Shop Technician

Shop Technician Apply now Job no: 534802 Work type: Classified Staff Location: Eugene, OR Categories: Architecture/Art/Design, Education, Instruction Department: College of Design Classification: Education Program Assistant 2 Appointment Type and Duration: Academic Year (Classified), Ongoing Salary: 20.55 - 31.06 per hour FTE: .75 Review of Applications Begins December 11, 2024; Position open until filled Special Instructions to Applicants Along with the online application, please submit a current resume and a few photos of woodworking projects you have done, if any. Department Summary The College of Design (DSGN) is a multidisciplinary academic unit with approximately 100 tenure-related faculty members, 150 non-tenure-related faculty members, 50 staff, and 1,700 student majors in 9 departments and programs (23 degree programs). A unique aspect of the Interior Architecture program at the University of Oregon is the furniture design studio, taught in the Millrace Woodshop. Originally dedicated to analog fabrication-primarily using wood but also metal, plastic, and textiles-the Millrace Woodshop is a 5,000-square-foot space that has been the teaching site of this studio for 40 years. In keeping with the times, digital tools such as DSGN's CC router have been added that continuously impact and expand how the course is taught. The woodshop is not just a place for design and manufacturing exchange, but a unique learning environment where theory and design practice are combined to create a practical, interdisciplinary experience. Experiments are carried out, and simplified craftsmanship simulates professional production. The goal is to merge crafts and manufacturing, using known techniques for experimentation and shifting toward learning models that prepare students for professional practice. In the woodshop, approximately fifteen students per term are taught basic skills for working with various wood materials. Individual work projects are realized using multiple techniques and considering design, construction, and pedagogical aspects. There is no special training in the craft (as it is known from apprenticeship programs). The student projects are aesthetic furniture design exercises where they can realize their creative design ideas and concepts with the support of technical teachers, taking into account specific and material-related requirements. The core value of education is emphasizing students developing their independent ideas along a given theme, i.e.:
• Designing a table in a private remodel and preparing for production by a cabinet maker, or designing and speciating a reception counter for a restaurant remodel
• The furniture studio focuses on working with wood. The primary materials used are solid wood and sheet goods and, to a lesser extent, decorative elements such as textiles and wallpaper. Position Summary We are looking for a motivated and experienced person to work with students in the Interior Architecture Department. The primary goal of this position is to support students as they navigate the design and making process safely and the maintenance and coordination of the shop and its equipment. The Shop Technician provides support for studio instruction and student work in the Millrace Shop through:
• Safety training and oversight
• Delivery of technical training and information in support of the curriculum
• Providing the expertise and guidance students need to execute their project successfully The Shop Technician regularly and proactively maintains woodworking, possibly metalworking, plastic working, and other specialized equipment used in teaching and academic research, including the installation and repair of equipment and fabrication components, doing so without direct guidance. The Shop Technician manages and organizes the shop workspace, including building and repairing shop furniture and fixtures, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, arranging shop materials for purchase, and coordinating student cleanup. We understand that many students may be unfamiliar with the field of woodworking, and the shop technician plays a crucial role in providing the expertise and guidance they need to execute their projects successfully. More than just technical support, the technician encourages and supports students in developing their independent ideas along a given theme, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. The Shop Technician works collaboratively with the faculty who teach in the Millrace Shop and is supervised by a designated faculty member. The shop technician communicates regularly with instructors and leadership and supports class/studio instruction, including planning for class projects, delivery of technical demonstrations, and safety training. The technician also assists in the development and implementation of relevant shop policies, safe practices, and procedures; introduces, assists, and guides students on safety, tool use, fabrication techniques, and woodworking practices; and provides primary oversight and assistance for students during open studio hours outside of class. The Shop Technician is responsible for developing and coordinating the delivery of safety training for all individuals who use the woodshop, including students, staff, and faculty. In consultation with the College of Design Facilities Services Director and UO Environmental Health and Safety, the Shop Technician identifies and implements best practices for shop safety and operation and delivers technical training in support of these practices. The shop technician is responsible for identifying the outcomes of this training by monitoring the shop's usage and identifying further training-related solutions when appropriate. Position Specifics: Shop Technician position in support of education: Maintaining safety is our top priority. As part of this role, the technician is responsible for keeping accurate records of health and safety measures and ensuring that all students and staff can work in a secure environment. This commitment to safety is a key aspect of the shop technician's role. - Practical instruction in using tools and machines and working closely with the students. - Provide Furniture-making instructions and guidance during the studio and the open shop hours. Assist in problem-solving and finding technical solutions on all scales. - Provide technical support and advice to individual student project works - Support students' work by producing furniture and assisting with safety and tool use. - Support students in exploring and developing their projects from the experimental stages of their prototype to the final piece of furniture. - Checking that all tools are locked and in place when leaving the shop. - Organize students to clean up the shop after each work session and at the end of the term. Rough Schedule:
• Week 01-02: Safety training. Support students in finding their way around the shop. Support Warm-up exercises. Shop repairs and Maintenance.
• Week 02-03: Design development. Support students in finding their way around the shop. Shop repairs and Maintenance.
• Week 04-05: Model, Mock-up, and Prototyping
• Week 06-10: Furniture making, mainly supporting students
• Week 10-11: Repairs and Maintenance. Shop Technician in support of the Millrace Shop: The Millrace Shop is outfitted with various technical materials and equipment to support design studio classes, primarily those in the Interior Architecture, Product Design, and Architecture departments. The shop is designed to be both a scheduled classroom for design studios and an open environment for students to work on projects assigned in their classes. The equipment in this space generally consists of a set of heavy-duty Woodworking machinery and smaller hand tools. Tools for manual material processing are predominantly available. It includes but is not limited to, woodworking tools (table saw, band saw, jointer, planer, router, drill press, chop saw, lathe, vacuum veneering, handheld manual/power tools), metalworking tools (table saw, band saw, drill press, lathe, shears, sharpening wheel, pipe bender, brake, roll former, handheld manual/power tools), plastics tools (vacuum/thermal forming, silicone casting), spray booth for applying finishes, CNC routers, and milling machines. The Technician will be responsible for hiring and training junior shop technicians and student workers, as well as organizing a weekly work schedule. The Shop Technician regularly and proactively maintains woodworking, possibly metalworking, plastic working, and other specialized equipment used in teaching and academic research, including the installation and repair of equipment and fabrication components, doing so without direct guidance. The Shop Technician manages and organizes the shop workspace, including building and repairing shop furniture and fixtures, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, arranging shop materials for purchase, and coordinating student clean-up. Minimum Requirements
• Associate's Degree and three years of work experience (paid or volunteer) supporting community programs that serve children, youth or adults; OR
• Bachelor's Degree and one year of work experience (paid or volunteer), one year of which must be working in youth development programs, adult education, teaching, program delivery, or related functions; OR
• Five years experience in a field related to the duties of the position AND a high school diploma or equivalent. AND
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated skill to work with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated skill to use computers for word processing, data management, and communications . click apply for full job details