Job Title: LITS DiSCO-Maker (WS-ST1)
Classification: Student Employee (non-exempt)
Name and Address of Employer: St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057
If the position requires the student to work off campus, provide the name and address here:
Department Name: Libraries and IT Services
Unit Number (5 digits): 14115
Length of Position: See Employment Authorization
Contact Person/Supervisor: Assistant Director of Creative Experience
Wage Range: $12.00-13.00/hour
of the Position: (Purpose of the Position):
The Library and IT Services (LITS) Student Worker, DiSCO-Maker, is an academic, experiential position based in research, creative production, problem solving, and customer service. DiSCO-Makers will work and learn under the supervision of a team of librarians and technologists to support the innovative application, development, and adoption of maker skills and technologies within the St Olaf community.
DiSCO-Maker student workers are responsible for maintaining and providing safe, quality service through the Library and DiSCO spaces, but primarily within the library Makerspace on 3rd Floor RML.
Work will vary widely, but will always be anchored by our Literacies Framework
In the DiSCO Makerspace, your creativity will manifest physically through traditional arts and crafts, zines and book-binding, printmaking and design, to 3D printing and laser-cutting.
You will combine research with practical experience to learn new skills. You will become familiar with the Makers Literacy through creation of documentation and teaching materials to assist other students and community members learn and create safely.
This job will provide you with knowledge and experience in the fields of Librarianship and Instructional Technology. In addition to the DiSCO spaces, you’ll gain familiarity with all IT and Library services, how they work together, and how they impact the college mission.
Student workers will be expected to lead training sessions (group and individual) for other students in the areas above that they choose to specialize in. DiSCO student workers will serve as ambassadors to the campus for Library and IT Services, and positively contribute to creating a welcoming and supportive space for all campus community members.
Beginning DiSCO Makers will learn from a team of returning DiSCO students and a Full Time Staff Supervisor. Over the course of your first year, students will learn foundational skills in Design Thinking, the creative process, Maker Literacy, and the ability to support students in basic applications. During your first year you’ll also actively participate in training and development and create a portfolio of your DiSCO-related work.
Transferable Skills:
Research and Library Technology
Hand Tools safety
3D printing & Laser Cutting
Sewing and Sewing Machine basics
Design Thinking and Rapid Prototyping
Professionalism
Teamwork
Communication
Duties and Responsibilities:
The primary duties for the Student DiSCO-Makers will be to support students, faculty, and staff by:
Staffing the Makerspace and responding to patron requests.
Keeping all areas clean and well-organized, including the front room, supply rooms, main floor, and other workspaces.
Maintaining a strong customer service focus and work-ethic
Embrace a mindset of creative, critical, and curious making to complete DiSCO training and project assignments.
Creating promotional materials for the DiSCO that highlight events, student, staff, and faculty work produced in the DiSCO Makerspace.
Documenting technical workflows and processes for internal and external use
Maintain the technology and tools in the DiSCO under the direction of experienced DiSCO students or staff supervisor
Creating and maintaining a personal online portfolio of work related to your DiSCO responsibilities
Attend all required meetings with Supervisor and Team as needed.
Applicants with excellent written and verbal communication skills, and demonstrated creative problem-solving skills are strongly preferred.
Qualifications: (Education/Experience/Skills)
Desired Qualifications:
Strong Interest in one or more of the technical areas below, as well as an aptitude for learning new Creative technologies and skills
3D Modeling, 3D printing, or Animation
Crafting, Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture, or other hands-on creative arts.
Sewing, Repair, or Fashion
Graphic design and image manipulation (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Express)
Skill with hand-tools, repair or construction.
Social Media (content creation, short form video, marketing)
Wordpress web publishing, ArcGIS Storymaps, or similar online exhibition or storytelling tools
Desire to provide education, training or support to people with varying levels of technical expertise.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Physical and Environmental Factors:
This position requires crouching, stooping, twisting/pivoting, reaching overhead, grasping/handling, pushing/pulling, lifting objects up to 50 lbs., repetitive motions, operating hand tools, and operating equipment or machinery to perform the essential functions. It also requires exposure to loud noise and proximity hazards, as well as rare exposure to respiratory factors, chemicals, vibrations, extreme cold, extreme heat, and heights or cramped quarters to perform the essential functions. Protective equipment is required to perform some essential functions. Candidates must possess the ability to safely perform the physical work required of all duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
This job description is for general information purposes. It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position. This job description is subject to change at any time by St. Olaf College, with or without prior notice.
