MakerSpace Technician

Job Level
Entry-level position
Job Category
Technician
Sector
  • Applied Tech (STEAM / Maker / CS / Design)
Job Status
Full-Time
Areas of Responsibility
  • Maker / Fabrication

SUMMARY

Responsible for service, maintenance, and support of technologies in a MakerSpace. May also deliver short training and/or orientations on the use of equipment for users of the space. In addition to machine programming and operation, a major focus of the position will be insuring safety within the makerspace and the development and administration of teaching and training resources.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  1. Maintain and support the day-to-day operations of the MakerSpace and its technologies;

  2. Participate in the evaluation of technology pilots and troubleshoots where necessary to ensure successful completion;

  3. Act as project manager for the implementation of MakerSpace technologies;

  4. Coordinate technology integration with the relevant IT departments;

  5. Collaborate with other departments and divisions to maximize the use of the MakerSpace;

  6. Ensure safe operation of the MakerSpace;

  7. Train users in the safe use of technologies as they are implemented in the MakerSpace;

  8. Collaborate with technical staff where appropriate in other MakerSpaces as they are set up around the district;

  9. Support 3D Printers;

  10. Support CNC and non-computerized equipment where appropriate;

  11. Support microelectronics such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino, or equivalent;

  12. Research, evaluate and recommend purchases of appropriate equipment and software;

  13. May research/develop ADA procedures;

  14. May assist IT technicians as determined by departmental leadership;

  15. May be required travel to multiple locations;

  16. May require evening and weekend hours;

  17. May provide evening and weekend oversight of MakerSpace and would be responsible for its safe operation; and

  18. With or without accommodation, the employee in this position needs to move about and position him/herself to access files and operate a variety of prototyping machines including laser cutting systems, 3D printers, CNC routers, plasma cutters, vinyl cutters, plastics forming systems and other power equipment. This position requires work in a unique product development and prototyping laboratory and routinely exposes one to manufacturing and other technical environments. This may require lifting and positioning raw materials and/or products, loading materials into machines, fabricating working models of product ideas, and may occasionally involve work out of door.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. The qualifications listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

EDUCATION

  • AA, AAS or certification in a related field required.

  • Four (4) years recent experience in hardware/software technical support considered in lieu of degree.

EXPERIENCE

  • Three (3) years of experience directly supporting technology in a business or education setting and in project-based technology implementation required.

Preferred experience:

  • working in an educational environment

  • training users

  • focusing on technologies normally associated with a MakerSpace or fabrication facility

  • woodworking or metalworking

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  1. Must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in collaborative environment;

  2. Knowledge of current desktop and mobile operating systems;

  3. Knowledge of current digital fabrication tools including but not limited to 3D Printers and CNC technologies;

  4. Knowledge of design software such as Autodesk, Blender, Revit or equivalent required.

  5. Knowledge of productivity software is required;

  6. Knowledge of microelectronic technology such as Raspberry Pi, Arduino or equivalent.

  7. Knowledge of coding preferred;

  8. Able to multitask with a high volume of personal interaction with students, faculty, staff, coworkers, and vendors; and

  9. Able to effectively communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

This job description may be revised upon development of other duties and changes in responsibilities.

The Organization

Houston Community College (HCC) is an open-admission, public institution of higher education offering a high-quality, affordable education for academic advancement, workforce training, career development and lifelong learning to prepare individuals in our diverse communities for life and work in a global and technological society. We're proud to say that 98 percent of our graduates step into a job in their field of study immediately upon graduation. One of the largest community colleges in the nation, HCC has served the Greater Houston area for over four decades.

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Schools Commission on Colleges, we offer 300+ associate degree and certificate programs to 75,000+ students across 13 Centers of Excellence and online each semester. We are proud to be No.1 among all community colleges in the nation in providing associate degrees to minorities and No.1 in educating international students, with 10.4 percent of our student population from outside the USA. Our vision is to become the Employer of Choice in support of our mission for Student Success by attracting, retaining and motivating the best employees.

The Team

Some of the brightest minds in academics and business are choosing HCC as their teaching home. When you join our talented faculty team, you'll play a special role as teacher, mentor and academic advisor. We'll support you in your professional development as you contribute your knowledge and expertise to HCC, our students and the community.

Location

Houston is a city with limitless possibilities:

  • Fourth-largest city in the U.S. and home to 54 Fortune 500 companies, second only to New York City's 55.

  • Approximately 145 languages are spoken here.

  • Overall after-taxes living costs are 5.6 percent below the average for all 308 urban areas recently surveyed.

  • Houston is a major-league sports town, and don't forget the annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.

  • The weather is great! Mild winters ensure that outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round.

  • World-renowned medical care. The Houston metro area has long been known for its first-rate healthcare system, with many Houston area hospitals consistently ranking among the nation's top institutions.

  • With over 150 museums and cultural institutions in the Greater Houston area, museums are a large part of Houston's cultural scene.

  • Houston is the Culture & Culinary Capital of Texas with more than 7,500 restaurants and eating establishments covering 60+ cuisines.

If this sounds like the role for you and you're ready to join an amazing team, please apply right away.

EEO Statement

Houston Community College does not discriminate on the bases of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or veteran's status. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

David Cross, Director EEO/Compliance, Title IX Coordinator
Office of Institutional Equity

PO Box 667517

Houston TX, 77266

713 718.8271 or Institutional.Equity@hccs.edu

HCC values its employees and their contributions, promotes opportunities for their professional growth and development, and provides a positive working and learning environment that encourages diversity, innovation and creativity, and inclusion.

Individuals with disabilities, who require special accommodations to interview, should contact (713) 718-8565.