Assistant Workshop Director

Position Summary :

The Assistant Workshop Director will be responsible for developing and leading workshop classes and seminars on subject matter such as woodworking, 3D printing, and laser cutting utilizing machinery in the Moody Center for the Arts Workshop. Assists students with a wide range of fabrication and design problems, answering first line questions and ensuring proper safety procedures are followed.

Salary

$51,000 to $54,000

Essential Functions

• Responsible for the day to day operations of the lab, workshop, studio or maker space and all equipment and machinery
• Coordinates the availability of funds and oversees lab budget
• Develops, implements, follows and trains on applicable safety standards and practices to ensure a safe environment
• Provides continuity, expertise and supervision to students assisting them to resolve design / technical problems, equipment use, and understand available resources
• Responsible for the lab equipment / materials and supplies including cleanliness, maintenance, operation, inventory (life cycle and replacement schedule) and procurement
• Supervises student workers
• Works with IT to generate and load specialty software, as applicable
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Leads undergraduate and graduate student classes and seminars on subject matter such as woodworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC router usage
• Develops new and expands existing curriculum for Rice student classes utilizing machinery in the Moody Center Workshop
• Exhibits a welcoming and patient teaching style for students of all knowledge levels
• Ensures all safety measures and protocols are being observed during classroom instruction
• Assists Rice students with a wide range of fabrication and design problems and answers first line questions
• Oversees the day to day operations of the workshop and its machinery
• Physically maintains the workshop, tools and equipment and coordinates with vendors for equipment to be repaired
• Mentors students in designing and implementing projects, including use of materials, design methods and repairs
• Provides general support to faculty, including assistance with teaching preparation, provision of materials, and equipment usage
• Oversees safety within the workshop and instructs users in the proper use of equipment
• Leads safety orientation sessions for students, faculty and staff prior to their use of equipment
• Completes and files incident reports as needed
• Works with Workshop Director and Associate Director of Exhibitions on projects on fabrication projects related to Moody Center exhibitions and programs
• Works collaboratively with faculty and visiting artists to support their fabrication needs and assist them in their project goals

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (experience can be substituted for education)
• 1 year experience with any of the following:
  • 3D modeling (Fusion 360 preferred)
  • Woodworking (taking raw stock lumber to final product)
  • Metalworking (basic sheet metal, manual lathe, CNC mill, MIG welding or TIG welding acceptable)
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to diagnose equipment issues
• Passion for education and student engagement
• Flexible availability to accommodate student, faculty, and in-house projects
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3D Printing experience and knowledge of FDM and SLA consumer level machines
• CNC router experience
• CNC machining experience
• Knowledge of Vectric software
• Laser Cutting and Vinyl Cutting experience

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with commitment to diversity at all levels, and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Current Rice University COVID policies, which include vaccination, face mask, testing, gatherings, occupancy limits, and travel policies can be found here: https://coronavirus.rice.edu/policies