Physical Computing Studio Steward - Student Assistant Specialist (FWS)

The New School • New York, NY

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Computing Studio Steward maintains the organization, stock levels, and everyday readiness of MFADT physical computing work areas on the 12th floor at 6 East 16th Street. The role helps students work independently and gives staff an accurate picture of what the spaces need. This position supplements and does not replace the work of any full-time or represented employee.

The steward keeps work areas orderly, maintains and counts component inventory, replenishes safety supplies, checks student-facing equipment against staff checklists, and receives and shelves incoming component orders. The role also supports peer-run Dorkshops and helps students locate tools and materials during open studio hours, directing them to safety protocols and staff or technicians when training or sign-off is needed.

Requirements

• Be an enrolled New School student with a Federal Work-Study award.
• Have working familiarity with basic electronics components, microcontrollers, and hand tools.
• Be methodical about labeling, counting, and record-keeping.
• Complete the required shop or lab safety orientation before independent shifts.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with common physical computing components, such as Arduino or Raspberry Pi microcontrollers, sensors, breadboards, and basic electronics tools.
• Completion of relevant Making Center or studio safety trainings, or willingness to complete them before starting.
• A detail-oriented approach to inventory, labeling, and following checklists consistently.
• An approachable and patient manner when helping peers locate tools and materials, and an interest in supporting a shared, well-kept workspace.

Responsibilities

• Keep soldering benches, tool racks, and prototyping stations organized by returning tools to labeled locations and resetting benches between uses.
• Replace consumable safety supplies from program stock and confirm that PPE is present and signage is legible.
• Sort and label bins of sensors, breadboards, jumper wires, microcontrollers, fasteners, and filament.
• Count stock against par levels on a set schedule and compile restock lists for staff to order.
• Spot-check student-facing multimeters, bench power supplies, and hand tools against a staff checklist.
• Tag and quarantine damaged items and log issues for staff follow-up; repairs and calibration are handled by staff.
• Collect component orders addressed to MFADT from the mail window, unpack them, verify them against packing slips, and shelve them into inventory.
• Lay out program-owned components, mats, and hand tools for peer-run Dorkshops; deploy program-owned surge protectors into existing outlets; then pack down, inventory, and store materials afterward.
• Help peers locate components and tools during open studio hours and direct them to posted safety protocols and the responsible staff member or Making Center technician for anything requiring training or sign-off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed