The student employees of the Lab form the core of our team, distributing the knowledge and support to peers in all years and degrees of study.
In general, students employed as Technical Assistants (TAs) in the Lab must:
- be able to commit to at least one 4-hour shift each week throughout the semester (the same 4-hours each week),
- have strong comprehension of related materials and processes through prior experience, or demonstrate the interest and aptitude to gain such through provided training and scheduled hours worked,
- share an understanding and appreciation of safety precautions, policies, and standardized procedures,
- have excellent communication skills and a collaborative and supportive mindset, to benefit the users of the Lab as well as peer TAs,
- be proactive in identifying areas for improvement for themselves and the facility, including that which is necessary to maintain a clean and safe environment and tools,
- demonstrate the ability to work independently by the end of their first year in the position, having completed the provided training and working the scheduled hours,
- mentor new TAs in the role after attaining associated skills and confidence of Lab area supervisor,
- complete other duties, vary by Lab area as described below:
While having work-study funds available and the ability to make a 2+ year commitment are preferred, neither is required. However, we often receive more applications than we have available positions, so do take these into account.
Please also review Student Employment Eligibility criteria.
Lab Area Position Descriptions:
Wood Shop Technical Assistant
Wood shop TAs are responsible for overseeing their peer’s use of wood shop equipment, providing guidance to users as needed and upon request, and maintaining the space and equipment of the wood shop. To do this successfully, TAs must possess a sound understanding of standard and safe use of the basic tools as well as strong leadership skills. Ideal candidates have previous woodworking and shop oversight experience in an educational setting. As needed, wood shop TAs may fabricate items in fulfillment of online parts requests, requiring correspondence in verbal, written and graphic form. Office duties related to job-tracking, creation of web-based technical instruction and other documentation may also be assigned.
Starting Pay: $23.00/hour
Metal Shop Technical Assistant
Metal shop TAs are responsible for overseeing their peer’s use of metal shop equipment, providing guidance to users as needed and upon request, assisting in the fabrication of parts and assemblies in fulfillment of parts requests, and maintaining the space and equipment of the metal shop. Ideal candidates have significant experience with the tools in the metal shop in addition to training others in safe and effective use of those tools. At minimum, applicants should have an understanding of basic sheet metal construction methods and can demonstrate strong comprehension of basic welding practices. Office duties related to job-tracking, creation of web-based technical instruction and other documentation may also be assigned.
Starting Pay: $23.00/hour
CNC Router Technical Assistant
In addition to operating the CNC routers and performing routine maintenance duties, CNC TAs are available to students for consultation regarding all aspects of the machining process and file preparation. As needed, CNC TAs may fabricate items in fulfillment of online parts requests. Office duties related to job-tracking, creation of web-based technical instruction and other documentation may also be assigned. Qualified applicants must have previous experience working with wood and a variety of other materials, and be comfortable working with power tools, mechanical systems, and the windows operating system. At minimum, applicants must be able to lift 30 pounds and move large items, have strong verbal, graphic, and written communication skills, and be proficient in Rhino. Previous experience working with MasterCAM or other toolpath generation software is a plus..
Starting Pay: $23.00/hour
Zünd Cutter Technical Assistant
In addition to operating the Zünd Cutter and performing routine maintenance duties, Zünd Cutter TAs are available to students for consultation regarding all aspects of the process and file preparation. As needed, Zünd TAs may fabricate items in fulfillment of online parts requests. Office duties related to job-tracking, creation of web-based technical instruction and other documentation may also be assigned. Qualified applicants should have previous experience working with a variety of materials and must be comfortable working with tools, mechanical systems, and the windows operating system. At minimum, applicants must have strong verbal, written, and graphic communication skills and be proficient with creating 2D vector drawings in both Rhino and Adobe Illustrator; previous experience in parameter setup within a toolpath generation software is a plus.
Starting Pay: $22.00/hour
Laser and 3D Printing/Scanning Technical Assistant
In addition to operating and maintaining 3D printing + scanning and laser cutting equipment, Laser/3D TAs are available to students for consultation regarding rapid prototyping processes and file preparation, as well as troubleshooting issues related to equipment use. Candidates should have strong communication skills in verbal, written, and graphic form. TAs working in this position may operate laser cutting and 3D printing equipment to fabricate items in fulfillment of online parts requests. Additionally, TAs will learn how to instruct others to create watertight mesh volumes from scans for the purposes of 3D printing. Office duties related to job-tracking, creation of web-based technical instruction and other documentation may also be assigned. Qualified applicants must be proficient in Rhino regarding the creation of printable mesh volumes and 2D drawings for laser cutting, in addition to being comfortable working with mechanical systems.
Starting pay: $22.00/hour
Fabrication Lab Assistant
This position is responsible for overseeing their peer’s use of general Lab areas. Tasks include restocking PPE and first-aid supplies, checking compliance related to flammables storage and disposal, hazardous materials usage and disposal, and other special waste streams, in addition to maintaining the hotwire foam cutters. Ideal candidates have experience with safe and effective use of associated resources. At minimum, applicants should have an understanding of basic safety and be comfortable working independently. Scheduled hours are flexible. Work primarily takes place in making-related spaces across the GSD campus. Office duties related to job-tracking, creating of graphic and web-based technical and other documentation may also be assigned.
Starting Pay: $21.00/hour
Lab Store Clerk
This position requires applicants be able to work several shifts each week, with the number of hours each day varying as needed, to fulfil online orders placed since the previous shift. Applicants should be able to lift 30 pounds, move large items, and safely maneuver rolling carts through doorways, working independently. Lab store clerks are responsible for keeping the physical inventory organized, updating the touchnet uStore marketplace, and regularly advising Lab staff on the current count for timely reorder. Ideal candidates will have a familiarity with materials and processes commonly encountered in the Fabrication Lab to be able to advise students in material options and suggest to Lab staff suitable additions to the store.
Starting Pay: $21.00/hour
Digital Media Lab Assistant
Supports the Fabrication Lab’s web presence. May be tasked with one or more projects entailing the creation of interactive training content, leading technical workshops, designing and integrating job workflows, making reports of data/metrics related to Lab usage, or creating and updating content on various web platforms such as Instagram, WordPress, Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, and Atlassian Confluence. Individuals working in this position may utilize a number of applications, including (but not limited to): MIRO, Vimeo, O365 applications, Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, and others as needed.
Starting Pay: $22.00/hour