Job Abstract

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To apply, application materials should include a resume, a letter of interest, and a short portfolio of related personal or work projects. Your letter of interest should outline your skills and qualifications and how they align with this position at Rice Architecture. Please also provide three professional references.

All applicants should attach application materials in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format, to avoid any formatting issues. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Position Summary:

The Shop Coordinator at the Rice University School of Architecture oversees the daily operations of the school’s newly expanded workshop, fabrication spaces, and equipment housed in the recently completed William T. Cannady Hall. With keen attention to craft, detail, and creativity, the Shop Coordinator works closely with faculty and students to support curricular and research projects during the academic year, providing oversight, training, technical direction, and expertise on the use of a wide variety of machinery, equipment, and materials, including wood, metal, plastic, etc. The position also works with the Fabrication Director to specify and procure equipment, ensure the effective and safe operation of all fabrication spaces and equipment, hire and train student workers, and align operations with the school's strategic needs.

Rice Architecture is a uniquely sized, highly selective program focusing on design, including exceptional student work, world-class faculty research, and meaningful community engagement. We are particularly interested in candidates whose culture and lived experiences will expand our perspectives and understanding of the world. Rice Architecture draws upon Houston’s offerings in the arts, industries, diverse communities, and cultures to educate architects for a dynamic, multicultural world, and we work towards hiring with the same ambition.

The ideal candidate for the Shop Coordinator is a highly skilled and creative individual with expertise in various fabrication materials and machinery. They possess strong leadership and technical abilities, ensuring the safe and effective operation of workshop spaces while supporting faculty and students in their curricular and research endeavors. Additionally, they demonstrate excellent organizational skills to manage equipment procurement and training programs in alignment with the school's strategic goals.

Workplace Requirements

This is a 9-month, salaried, benefits-eligible position, active August 15 – May 15. During the academic year, this position must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule to meet the position's requirements, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Demands: Must be able to operate and manipulate workshop machinery and lift wood and metal materials. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. with no assistance.

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at Anderson and Cannady Halls. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted
• 2 years of woodworking and metalworking experience
• Skills:
  • Demonstrated ability in wood and metal fabrication
  • Thorough working knowledge of techniques, materials, hand and power tools utilized in woodworking
  • Familiarity with 2D and 3D modeling software (Rhino preferred) and digital fabrication equipment (CNC routers, 3d printing, or laser cutting)
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to teach, guide, and work with students
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Prior experience and knowledge in the safety and maintenance of an innovative specialized lab
  • Ability to work independently and coordinate work with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, and visitors

Preferences:

• Advanced degree (M.A., M.Sc., or similar)
• Digital fabrication experience (CNC routers, laser cutters, and/or 3D printers, etc.)
• Experience working in higher education
• Experience coordinating programs and/or events in an educational or non-profit organization
• Knowledge or experience in architectural model-making and building construction
• Welding experience

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the workshop, fabrication spaces, and all equipment and machinery
• Develops, follows, and trains on applicable safety standards and practices to ensure a safe and effective working environment
• Provides continuity, expertise, and supervision to students, assisting them in resolving technical problems, equipment use, and understanding available resources
• Supervises and conducts maintenance and repair of shop tools, equipment, and the shop environment. This includes but is not limited to maintaining machine maintenance and replacement schedules, completing or contracting required repairs, ensuring the shop and lab are safe, clean, and organized
• Responsible for shop equipment, materials, and supplies, including cleanliness, maintenance, operations, inventory (life cycle and replacement schedule), and assists with procurement
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Recruits, trains, and supervises student shop workers
• Leads shop orientation sessions for new students
• Works collaboratively with faculty to support their research
• Purchases equipment and supplies for shop and student work

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.