Educational Specialist

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

13h•Onsite

About The Position

The Educational Specialist (Fabrication Lab) position is a temporary, 11-month role within the School of Architecture at the University of Hawai'i. The position is set to begin approximately August 2026 and is dependent on satisfactory performance and funding availability. The specialist will oversee daily operations of the Fabrication Workshop, train and supervise students, faculty, and staff on equipment usage and safety protocols, and maintain technical proficiency with fabrication equipment and software. This role involves developing and implementing workshop policies, hiring and supervising student employees, conducting workshops, contributing to facility upkeep, managing the workshop budget, and staying current with technological advancements in the design field. The specialist will also support research faculty and the UHCDC by providing consultation on fabrication materials and processes, and will develop programs to leverage the 3D Lab's resources for outreach.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for training and overseeing others in the use of operating woodworking and/or fabrication equipment; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of overseeing and supervising a metal/wood shop as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with the health and safety of a machine/carpentry shop as well as building systems.
Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Extensive professional building, woodworking, or fabrication experience.
Familiarity with design workflows typically used by architects and designers.
Ability to manage shop schedules, equipment access, material storage, purchasing, inventory, and workflow.
Ability to train individuals and groups on the use of hand tools, hand held power tools, stationary bench tools (table saw, jointer, band saws, etc.), laser cutters and related metal/wood shop equipment demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts and terminology.
Software ability or willingness to learn and attend training courses as required.
Experience managing budgets, procurement, inventory, equipment scheduling, and maintenance logs.
Experience developing safety manuals, certification systems, equipment-use policies, or shop-access protocols.
Knowledge of OSHA or related safety practices, risk management, dust collection, ventilation, fire safety, PPE, and hazardous material handling.
Leadership to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all shop users, despite experience level.
Ability to work independently while coordinating closely with faculty and school leadership.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially when working with students, faculty, staff, and outside vendors.
Ability to draw on broad professional experience, synthesizing new ideas for improving institutional norms.

Nice To Haves

Experience training students, leading workshops, or developing instructional materials.
Ability to collaborate with faculty to support research, course assignments, studio projects, fabrication workshops, and design-build initiatives.
Comfort with providing technical feedback in support of student projects.
Grant writing experience.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations of the Fabrication Workshop during instructional use by architectural courses and studio projects.
Train and supervise students, faculty, and research staff in utilizing the shop workspace and in the operation of all woodworking and fabrication equipment.
Maintain technical proficiency and strict adherence to safety protocols when operating the laser cutter, CNC equipment, and all associated software.
Safely operate and maintain the laser cutter, CNC equipment, and all related software. Develop competency in 3D modular CNC skills to expand and enhance the technical capabilities of the 3D Lab.
Perform work requiring the use of specialized equipment, requires devising and improvising new methods and techniques for using equipment.
Provide up-to-date training to students, faculty, and research/UHCDC staff on the Laser Cutter and CNC Equipment use.
Implement and conduct training and enforcement of all workshop safety procedures in accordance with industry, state and federal standards.
Develop, recommend, and institute policies and procedures governing the workshop space.
Hire and supervise student employees in the workshop.
Conduct student workshops in Digital Fabrication, Furniture Design, Design Build, and related areas.
Contribute to upkeep of the School's facilities including light maintenance, furniture repair, and disposal. Research equipment needs and provide cost comparisons for design studio spaces, including choices of desks, chairs, and communication boards. Acquire and supervise external contractors. Initiate and coordinate work by UHM Facilities Management.
Assess and recommend facilities needs working in conjunction with the Dean up to and including procurement.
Act as coordinator for student projects in connection with accreditation purposes including storage and presentation.
Attend scheduled school meetings.
Ensure a safe and orderly working environment in the Fabrication Workshop.
Maintain the budget for the workshop.
Maintain tools and equipment so that they are in good working order and condition.
Maintain inventory of tools and equipment in the workshop.
Researches and purchases material and equipment.
Determine need for new and replacement materials and equipment for the shop.
Keep apprised of technological development and innovation in the design field and apply learning to the shop operations and teachings to keep current with industry developments.
Support the research faculty and the UHCDC by consulting on fabrication materials, processes, digital fabrication, technical guidance and workspace for their projects.
Research, develop, and implement programs that leverage the unique resources of the school's 3D Lab to assist in outreach to prospective students, community groups, and practicing professionals.
Other duties as assigned.