Department: Libraries

Job Title: Library Associate, STEAM

Job Code: L431-732

Civil Service Position: Non Civil Service position

Union Affiliation: CPLSA

Hours Per Week: 20-hour workweek Tue 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm; Thu 4:30 pm- 9:00 pm; Fri 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm; Sat 8:30 am- 5:00 pm

ABOUT THE ROLE:  Under the general supervision of the Manager of the Hive and Manager of Library STEAM Programs, provides exceptional service in The Hive makerspace and other areas as needed and assists patrons with their use of a range of technologies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for overseeing The Hive during scheduled shifts
• Maintains the orderly function of The Hive, including communicating with the Manager of the Hive, Manager of Library STEAM Programs, Manager of Innovation & Technology, and other IT staff, enforcing the policies of the space and the library, and troubleshooting technical issues
• Introduces patrons to the space; leads safety orientation and trainings on individual equipment; Responds to inquiries about use of the space and technologies in it
• Provides technical support and strategies to implement project design/fabricate prototypes to a wide variety of users inside The Hive and in other locations as required
• Provides training, orientations, logistical, and technical support to staff and patrons
• Provides instructions and assistance with use of the various technologies in the space including but not limited to 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, routers, sewing machines, Augmented and Virtual Reality equipment, and recording equipment
• In partnership with the Hive Manager and Manager of Library STEAM Programs, develops, prepares, and presents programs and learning opportunities
• Assists patrons in booking equipment and/or studios. Checks patrons in for studio or equipment bookings and sets up/tears down between bookings
• Performs routine maintenance on Hive equipment
• Inventories and tracks equipment and identifies and reports any equipment needing repair or replacement
• Works across Library and City locations, as well as at various community spaces and events as needed
• Attends meetings and professional development opportunities to stay abreast of technological changes and updates.
• Assists with implementing and maintaining patron badging system
• Create and maintain documentation in the department knowledge base.
• Provide excellent customer service both internally and externally and perform job responsibilities in a professional manner.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned for the good of the department and library.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A bachelor's degree or coursework beyond high school, especially in an area of STEAM or maker technologies.
• Commitment to doing all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

In exceptional instances, specialized education, training and/or experience may be substituted for part of or all of the required elements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of STEAM related equipment, software, and best practices.
• Ability to utilize a variety of makerspace equipment and technologies, including but not limited to 3D technologies, virtual and augmented reality technologies, laser cutters, soldering equipment, sewing machines, digitization equipment and audio/video recording equipment.
• Comfort with computers and technology, including knowledge of and willingness to learn emerging technologies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, patiently, and courteously with supervisors, library staff, and the public, including communicating technical information to audiences of differing levels of experience.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer services in a fast-paced environment involving varied technologies and ability to assist patrons at different skill levels.
• Ability to effectively troubleshoot and problem solve a variety of hardware and software problems, including software and hardware that may be initially unfamiliar.
• Strong commitment to inclusive, responsive, and innovative service and a desire to master new technologies.
• Excellent problem-solving skills; ability to quickly grasp new ideas and concepts.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Time management skills, including the ability to set and adjust priorities to meet assignment deadlines.
• Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
• Ability to handle multiple activities or interruptions at once and to stay calm during stressful situations.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately and thoroughly.
• Adaptability and dependability to collaborate well within a team environment.
• Flexibility to work during special events or outreach opportunities.
• Friendliness, tact, patience, maturity, and strong interpersonal skills.

Preferred:

• Prior employment relevant to STEAM or education which indicates an ability to successfully perform the duties of the job.
• Previous use of a variety of makerspace equipment and technologies, including 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, sewing, audio and video recording, and the use of basic hand tools in a lab or educational setting is highly desirable.
• Experience providing instruction in one-on-one and group learning environments.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including office equipment, AV equipment, mobile devices, and makerspace technologies
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to manipulate equipment which may be heavy and/or intricate
• Ability to access files and operate a variety of prototyping machines including laser cutting systems, 3D printers, CNC routers, vinyl cutters, plastics forming systems and other power equipment. This may require lifting and positioning raw materials and/or products, loading materials into machines, fabricating working models of product ideas
• Ability to pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Primarily works in Hive Makerspace; Works in other assigned areas, including offices, training rooms, library locations, and community spaces as necessary.
• May be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, goggles, or masks
• Conditions in the Hive Makerspace are typical of a workshop and may include moving mechanical parts, high noise levels, occasional odors, dust, heat, vibration, and the presence of chemicals.

 

RATE: $29.20 per hour to $32.24 per hour in five steps

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Internal applicants submit a job bidding form and 2 copies of both your resume and cover letter.  External applicants submit both your resume and cover letter via email to: employment@cambridgema.gov or to the Personnel Dept, Room 309, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA  02139. Fax 617-349-4312. Review of resumes begins immediately. Position will remain open until filled.

 

THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, SEX, RELIGION, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, DISABILITY OR ANY OTHER PROTECTED CATEGORY. WOMEN, MINORITIES, VETERANS, MEMBERS OF THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. CITY OF CAMBRIDGE RESIDENTS ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. AUXILIARY AIDS AND SERVICES, WRITTEN MATERIALS IN ALTERNATIVE FORMATS, AND REASONABLE MODIFICATIONS IN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES WILL BE PROVIDED TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES FREE OF CHARGE, UPON REQUEST. The City is committed to advancing a workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.