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.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to perform work within the specified working conditions/environment of the position.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions on time and within budget constraints to complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Experience with finishing and fabrication techniques used in woodworking, metalworking, and plastics.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and advising safe practices on any or all the following woodworking equipment: table saw, jointer, planer, router, band saw, drill press, chop saw, lathe, vacuum veneering, as well as various handheld power/manual tools.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and advising safe practices on any or all the following metalworking equipment: table saw, band saw, drill press, lathe, as well as various handheld power/manual tools, such as sharpening wheels, shears, pipe bender, sander, brake, roll former.
• Knowledge of shop safety and first aid training (or ability to obtain first aid training).
• Knowledge of safe equipment and material handling practices according to equipment manuals, industry safety practices, and materials product sheets.
• Ability to communicate in a clear, appropriate, and courteous manner with university employees, students, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to learn and implement new fabrication technologies and materials while maintaining shop safety and productivity.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Computer skills; working knowledge or ability to learn programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhinoceros, RhinoCAM, AutoCAD, and/or other graphics software experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of experience working at a higher education facility.
• Three or more years of experience in an educational woodshop or other wood fabrication environment
• Experience with working on building sites
• Two or more years of experience in an educational wood or metal shop
• Experience operating CNC routers (3 and/or 4 axes), robotic construction, or other digital fabrication tools/equipment.

FLSA Exempt: No

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.