Maker Services Coordinator

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!

Johnson County Library seeks engaged, qualified candidates to fill the position of Maker Space Coordinator.  The Maker Services Coordinator serves as a subject matter expert, ensuring consistent application of best practices, standards, and safety for Maker Services across the Library. They guide and support staff in delivering engaging programs, are a resource to front-line staff to assist with patron questions, maintain equipment and spaces, oversee staff training, and foster strong community partnerships, maximizing the impact of Maker services for all patrons. While the Maker Services Coordinator does not have direct people management responsibilities, they are a key influencer in the organization, guiding the Maker Services team in areas of Maker technologies, advisory services, programs and outreach, as well as ensuring consistent application of best practices, standards and safety for Maker Services across the Library. This position is highly collaborative and proficient at representing the Library to partners and the community at large, navigating the resources, processes and procedures of the Maker Services Department, the Library and the County and champions the exploration of emerging technologies and innovative approaches within Maker Services.  Applications will be accepted through the end of the day on July 14, 2024. Additional duties include:

• Serves as a lead subject matter expert for Maker Services including equipment, collections, and programs; disseminates relevant knowledge and serves as an ongoing resource to Maker Services Specialists; provides patrons of all ages one on-one instruction and training on MakerSpace resources including 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC and vinyl cutting, sewing, and other digital fabrication equipment; develops and maintains product knowledge regarding tools, equipment, materials, and software for specific projects in order to meet the needs of patrons using Maker Services; assists Maker Services Operations Manager to develops and maintain quality and safety standards for Maker Services and equipment usage; maintains equipment including managing vendor relationships and warranties, performing in-depth maintenance on equipment and inventory management of supplies; recommends and implements service and equipment improvements based on patron insights
• Works with Maker Services Operations Manager and Programming Department to develop and implement Maker Services programs; collaborates with community partners and experts to offer diverse and engaging Maker Services programs for all ages; collaborates with communication department on the development of all patron facing communications; works with the Maker Services Operations Manager to implement changes or adjustments based on patron insights.
• Collaborates and communicates with internal stakeholders, as well as County and community partners to expand the impact of Maker Services and Library; amplifies the role of the Library in Maker networks; maintains partnerships with Patron Services, Program Services and Materials Handling staff to promote and deliver Maker Services; assists Maker Services Operations Manager in working with Regional Managers and Branch Operations Managers to maximize the impact of Maker Services within their branches; educates public of the availability of services.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; reviews publications and other materials to become and remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in digital fabrication and design; works with supervisor, subject matter experts, and Learning & Development to identify training, development and growth opportunities and requirements for Maker Services; maintains local, regional and national connections in the Maker Movement, while providing information and expertise in the same networks; participates in Library project teams focused on innovation and technology.
• Works collaboratively with the Library Foundation to communicate funding needs; develops and utilizes tours, presentations, website content and social media to showcase the space to the public and potential donors; identifies potential expansion ideas that might appeal to donors; executes the spending of raised funds from the foundation.

Minimum Job Requirements:

A bachelor's degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Art + Design, Engineering, or relevant field. Three (3) years of experience working in a MakerSpace or similar environment and one (1) year of experience delivering programs, workshops, or one-on-one instruction on MakerSpace equipment are also required.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions. Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.

Preferred Qualifications:

A master's degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, Art + Design, Engineering, or relevant field is preferred.  One (1) year of experience working or volunteering in a library setting and one (1) year of experience troubleshooting and maintaining MakerSpace equipment are also preferred.  

Education/Experience Substitutions:

Experience may be substituted for education.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

Exposure to fumes and/or chemicals.

Exposure to loud noises.

Lifting up to 50 pounds.

Safety-sensitive job.

All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.