Job Description
The Boulder Public Library (BPL) is seeking a flexible, tech-savvy, people person to teach, tinker and creatively troubleshoot problems in BLDG 61, the library’s new makerspace! Do you build robots in your spare time? Do you love learning new maker technologies and troubleshooting challenging projects? Do you thrive on hands-on learning? Do you enjoy collaborative environments and sharing your skillset with everyone you know? If you answered “yes!” to any of the above questions, we hope you’ll consider applying for Boulder Public Library’s Creative Technologist position! BLDG 61 has become a makerspace like no other since we opened in February of 2016 featuring technologies from laser cutting and fiber arts, to electronics and CNC machining. If selected for this fixed term 2-year position, you will work with an amazing team of professionals in libraries and the greater maker community, as well as local businesses and skilled volunteers to deliver innovative library services to the Boulder community. Additionally, this position’s role is to maintain and support a diverse variety of software and hardware throughout the library’s branches.
Please Note: This is a Two Year Fixed-Term Position Ending in December of 2018
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Makerspace
- Collaborates with library staff on events and programs to promote the makerspace in the community.
- Provide safety and equipment training, as well as one-on-one and group instruction to students of all ages.
- Provides regular maintenance and cleaning of makerspace tools and equipment, and keeps an inventory list of all equipment and supplies.
- Develops maker programming and conducts one-on-one or small group classes using the software and equipment in the makerspace.
- Establishes and maintains relationship with local area artists, makers, business owners, entrepreneurs for programs and outreach events.
- Serves as a maker resource for library staff and community.
- With the help of the volunteer coordinator, recruits and trains local volunteers for the makerspace.
- Collaborates with other city departments and outside partners on long term projects at the library and within the community.
Library Technology
- Consults and interacts with customers (Library and Arts employees and patrons) on a daily basis, maintaining a high level of customer service in solving software applications problems and answering questions.
- Troubleshoots/analyzes/solves library software problems using a variety of system management tools and techniques.
- Troubleshoots/analyzes/solves library hardware problems including but not limited to staff and patron PCs and servers, children’s multimedia computers, apple devices, printers, copiers, scanners, RFID equipment, theatre and meeting room AV hardware, PA systems, security cameras and digital signage.
- Performs daily monitoring of service tickets and ensures work is being completed in a timely manner while maintaining a high level of communication including regular status updates with the customer until the work is completed to the customer’s satisfaction
- Provides extensive support of patron computer reservation and print release system (Envisionware), and the security camera applications. The Creative Technologist also develops and maintains standards in configuration, setup, security, communicates with vendors, maintains manuals and training materials and performs routine maintenance of these systems.
- Provides technical support for the Carnegie Branch in regards to digital scanning and archiving of photographs and other analog media.
- Maintains fixed asset inventory information for equipment and software. Works as a team with City IT counterparts, and applies city recognized best practices while adhering to general IT policies and procedures.
- Helps create department application and systems standards, maintenance procedures, and operational procedures. Documents new department procedures.
- Trains users on library specific software and hardware.
Other
- Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the city.
- Takes proper safety precautions to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures. Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
- Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies; participating in professional trainings and development; and adhering to attendance and workplace attire policies.
Generally, duties and responsibilities are listed from most to least critical or time consuming within each category (Library Technology/Makerspace)
Additional Info & Requirements
- Experience with two or more of the following technologies: laser cutting and engraving, 3D printing and scanning, digital design software, MIG welding, fiber arts, CNC fabrication or related makerspace technologies.
- Demonstrate ability to provide one-on-one or small group instruction
- An effective collaborator, team builder, and instructor who is skilled at leveraging the talents of others and solving problems.
- Ability to work in fast-paced changing environment
- Strong communication skills with the ability to express ideas clearly through various methods including: written, oral, web, video, and social media.
- Comfortable with a hands-on approach to projects, particularly an ability to improvise with audiences of varied ages and abilities.
- Experience supporting Windows operating systems (7 & 10), Apple iOS, and Android.
- Experience supporting a variety of software suites including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud, 3D design.
- Experience supporting audiovisual equipment including cameras, projectors, microphones, and mixers.
- Ability to troubleshoot equipment and machinery that may initially be unfamiliar.
- Ability to adapt to change quickly.
- Understands and can perform basic PC troubleshooting and repair.
- Understands and can perform basic troubleshooting on equipment, machinery, hardware and software that may be initially unfamiliar.
- Valid Colorado driver's license and acceptable motor vehicle record. Use of personal vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed).
- A flexible schedule. May be required to work evenings and weekends based on business needs.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS – In addition to the required minimum qualifications:
- Strong understanding of Windows-based workstations (Windows 7 and 10), networked environments, desktop applications (Office Suite, Outlook), cloud based applications, and system management tools.
- Experience with the following library software: III Sierra and Envisionware PC Reservation and LPT1
- Experience operating wood working equipment such as table saw, drill press, band saw, hand tools, and associated materials.
- Experience producing content and layout for the web.
- Familiarity with basic principles of HTML, PHP, JavaScript, CSS.
- Experience using video and audio recording equipment and associated editing software.
- Interest/abilities with microcontroller prototyping platforms such as the Arduino IDE.
- Experience developing and running a mobile library and/or makerspace.
The Community
The City of Boulder is a great place to live, work and play. Built on a foundation of environmental, economic, social stability, the city takes an inclusive, transparent approach to government. Add your voice and talents to the City of Boulder and help us grow in service and excellence for an inspired future.
With over 300 miles of dedicated bikeways and more than 150 miles of hiking trails, Boulder values active lifestyles and access to nature. Forty-five thousand acres of land provide open space for parks, a green belt around the city and a cap on urban growth.
HR Info
William Karspeck: KarspeckW@bouldercolorado.gov. 303-441-3255
- The City of Boulder does not accept paper applications and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an online application.
- Applications must be received by the closing date and time (Mountain Standard Time) on the job posting. If your application is successfully submitted, you will receive an email confirmation.
- NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE: You will be contacted if you are selected as a candidate for the interview process.