Lab and Makerspace Operations Coordinator

Chapman University Careers•Irvine, CA

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The rapidly growing Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler School of Engineering ( FSE ) seeks highly motivated colleagues to help build Chapman University’s newest school. Opened in the fall of 2019, FSE offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, along with a new graduate degree program, a MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The School also offers several interdisciplinary minors and themed inquiry programs which allow students from across other Chapman programs to explore engineering. FSE is housed in the new Swenson Family Hall of Engineering , a cutting-edge facility that supports student learning, campus-wide project activities, and faculty-led research. Within Swenson Hall is an open-access makerspace, the Design / Create/ Innovate Lab ( DCI ), consisting of four rooms that house a wide variety of low and high-end fabrication equipment. The DCI Lab supports academic and personal projects and welcomes individuals from all levels of making, design, and innovation experience. A goal of the lab is to encourage an inclusive and supportive community of makers across the entire campus community who want to become more familiar with the tools and resources in the spaces. In addition to the DCI Lab, FSE has two instructional labs: the Signals and Cyber Lab and the Circuits and Structures Lab. Fowler Engineering is looking for a collaborative and detail-oriented individual with excellent interpersonal, organization, and time management skills to join the team and fill the role of Lab and Makerspace Coordinator. This position is a vital support role for FSE by providing administrative and logistical support in the day-to-day operation of the makerspaces, instructional labs, and stockroom. This position is one of three DCI Lab positions who report to the Makerspace Manager. Due to the responsibilities and daily demands of the position, the candidate must be available to work fully on campus. Standard business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Alternative work hours may be considered. Under the direction of the Makerspace Manager, the Lab and Makerspace Coordinator will provide detailed and collaborative support in the operation of the makerspaces ( DCI Lab) and instructional labs as well as plan and implement programs and services to support makerspace users and encourage new users to the space. Day-to-day support includes ordering, receiving, and inventorying tools, parts, materials, and equipment; ensures a smooth and efficient distribution and return of assets, supplies, and equipment in accordance with FSE and University policies; prepares class kits and ensures labs are appropriately stocked. Assists users of the space with operation of commonly used equipment. Foster an inclusive environment with student activities and engagement with makerspace resources by developing partnerships with individual students, student groups, underrepresented student communities, and campus partners at varying skill levels and expertise. Serves on school and university committees as requested.

Requirements

Associates degree or equivalent in education and/or experience.
Experience providing collaborative, customer-service focused administrative support.
Experience working with varying skill levels and diverse backgrounds.
Ability to foster an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.
Experience in ordering, receiving, and distribution of assets/supplies or general supply chain coordination.
Exceptional ability to track and maintain detailed and organized records particularly in regard to distribution, use, maintenance, and storage of equipment, tools, and materials.
Technical skills to learn and use enterprise systems and applications needed for the position.
Working knowledge of digital fabrications and/or crafting.
Ability to research and learn new tools and equipment.
Highly motivated, energetic individual with attention to detail and the ability to develop innovative and modern solutions to support students, personnel, and equipment.
Strong oral and written English language skills with the ability to interact with diverse individuals and groups at all organizational levels, both inside and outside of the University.
Ability to learn, demonstrate and enforce proper health and safety procedures and regulations.
Outstanding organization and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize duties when faced with interruptions and fluctuating workload and carry them out in a timely manner to meet deadlines.
Strong commitment to customer service, inclusivity, collaboration, and team success.

Responsibilities

Administrative and Operational Support
Through excellent customer service and efficiency, provide day-to-day operational and administrative support of FSE’s makerspaces, instructional labs, and stockroom.
Create an open and welcoming space for students, faculty and staff at all levels of making, design, and innovation experience.
Assist students, faculty, and staff on the design of projects and operation of commonly used equipment.
Assist in the management, training, and mentorship of student employees.
Ensure safe and efficient daily operation of the facilities.
Follow all safety policies, procedures and programs; act as a responsible party for individual safety and the safety of others.
Participate in the development and implementation of training materials, safety standards, policies, and procedures for the makerspace and facilities.
Serve as a cashier and provide oversight of the Point-of-Sale system to process transactions of materials and parts sold in the makerspaces and stockroom.
Work collaboratively with technical and administrative staff to manage equipment and supply inventory and reservations.
Coordinate and track equipment/supply requests, checkouts, and returns.
Track past due inventory and resolve conflicts/shortfalls.
Create and track purchase requests and orders.
Monitor and obtain approvals for contract agreements, IS&T review, and new suppliers.
Confirm delivery and receipt of purchased items.
Work closely with vendors and FSE’s financial team to ensure information accuracy on invoices and delivery notices.
Regularly meet with leadership, faculty, and staff to review equipment, tools, and materials for instructional and space needs.
Ensure spaces are properly equipped.
Order and fulfill materials as needed.
Oversee instructional kit packing for relevant classes prior to the start of each semester.
Coordinate and maintain asset, tool, and equipment inventory.
Affix and record ID tags and serial numbers as required by FSE and University.
Coordinate and maintain the chemical inventory database and update inventory appropriately when chemicals are acquired, expired, or consumed.
Support students and faculty in acquiring parts and supplies for course-related projects, engineering-specific extracurricular activities, and academic research.
Work with faculty and staff to ensure instructional labs, makerspaces, and stockroom are clean, functional, organized, safe, and usable on a daily basis.
Attend meetings, including facilities coordination and risk management meetings, as required and report back to the Makerspace Manager and FSE Leadership.
Provide support for enterprise systems such as PeopleSoft, PeopleAdmin, Concur, 25Live, etc.
Program and Event Support
Foster student activities and engagement with makerspace resources by developing partnerships with individual students, student groups, underrepresented student communities, and campus partners.
Support the development and facilitation of programs, workshops, and events (with selected evening and weekend hours as needed.)
Assist in scheduling, organizing and promoting makerspace and lab-related events.
Support student-led activities and events.
Plan and implement programs, workshops, and services to meet the needs of makerspace users and encourage new users.
Coordinate and support workshop and activity logistics including space reservations, invitations, supporting materials, AV equipment, announcements, contract agreements, etc.
Create a positive and welcoming environment for users of all backgrounds and skill levels.
Perform other essential duties and tasks specific to the position.