Fab Lab Coordinator

General Description

The Fab Lab Coordinator will assist the Fab Lab Manager in leading the operations and development of high-quality, immersive, creative, STEAM experiences in the Fab Lab, Media Production Studio, and Mobile Fab Lab for all ages (our equipment includes 3D Printers, Laser Cutter/Engravers, CNC Routers, 3D Scanner, Vinyl Cutter, Robotic Arms, and a state-of-the-art audio and video production facility).

The Coordinator will facilitate Fab Lab programs alongside the Fab Lab Instructor, both at the Da Vinci Science Center and Mobile Fab Lab. Programming includes (but is not limited to) field trips, camps, school workshops, Innovation Studio challenges, floor activations, floor demonstrations, after-school programs/science clubs, scout programs, overnight programs, career programs, lifelong learning programming for all ages, public programs, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

In addition to program development and delivery the Coordinator will assist the Fab Lab Manager and Instructor with logistics and operational aspects of the dedicated spaces mentioned above ensuring efficient and effective execution, including adherence to timelines.  This includes establishing and maintaining a high-energy, professional, and fun work environment, providing leadership to maintain operational standards to ensure a seamless museum experience, and delivering the Science Center's mission to bring science to life and lives to science.

The Coordinator collaborates closely with the instructor, interns, and volunteers as a supervisor, mentor, and trainer. The Coordinator will always demonstrate quality and excellence in their own work and set an example for other team members. The coordinator delivers exemplary customer service by effectively collaborating with internal colleagues and external community partners. The coordinator will display a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of their work.  Creativity, complex problem solving, initiative, and a productive relationship with team members are key to the coordinator’s success.  The flexible schedule includes some evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Specific Job Responsibilities

• Assist the Fab Lab manager and Fab Lab Instructor in the Fab Lab, Media Production Studio, and the Mobile Fab Lab by

  • Maintaining and operating equipment, implementing safety protocols, providing staff and volunteer training, and updating inventory of material and supplies.

  • Instructing public courses and workshops and innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. Supporting the Allentown School District partnership.

  • Creating educational programs to engage different audience segments: families, members, school groups, scouts, and those traditionally underserved and underrepresented in STEAM fields.

• Actively drive the mission of the science center by being responsible for nurturing a culture of belonging, positivity, and professionalism by encouraging communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

• Support the Science Center’s mission, to bring science to life and lives to science and values of vision, learning, belonging, and passion. Display a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging in all aspects of your work.

• Carry out other duties as assigned.

 Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or equivalent experience required in science, technology, engineering, arts, or math, especially related to media production, fabrication technology, or digital design software.

• Prior experience in a lab or shop environment and knowledge of current concepts in the fields of education is preferred.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) required.

• Experience in a similar education environment working with the public and with children of all ages.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and function effectively as a member of the team (for both lab maintenance and education).

• Highly organized and self-motivated individual.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus, and includes additional compensation.

Work environment of this job

While performing the responsibilities of the job, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the employee will encounter. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee will be trained and asked to use chemicals and electrical and mechanical tools.