Technical Services Technician

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

1d•$26 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Technical Services Technician for the Digital Design and Fabrication Studio (D2FS) in the Department of Human Centered Design, within the College of Human Ecology. Reporting to the D2FS Operations Manager, this position assists with the daily activities of the studio and shares the responsibility to cultivate a climate of academic exploration, creativity, and innovation within the context of safe, well-organized, clean, and well-maintained maker spaces. Coordinate daily operations of the studio facilities, including a wood shop, metal shop, laser cutters, 3D printers, photo studio, and a TC2 Loom. Conduct tools and materials inventory. Provide and document regular routine and preventative maintenance on all tools and equipment and gather information to support recommendations for equipment additions and replacements. Provide oversight and consultation to students and faculty on tool/equipment set-up and usage. Provide guidance on safe and proper tool/equipment and materials selection, operating processes, and methodology to achieve design intent. Provide technical instruction to students on the use of design tools and programs in coordination with course requirements and learning outcomes as determined by the professorial faculty. Review CAD and 3D drawings to ensure proper set up as production ready files. As required, provide technical support for college exhibitions and gallery shows. Perform all responsibilities within compliance of University policies, and EHS and OHSHA guidelines. While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others. This is a full-time, 10-month position (August 1-May 31), benefits eligible, 2-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal. This is a fully onsite position located on the Ithaca campus. Regular schedule is Monday-Friday 9:00am – 5:45pm, subject to flex in response to academic semesters and demand.

Requirements

Formal training beyond a high school diploma of one to two years of college coursework, or Associate’s degree, or equivalent combination of work and education; more than two, but less than four years of relevant work experience or the equivalent.
Ability to perform with a high degree of concentration, requiring acute hand/eye coordination, and to lift 20 pounds and occasionally more with assistance.
Ability to work effectively with experienced design faculty, technical researchers, and students of varying levels of knowledge, skill, and experience with tools and equipment.
Ability to provide prompt user feedback in a clear, tactful manner.
Ability to interact with people at various levels of authority with confidence and effectiveness.
Ability to represent the academic support functions of the college in a professional manner
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with 2D and 3D design software (Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, TinkerCAD, Rhino, SolidWorks, GrabCAD Aspire, Autodesk Inventor)
Technical expertise using, maintaining, and repairing various tools and machines [including: traditional woodworking machines and computer driven machines (CNC router, laser, 3D printers)] and demonstrated interest, skill, and ability in design-based disciplines and design thinking as a creative exploration
Successful completion of Cornell Environmental Health & Safety Laser Training

Responsibilities

Assist with the orientation and safety training program, including thorough documentation and enforcement of compliance, to encourage overall good citizenship behavior and to ensure the safety and security of the facilities, users, and teaching and research activities conducted therein.
Ensure users adhere to safety protocols and requirements and comply with EHS and OSHA mandates.
Provide supervision and consultation to students and faculty on the tool/equipment set-up and use.
Provide technical instruction to students on the use of design tools and programs in coordination with course requirements and learning outcomes as determined by the professorial faculty.
Provide guidance on safe and proper tool/equipment and material selection, operating process, and methodology to achieve design intent.
Review CAD and 3D drawings to ensure proper set up as production ready files.
Maintain training records and update training documentation as necessary.
Cultivate a climate of academic exploration, creativity, and innovation within the context of safe, well organized, clean, and well-maintained maker spaces.
Perform activities in support of daily operations of the studio facilities including a wood shop, metal shop, laser cutters, TC2 loom, photo studio, and 3D printers.
Maintain inventory database/records and evaluate tools, materials, and vendors
Adhere to waste management protocols following principles of sustainability
Utilize database, document usage of facility and equipment
Provide and document regular routine and preventive maintenance on all tools and equipment for optimal functioning using an established maintenance schedule.
Schedule maintenance tasks around classroom and instructional hours.
Adjust, calibrate, and repair equipment to ensure proper working order and/or coordinate and maintain service contracts as needed.
Assist with the design and fabrication of prototypical research equipment.
Provide technical support for exhibitions and gallery shows, including (but not limited to) display mounting and structural support, lighting, and/or projection.
Work with vendors on inventory needs for student empowered maker spaces.
Complete trainings and related certifications to ensure appropriate safety credentials.
Perform all responsibilities within compliance of University policies, and EHS and OSHA guidelines.
Participate in projects or other duties as assigned with occasional work responsibility falling above or below current classification.
Complete university required compliance trainings as assigned.