Technical Assistant III (Electrical and Computer Engineering)

Apply now Job no: 519048
Work type: Staff Full Time
Campus: UMass Amherst
Department: Elect & Computer Engineering
Pay Grade: 15
Categories: Administrative & Office Support

About UMass Amherst  

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.  

   

Job Summary  

Reporting to the Director of Campus Makerspaces, the Makerspace Technician is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Makerspace. This includes monitoring the space during open hours, user training, management of the student staff and volunteers, equipment set-up and maintenance, supply inventory and management, and equipment circulation management.  

  

Essential Functions  

  • Works with Makerspace student staff and volunteers to delegate and accomplish makerspace tasks.  
  • Responsibles for general shop upkeep, including cleaning and organization.  
  • Assists graduate and undergraduate students who visit the Makerspace and answers questions, as well as design and fabrication projects. Provides training and supervision to students working with tools.  
  • Troubleshoots equipment issues and performs straightforward repairs. If the problem goes beyond basic maintenance and repairs, works with the equipment manufacturer to diagnose and fix any issues.  
  • Responsible for inventory management.  
  • Implements shop improvements in organization and signage to improve the user experience.  
  • Operates and maintains all manual machines, hand-held shop tools, welding, soldering, brazing, 3D printing and wood working equipment.  
  • Utilizes all operation-specific computer software for machine shop projects and uses productivity tools and software to monitor and maintain shop operation.  

   

Other Functions  

  • Performs other related duties as assigned.  

   

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)  

  • High school diploma and two (2) years’ relevant experience.  
  • Experience overseeing and training students in academic settings such as makerspaces, studios, workshops, or laboratories.  
  • Experience with using and maintaining shop equipment and providing safety supervision.  
  • Experience in fabrication and design.  
  • Independent initiative. Must have the ability to stay on task and work productively with a minimum amount of supervision or guidance.   
  • Must be willing and able to create a collaborative learning environment, engage students, and contribute to student success.  
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of staff, faculty, students, and off- campus constituents. Ability and willingness to work empathetically with a diverse student population and contribute to their success.  
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in a logical sequence.  
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to complete assignments in a timely manner, balancing the demands of concurrent and potentially competing projects.  

   

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)  

  • Experience with 3D printing.  
  • Experience teaching hands-on classes in higher education.  

   

Physical Demands/Working Conditions  

  • Typical workshop environment.  
  • Occasionally required to lift and move equipment in the fabrication area up to 40 lbs.  

   

Work Schedule  

Varied work schedule may include evenings and weekends. 

   

Salary Information  

USA/MTA Grade 15

   

Special Instructions to Applicants  

Please complete online application and submit a cover letter, resume and provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Search will remain open until filled.  

   

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

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The University of Massachusetts is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, Title IX employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age over 40, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or other protected class.