Job Title: LITS DiSCO-Tech Student Lead (WS-ST2)
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: Library and IT Services
Unit Number (5 digits): 14115
Length of Position: See Employment Authorization
Contact Person/Supervisor: Director of Research and Instructional Technology
Wage Range: $12.00-13.00/hour
of the Position: (Purpose of the Position):
The Library and IT Services (LITS) Student Worker, DiSCO-Tech, is an academic, experiential position based in research, creative production, problem solving, and customer service. DiSCO-Techs will work and learn under the supervision of a team of librarians and technologists to support the innovative application, development, and adoption of existing and emerging technologies within the St Olaf community.
DiSCO-Tech student workers are responsible for maintaining and providing quality service through the Digital Scholarship Center at St. Olaf (DiSCO) spaces, on the 4th floor of Rolvaag Library.
Work will vary widely, but will always be anchored by our Literacies Framework
At the DiSCO your tasks may include conducting research, producing multimedia content (e.g. short videos, podcasts, posters, animations), developing online learning materials and documentation, exploring emerging technologies (AR/VR, AI, UX-Design) in various contexts, creating digital objects (maps and data visualizations, exhibits and websites) and related work.
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.
DiSCO Tech Tier Two student workers will perform the work described above, as well as some higher-level responsibilities. In addition to managing the spaces you’ll be working on projects, training other students, hosting workshops and events, and getting a broader sense of Academic Technologies as a field. You’ll have the opportunity to identify and make improvements to our operations and you’ll refine your portfolio to highlight your story at St. Olaf.
Transferable Skills:
Research and Library Technology
Web Design
Video and Audio Production
ArcGIS/Storymaps
Graphic Design
Professionalism
Teamwork
Communication
Critical Thinking
Leadership
Career and Self Development
Duties and Responsibilities:
Staffing the service desks in the DiSCO and responding to patron requests
Keeping all areas clean and well-organized, including the computer tables, classrooms, recording spaces, 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
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
Attend all required meetings with Supervisor and Team as needed.
Identify opportunities and implement improvements/efficiencies to DiSCO.
Refine and update a personal online portfolio of work related to your vocation and scholarly experience at St. Olaf using storytelling and design thinking paradigms.
Training fellow student workers and other DiSCO patrons in areas of design and technology via walk-in, one-on-one appointments, workshops or hosted events.
Independently maintain the technology and readiness of DiSCO space and resources.
Own and shepherd projects from ideation to completion.
Act as primary point of contact for DiSCO Patrons as they work through projects, providing support, pointing them to training or other resources, troubleshooting.
Answer requests and service tickets from DiSCO patrons, escalating to staff when appropriate.
Gain a deeper understanding of the DiSCO Literacies Framework, Library and Instructional Technology fields, and how they apply to the St. Olaf Mission and to personal vocational pathways.
Qualifications: (Education/Experience/Skills)
Demonstrated skills in four or more of the technical areas below, or equivalent areas, as evidenced by your portfolio and training records.
Students with prior experience working in the DiSCO spaces and who consistently show initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to invest in and help others are strongly preferred.
3D Modeling, 3D printing, or Animation
Audio and video recording and editing (Cameras and sound equipment, Audacity, Garageband, iMovie, Adobe Premiere, Davinci Resolve)
Data manipulation, programming (Javascript, Python, and R)
Data visualization or digital storytelling (tableau, infographics, motion graphics)
Generative AI - experience with different gen AI tools in a variety of areas (data analysis, text editing, media creation, process optimization)
GIS and mapping (ArcGIS, Google Earth)
Graphic design and image manipulation (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Express)
Social Media (content creation, short form video, marketing)
Wordpress web publishing, ArcGIS Storymaps, or similar online exhibition or storytelling tools
Experience providing 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.
