Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab

That's right, we've been booming lately and are happy to see such interest in the lab, but we need more help to keep up with the demand. We will give preference to existing, active volunteers, so don't be afraid to get involved. Here's the description:

Overview

The Champaign-Urbana Community Fab Lab is seeking lab attendants to assist with daily operations and extend our open hours. The Fab Lab works with patrons of all ages to develop ideas for projects, convert these ideas to digital files and finally produce physical objects and prototypes out of these ideas, with machines like electronic cutters and 3D printers. Our patrons include students, researchers, entrepreneurs and also community members who participate in workshops.

Employee tasks and obligations include basic operational needs, but workers will also be welcome to take on special projects for a higher pay rate. This internship is ideal for people who are interested in going into technology, art and education related fields. Increasingly many areas require strong digital literacies and employees need to keep up with technology to find and retain jobs today. You will have the chance to learn from volunteers and staff who work with the lab who will act as mentors.

Application Method and Requirements

1. Visit the Fab Lab (1301 S Goodwin, Urbana) http://cucfablab.org/ during regular open hours if you haven't already, see how it works
2. Submit a 1 page resume, include any software familiarities beyond MS Office - email this to both Jeff Ginger (ginger@illinois.edu) and Lisa Bievenue (bievenue@illinois.edu)
3. Project portfolio (website, physical, etc) welcome but not required

Regular Responsibilities

• Opening and closing the lab
• Handling the sales of materials, tracking inventory, cleaning up the lab
• Leverage online and in-person resources to learn a wide variety of tools and software
• Work with learners one on one during open lab hours and in small groups (up to 12) at events
• Flexible hours and access to university assets

Special Project Opportunities

• Document use of technology systems and tools to create tutorials in web and print format
• Work with our programming coordinator to help create and conduct workshops
• Help handle electronic communications and manage media (website, email, Flickr, etc…)
• Produce media to reflect the life of the Fab Lab, including reports, handouts, pictures and possibly video
• Building physical infrastructure for the lab and assembling advanced CNC machines like large-format 3D printers and router systems

Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to work and learn independently in a fast-paced and frequently changing environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Windows 7, basic file management concepts
• Be able to handle small groups of kids and be patient with the elderly
• Strong verbal and multimedia communication skills preferred
• Other skills like programming, graphic design or empathy are not required but are desired
• We value cognitive diversity, therefore we are especially interested in individuals from diverse backgrounds