Creative Technologist

Boulder Public Library District•Boulder, CO

About The Position

BLDG 61 is a nationally renowned, free community workshop within the Main Boulder Library (part of the Boulder Public Library District, or BPLD) that provides maker education and technology to the public in a creative and inclusive environment. The makerspace regularly hosts workshops, programs, and special events. Check out some recent projects and programs: https://www.instagram.com/bldg61/ . The BPLD is committed to advancing equity in our diverse community by providing accessible programs, print and digital materials, tools and technology, and educational opportunities. Across our five current locations, we are proud to offer resources such as a makerspace, art galleries, outdoor learning areas, a multimedia local history archive, community literacy programs, and a theater. BPLD strives to be a safe and welcoming place to all staff and patrons alike. Through outreach, community partnerships, and volunteer-driven programs, we seek to adapt our services to those who may experience barriers to visiting our physical locations. We circulate more than 1.5 million items annually, but we believe that a library is more than a place to borrow free materials. As a vital civic space, we provide opportunities for our more than 500,000 yearly visitors to study, host meetings, meet new people or try new experiences, and connect with essential local services. Our employees are part of a vibrant, uplifting workplace culture that honors the joy and commitment of meaningful public service, while still caring for the needs of the individual. Our work is highly collaborative, adaptive, inquisitive, and is always ongoing. We are passionate individuals with diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences, and we are dedicated to our mission of connecting people, ideas, and information to transform lives and strengthen our community. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position with the opportunity to work in BLDG 61 at the Main Library and in the brand-new makerspace Studio 24 in North Boulder (NoBo Library). This role will be required to work evenings and weekends based on community needs. Job Summary: The Creative Technologist programs the library’s makerspace and works directly with patrons of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The Creative Technologist maintains the facility and its resources in good working order; designs and delivers special programs; provides instruction and teaches patrons on using the facility’s materials, tools, and equipment safely; and coaches makers through projects. This position also partners with community creatives on maker events and trains volunteers to assist at the makerspace. We are looking for a skilled and creative maker passionate about public service, STEAM education, and community building. They will be pivotal in creating welcoming and educational experiences for people from diverse communities.

Requirements

Instructional experience in a makerspace or similar educational setting –or- a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience, and two years of technical training with instructional experience.
Recent customer service experience.
Demonstrated ability to provide one-on-one and small group instruction.
Comfortable with a hands-on approach to projects, particularly an ability to improvise with audiences of varied ages and abilities.
Availability to work evenings and weekends.
Valid Colorado driver's license and acceptable motor vehicle record. Willing use of personal vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed).

Nice To Haves

Experience using and troubleshooting two or more of the following technologies: laser cutting and engraving, 3D printing and scanning, digital design software or CAD, fiber arts, printmaking, CNC fabrication, or other related makerspace technologies.
Experience with digital and traditional fabrication and supporting various software suites, including Microsoft Office and Adobe CC.
Spanish language skills and/or experience working with patrons from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Experience operating woodworking equipment, including power tools, table saw, drill press, bandsaw, and hand tools, as well as associated materials.
Experience using microcontroller prototyping platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, CircuitPython, or Micro:bit.
Experience creating video, web, and social media content.
Experience with fiber and textile arts: knitting, spinning, weaving, dyeing, sewing, quilting, crocheting, embroidery, etc.
Experience with other disciplines: printmaking, painting, illustration, metalwork, stained glass, sculpture, papercraft, etc.
Experience developing and running a mobile library or makerspace.

Responsibilities

Designs, promotes, teaches, and evaluates public makerspace programs. Collaborates with local area artists, makers, business owners, and entrepreneurs on programs and outreach events. (30%)
Provides one-on-one coaching for individuals’ projects and safety and equipment training for makerspace users. (20%)
Provides regular maintenance and cleaning of the facility and its tools and equipment; promptly repairs or replaces malfunctioning equipment. (20%)
Coordinates with Volunteer Services to recruit and orient volunteers to assist the public in the makerspace. (15%)
Creates and documents application and systems standards, maintenance procedures, and operational procedures, and maintains an inventory of equipment and software. Purchases tools and materials for classes and general use. (15%)
Dreams up additional creative uses and programs for the makerspace.
Serves as a maker/STEAM resource for library staff. Attends meetings, serves on library-wide committees and projects, and participates in professional development opportunities.
Performs administrative tasks such as answering emails, scheduling, preparing vendor contracts, reconciling purchases, and reporting statistics.
Completes safety/emergency training (on CPR, AED, etc.).
Serves as a Manager on Duty at the Library as needed.

Benefits

Group medical, dental, and vision benefits to employees who work 20 hours or more per week
Lifestyle Spending Account for all benefit-eligible employees
Employer-paid basic life and long-term disability insurance
Employer-paid employee assistance program for employees and their household members
Health Savings or Flexible Spending Accounts for all benefit-eligible employees
Voluntary, employee-paid, group accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans for all benefit-eligible employees
Employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible to take up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care
Infant at Work Program
New employees accrue 4 weeks of paid vacation
80 hours of paid sick leave per year for employees who work 20 hours or more per week
2 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
Time off for jury duty, bereavement, and voting
Public Employee Retirement Association of Colorado (PERA) Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan
PERA 401(k) Plan
Tuition reimbursement program and student debt repayment assistance
Paid training and professional development
Easy access to unlimited resources—including books, movies, programs, digital technology, and more.