Building Services Specialist II

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Innovation Center is seeking a Building Services Specialist II (Shop Supervisor) to support the daily operations of our Metals and Woods Makerspace. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about safety, skilled in fabrication and shop environments, and excited to work with students, faculty, and staff. The Metals and Woods Makerspace supports personal, club, research, and course related projects and provides access to a wide range of fabrication equipment. The space includes metalworking equipment such as mills, lathes, drill presses, bandsaws, MIG and TIG welders, and other fabrication tools, as well as woodworking equipment including table saws, miter saws, bandsaws, lathes, sanders, and hand tools. In this role, you will help create a safe, welcoming, and collaborative environment where students can develop hands on skills, complete projects, and bring their ideas to life.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
Sound judgment, attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to build positive relationships with community of makerspace users.

Nice To Haves

Experience supervising employees or students in a shop, laboratory, makerspace, or similar environment.
Experience developing, implementing, and enforcing safety procedures and standard operating procedures for equipment use.
Experience providing customer service or technical support in a hands on environment.
Experience operating, setting up, or training users on fabrication equipment such as mills, lathes, welders, drill presses, bandsaws, table saws, sanders, CNC equipment, or additive manufacturing equipment.
Experience troubleshooting, maintaining, or repairing shop, laboratory, or makerspace equipment.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the day to day operations of the Metals and Woods Makerspace.
Train and supervise students, faculty, staff, and student employees on the safe operation of tools and equipment.
Implement and enforce shop safety standards, procedures, and best practices.
Support course, research, club, and individual project needs.
Maintain training records, equipment documentation, and operational records.
Help ensure the makerspace remains safe, organized, accessible, and welcoming for all users.
Operate, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform minor repairs on metalworking and woodworking equipment.
Maintain a clean, organized, and functional makerspace environment.
Assist with inventory management, equipment setup, and supply ordering.
Develop and improve equipment training materials, standard operating procedures, and shop practices.
Serve as a knowledgeable resource for makerspace users and fabrication projects.
Ensure the safety and security of equipment, facilities, and users.
Create an environment that encourages learning, creativity, collaboration, and safe equipment use.
Build positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners.
Support workshops, demonstrations, events, and outreach activities that showcase the Student Innovation Center.
Provide excellent customer service and technical support to makerspace users.
Communicate effectively with managers, stakeholders, and users at all levels.