STEAM Lab Specialist - Makerspace

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School•Milwaukee, WI

16h

About The Position

The STEAM Lab Specialist supports Cristo Rey Jesuit’s Innovation Lab and Makerspace, including the Digital Production Lab, by providing safe, supervised access to tools, equipment, and creative technologies. The Specialist guides students and teachers through hands-on, design-thinking-based learning experiences and helps develop the mindsets and skills described in the Ignatian Innovation Framework. The role manages and stewards the makerspaces, keeping tools, machines, and equipment safe, functional, organized, and available for learning. In collaboration with faculty, the Specialist facilitates design thinking, prototyping, and creative problem-solving, and cultivates a welcoming environment where students can explore ideas, build solutions, collaborate, and grow as leaders. The Specialist also oversees lab activities, safety practices, training, inventory, equipment checkout, purchasing, and access to the spaces.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Strong curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, making, and sharing knowledge.
Hands-on problem-solving mindset and interest in project-based learning and design work.
Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a dynamic school environment.
Interest in developing and growing a high school makerspace or innovation program.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, including documenting processes and presenting information.
Flexibility and adaptability in a developing program environment.
Commitment to the mission and values of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.
Strong commitment to working with high school students and supporting their growth and success.
Cultural humility and sensitivity to diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a makerspace; strong familiarity with digital tools, software, and hardware is also valued.
Basic programming experience.
Experience with fabrication tools, robotics, or engineering programs such as FIRST Robotics.
Teaching, coaching, or facilitation experience.
Spanish proficiency.

Responsibilities

Oversee and maintain the Innovation Lab and Digital Production Lab, ensuring tools, machines, and equipment are safe, functional, organized, and available for student and faculty learning.
Develop and manage safety training and certification for equipment use in the Innovation Lab.
Manage equipment checkout, project purchasing, and inventory of gear and consumables.
Participate in training and professional development, and arrange or provide training for staff to expand access to lab machines and equipment.
Coordinate teacher access to the lab and equipment through a shared calendar and reservation system.
Advise teachers on integrating Innovation Lab machines and equipment into existing or proposed class projects.
Promote use of the Innovation Lab and its equipment to expand curricular integration and extracurricular participation.
Supervise student lab access during a midday Flex period and/or after school.
Develop and deliver programming for students, teachers, and families to learn equipment and create specific items.
Support the Director of Innovation with guest speaker coordination, extracurricular coordination, school assembly presentations, field trip planning, and partnership development.
Perform other duties as assigned.