking one or more Technology Education Innovators to help facilitate and design workshops and curriculum for our community partners, including schools and libraries. This work will be conducted in conjunction with several NSF-funded grants dedicated to investigating the barriers and impacts of makerspace learning. It will also occur as part of our mission of public engagement, providing opportunities to underserved learners to develop critical digital literacies.

• This position is available as a 25% or 50% research assistantship appointment and includes a tuition waiver
• Priority will be given to students enrolled in informatics, the ischool, education or art education
• Technology Education Innovators will be an integral part of the Fab Lab staff, meeting and training with the team regularly, but also collaborating with teachers, librarians and teens in community multiple days of the week

Applicants will be able to work with mentors on existing curriculum and workshops as well as develop their own, ultimately accumulating portfolio-worthy experience. Includes negotiable hours and access to University assets, such as staff computers and after-hours facility access.

Skills and Qualifications

We understand not every candidate will meet all of these, but wanted to provide a comprehensive list to aspire to! You can build and reinforce nearly all of these skills by working with us, too.

Social

• Curiosity, playfulness, empathy and interest in inquiry – the ‘maker DIY/DIWO spirit’
• Strong verbal, multimedia and research communication/documentation skills
• Know-how to engage teens: learn their name and get to know them, establish a rapport and help them guide their own learning; recognizing when kids are paying attention and how they’re feeling
• Crowd control and authority: wrangle groups of teens to listen and comply when needed, but also be a role model and supporter

Organization

• Stay on top of multiple events and activities in varying locations with different audiences, using a suite of online communication tools like Google Docs, Calendar and email
• Assemble activities and presentation scripts ahead of time, make sure supporting materials like visual aids and other references are easily accessible for everyone
• Plan sequences of activities that relate to one another that each have identifiable goals and purpose and that can flow well; have contingency plans and be willing to improvise
• Know how to do a ‘reference interview’ to determine patron needs; stay on track by delegating side-tasks/issues to others or putting them in the “parking lot” for later, but also appropriately grabbing questions as teachable moments or impetus for the development of solutions
• Experience creating step-by-step tutorials and lesson plans – logical sequencing to organize ideas and anticipating learner knowledge and needs

Technical

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Apps and basic file management concepts with Windows/OSX
• Individuals familiar with qualitative social science research methods will be given priority
• Other experience like programming or graphic design are not required but are certainly desired
• Familiarity with curating and sharing Fab Lab experiences and photos on Facebook
• Web research and experimentation experience – to figure out how to make and break stuff
• Willingness to learn new technologies, techniques and software individually and collaboratively, including games like Minecraft or traditional crafts like sewing

Application Method and Requirements

• First come in to meet us at the Fab Lab (1301 S Goodwin, Urbana) to talk to existing staff and get a sense for what the job and workplace are like (if you haven’t already)
• Submit a resume (pdf or doc) and links to any relevant teaching portfolios, sample curriculum or lesson plans to communityfablab@gmail.com
• We will contact you to setup a time for interview(s)
• Applicants of any educational background are welcome to apply, you must be 18 or older and will need to go through a simple background check
• Students are welcome, especially those interested in interdisciplinary fields such as informatics or art education
• People of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religious affiliations and ability status are strongly encouraged to apply

Summer 2019 Interns

We’re very happy the Fab Lab has encouraged so many youth to develop an interest in fabrication, STEAM and design thinking education. This summer we’re hosting an open call for interns at the Fab Lab, to make it more possible for more newcomers to have a chance to indicate their interest and apply. Former summer interns are welcome to apply as well, of course. We will take applications until April 28th and announce offers the week following. Some qualifications:

1. First-time interns are offered a position on a volunteer-only basis, we may invite them back for a paid internship the year following. The university is only able to pay interns who are 16 years or older, though it may be possible for those age 15 with a worker permit under special arrangement. We typically offer an end-of-summer thank-you gift for volunteers.
2. We can’t assure regular hours all summer, as we’re not always offering camps every week and we may not have enough work opportunities for everyone. Most interns will have the chance to work on a few camps over the summer.
3. New interns may be asked to come in to interview with us. We will reach out to them with more information. Intern applicants themselves should be the ones who apply; parents are not permitted to fill out the form.

Apply to be a Summer Camp Intern!

Teen Intern

The Fab Lab is excited to offer teen participants a chance to intern this fall! We believe the experience will be a superb opportunity to learn a great deal about leadership, education and technology tools. The job roles are very similar to the lab assistant role outlined above, but with a few stipulations:

• Applicants need to qualify for one of the following:
  • Taken multiple camps at the lab
  • Worked with us as an intern in the past
  • Be an active teen participant/volunteer at a community site
• Interns should be in (or entering into) high school
• To apply applicants should submit a short (1 page or less) letter of intent to communityfablab@gmail.com answering the following:
  • Why do you want the job?
  • In what ways are you a maker? (example projects?)
  • What other relevant experience do you have?

All internships will be unpaid if applicants are first-time interns. We will, however, offer participants access to staff laptops and a gift-certificate at the end of each semester. Returning interns are eligible for pay. Upon completion either Lisa Bievenue or Jeff Ginger will write interns general letters of recommendation.

Inventor/Crafter

The Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab (CUCFL) is seeking Inventor/Crafters to help us grow the inclusive “maker spirit” that fuels our lab. This position is for experienced and dedicated makers who can rapidly prototype inventions that demonstrate interesting concepts or help us to solve research or education problems. The position is as much about learning from and helping people who visit or work in the lab as it is about making or discovering cool stuff. Specifically:

• Inventor/Crafters will have two main jobs – (1) consulting with researchers and patrons with complex problems and (2) playing with lab tools to generate new workshop and maker activities.
• Inventor/Crafters will learn the basics of the powerful tools of the lab, help others understand tools’ capacity, and assist with upgrades and documentation. They needn’t know everything, but should be able to rapidly learn all kinds of tools and then be willing to experiment with them.
• Inventor/Crafters will expand and share the capabilities of the lab, which in turn provides vision in the overall program offerings of our organization.
• We may call upon you to engage in community outreach with our local partner locations.

Some of the toys we’d like you to play with: 3D scanners (Kinect v2, Next Engine), e-textiles / wearables (Myo armband, Google Glass, conductive thread), open source CNC (Shapeoko, hacked digital embroidery), small electronics / IOT (Raspberry Pi, Galileo, Makey-Makey, Floras/Gemmas, custom-milled circuits), robotics (kitted and not) and more.

To help get an idea of what this looks like in-action, read about some example initiatives that have been started by inventor/crafter folks in the past below.

Capacity Building and Education:

• Clever methods for introducing girls into coding via Arduino-driven plushie robots; teaching microcontroller basics via artistic and music-inspired applications
• Establishing digital embroidery and e-textiles as an active machine capacity and curricular area via interesting demonstrations like the celestial orchestra conductive-thread fabric instrument and camps such as teaching children to sew backpacks with Flora-driven LED turn-signal faces
• Adapting digital drawing tablets as effective alternative-input systems for emotive design and storytelling
• Leveraging games as tools for 3D modeling/printing/scanning as well as programming, connecting popular titles like Spore, Minecraft and RPG Maker and associated open source apps to establish multiple classes and camps, to grow an entire curricular area and link it to faculty research
• Producing a low-cost IOT dust-sensor and then manufacturing a dozen to create a portable networked data collection kit to be used as a demonstration citizen science project for NSF
• Methods in fashion accessory and costume design, using foam, fabric and screen printing, with associated camps and workshops

Consulting and Research:

• Automating the measurement of leaves on plants via 3D scanners and scripting
• Experimenting with solutions for aesthetic leg fairings and attachment apparatuses for c-leg type prosthetics
• Analyzing, repairing and 3D printing/milling out a large-scale wooden geological model of a river system
• Creating a unique lab coat with specialized material and fit for service dogs

It’s alright if not all of these examples make sense to applicants – the point is that they’re about more than just a cool creation or workshop, each one helped to establish a part of the capabilities and identity of the Fab Lab. For us, they represent our substantial areas and advancements of knowledge and innovation. This is what we want Inventor/Crafters to help us do!

Skills and Qualifications

We understand not every candidate will meet all of these, but wanted to provide a comprehensive list to aspire to! You can build and reinforce nearly all of these skills by working with us, too.

Social

• Curiosity, playfulness, empathy and interest in inquiry – the ‘maker DIY/DIWO spirit’
• Interest in working directly and frequently with a quirky, outgoing and sometimes disorganized team of makers
• Ability to learn quickly from others and then manage tasks to figure out how to accomplish them independently

Organization

• Stay on top of multiple events and activities in varying locations with different audiences, using a suite of online communication tools like Google Docs/Calendar and email
• Be able to search forums and do other internet research to investigate and solve problems, follow maker-related news
• Make creations that are finished enough to be functional demos or activities, document what you invent
• Know how to do a ‘reference interview’ to determine patron needs; stay on track by delegating side-tasks/issues to others or putting them in the “parking lot” for later, but also appropriately grabbing questions as teachable moments or impetus for the development of solutions
• Communicate effectively when tool changes happen or new resources are required

Technical

• Experience building or repairing hardware like computers, phones, tablets and printers
• Comprehensive knowledge of the ins-and-outs of Windows, OSX and, if possible, Linux
• Willingness to learn all kinds of new technologies, techniques and software individually and collaboratively

Special consideration will be given to candidates who match up with any of the following:

• Library and information science, art education or informatics students
• Familiarity with small electronics and microcontroller programming
• Coding proficiency with HTML5, CSS3 and really any object-oriented language
• Data collection and analysis via microcontrollers (internet of things)
• User-centered design and software development (actual implementation)
• Familiarity with 3D modeling/printing/scanning technologies and techniques
• Ability to build/repair 3D printers or CNC milling machines

Application Method and Requirements

• First come in to meet us at the Fab Lab (1301 S Goodwin, Urbana) to talk to existing staff and get a sense for what the job and workplace are like (if you haven’t already)
• Submit the following to ginger@illinois.edu AND communityfablab@gmail.com:
  • Resume
  • Email and contact information for one reference
  • Links to any relevant code or technology project portfolios
• If interested, we will contact you to setup a time for interview(s)

IT and Fabrication Equipment Technicaian

The Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab (CUCFL) is seeking an IT and Fabrication Equipment Technician to help with the management and upkeep of technical systems. Specific tasks for this job include:

• Regular afternoon and night-time presence at the lab assisting staff with IT setup for events and related IT equipment management needs
• Addressing a wide variety of problems, including:
  • Trouble-shooting in-the-moment hardware/software failures/difficulties during events and open hours
  • Fixing advanced fabrication equipment such as 3D printers, CNC milling machines or traditional IT like printers and laptops
  • Assisting staff with datacollection/database/server management, website updates, and, potentially, coding projects for Arduino or other micro-controllers
• Maintaining and organizing multiple computer labs and unique individual computer systems via disk images and software repositories
• Developing and implementing better IT management and automation solutions
• Regularly visiting University Surplus to identify and reserve appropriate equipment for projects

Participants will go through basic training with Fab Lab tools, activities and patron-engagement techniques and will be part of the essential operations team. This is an academic hourly position and pay will be commensurate with experience, with a required minimum of 20 hours a week.

Skills and Qualifications

We understand not every candidate will meet all of these, but wanted to provide a comprehensive list to aspire to! You can build and reinforce nearly all of these skills by working with us, too.

Social

• Curiosity, playfulness, empathy and interest in inquiry and creation
• Interest in working directly and frequently with a quirky, outgoing and sometimes disorganized team of makers
• Ability to learn quickly from others and then manage tasks to figure out how to accomplish them independently
• Be a “Maker” yourself – have hack projects you’d like to work on at the lab!

Organization

• Stay on top of multiple events and activities in varying locations with different audiences, using a suite of online communication tools like Google Docs/Calendar and email
• Memorize or have systems for keeping track of many details and sequences for installing, updating and trouble-shooting technical systems; work on multiple computer systems simultaneously
• Be able to search forums and do other internet research to investigate and solve problems, follow tech-related news
• Know how to stay on track by delegating side-tasks/issues to others or putting them in the “parking lot” for later, but also appropriately grabbing questions as teachable moments or impetus for the development of solutions
• Communicate effectively when system changes happen or new resources are required
• Keep the IT workspace at least minimally organized, occasional help with cleaning up/organizing the e-waste in the basement

Technical

• Experience building or repairing hardware like computers, phones, tablets and printers
• Comprehensive knowledge of the ins-and-outs of Windows, OSX and, if possible, Ubuntu
• Understand wired and wireless networking fundamentals, cloud storage management, RAID basics
• Know how to identify spyware/viruses, faster/slower computer hardware, estimate value/efficiency of systems
• Familiarity with 3D printing or CNC machines, to the degree that you could help upgrade and repair them
• Willingness to learn all kinds of new technologies, techniques and software individually and collaboratively, including games like Minecraft or hand crafts like sewing

Special consideration will be given to candidates who match any of the following:

• GSLIS or Informatics students
• Familiarity with small electronics and microcontroller programming
• Coding proficiency with HTML5, CSS3 and really any object-oriented language
• Data collection and analysis via microcontrollers (internet of things)
• User-centered design and software development (actual implementation)

Application Method and Requirements

• First come in to meet us at the Fab Lab (1301 S Goodwin, Urbana) to talk to existing staff and get a sense for what the job and workplace are like (if you haven’t already)
• Submit the following to ginger@illinois.edu:
  • Resume
  • Email and contact information for one reference
  • Links to any relevant code or technology project portfolios
• We will contact you to setup a time for interview(s)