Job Summary:
The Creative Technologist programs the library’s makerspace and works directly with patrons of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The Creative Technologist maintains the facility and its resources in good working order; designs and delivers special programs; provides instruction on using the facility’s materials, tools, and equipment safely; and coaches makers through projects. This position also partners with creatives in the community on maker events and trains volunteers to assist in the makerspace.
Essential Functions:
- Designs, promotes, delivers, and evaluates makerspace programs for the public. Collaborates with local area artists, makers, business owners, and entrepreneurs on programs and outreach events. (30%)
- Provides one-on-one coaching for individuals’ projects and safety and equipment training for makerspace users. (20%)
- Provides regular maintenance and cleaning of the facility and its tools and equipment; repairs or replaces malfunctioning equipment promptly. (20%)
- Coordinates with Volunteer Services for recruiting and orientation of volunteers to assist the public in the makerspace. (15%)
- Creates and documents application and systems standards, maintenance procedures, and operational procedures and maintains an inventory of equipment and software. Purchases tools and materials for classes and general use. (15%)
Additional Responsibilities:
- Serves as a maker/STEAM resource for library staff. Attends meetings, serves on library-wide committees and projects, and participates in professional development opportunities.
- Performs administrative tasks such as answering emails, scheduling, preparing vendor contracts, reconciling purchases, and reporting statistics.
- Completes safety/emergency trainings (on CPR, AED, etc.).
- Serves as a Manager on Duty at Main Library as needed.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Education and experience: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience and two years of technical training. Instructional experience in a makerspace or similar educational setting.
- Technical experience: Experience using and troubleshooting two or more of the following technologies: laser cutting and engraving, 3D printing and scanning, digital design software, fiber arts, CNC fabrication or other related makerspace technologies. Experience creating video, web, and social media content. Experience with digital and traditional fabrication and supporting a variety of software suites including Microsoft Office and Adobe CC.
- Valid Colorado driver's license and acceptable motor vehicle record. Willing use of personal vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed).
Desired Qualifications:
- Spanish language skills and/or experience working with patrons from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
- Experience operating woodworking equipment such as power tools, table saw, drill press, bandsaw, hand tools, and associated materials.
- Experience using microcontroller prototyping platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, CircuitPython, or Micro:bit.
- Experience producing written and video content for the web.
- Experience developing and running a mobile library or makerspace.
Working Conditions:
Works primarily in workshop environment subject to background noise from machinery. Use of personal protective equipment required in some situations. Requires ability to stand and/or walk continuously. Frequent bending, twisting, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling and circling all part of the normal requirement for fabrication in the makerspace. Ability to do the above with a maximum of 50 lbs individually. Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor and/or operating a keyboard. Seeing, hearing, and speaking required. Machines and equipment used include but are not limited to the following: Computer workstations, servers, network hardware, scanners, printers, 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, power tools, hand tools, sewing machines, and looms.
Health and Wellness Benefits
· Group medical, dental and vision benefits to employees who work 20 hours or more per week
· Lifestyle Spending Account for all benefit-eligible employees
· Employer paid basic life and long-term disability insurance
· Employer paid employee assistance program for employees and their household members
· Health Savings or Flexible Spending Accounts for all benefit-eligible employees
· Voluntary , employee paid, group accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity plans for all benefit-eligible employees
· Employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible to take up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care
· Infant at Work Program
Time-off Benefits
· New employees accrue 4 weeks paid vacation
· 80 hours of paid sick leave per year for employees who work 20 hours or more per week
· 12 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
· Time off for jury duty, bereavement and voting
· Pet adoption leave
· New grandparent leave
Helping Your Future
· Public Employee Retirement Association of Colorado (PERA) Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan
· PERA 401(k) Plan
· Tuition reimbursement program and student debt repayment assistance
· Paid training and professional development
Library Perks
· Easy access to unlimited resources—including books, movies, programs, digital technology and more
The BPLD is committed to advancing equity in our diverse community by providing accessible programs, print and digital materials, tools and technology, and educational opportunities. Across our five current locations, we are proud to offer resources such as a makerspace, art galleries, outdoor learning areas, a multimedia local history archive, community literacy programs, and a theater. Boulder Public Library strives to be a safe and welcoming place to all staff and patrons, alike. Through outreach, community partnerships, and volunteer-driven programs, we seek to adapt our services to those who may experience barriers to visiting our physical locations.
We circulate more than 1.5 million items annually, but we believe that a library is more than a place to borrow free materials. As a vital civic space, we provide opportunities for our more than 500,000 yearly visitors to study, host meetings, be introduced to new people or experiences, and connect to essential local services.
Our employees are part of a vibrant, uplifting workplace culture that honors the joy and commitment of meaningful public service, while still caring for the needs of the individual. Our work is highly collaborative, adaptive, inquisitive, and is always on-going. We are passionate individuals with diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences and we are dedicated to our mission of connecting people, ideas and information to transform lives and strengthen our community.
Tim McClelland, Public Services Department Manager mcclellandt@boulderlibrary.org