Educational Specialist - Architecture Fab Lab

Description

Title: Educational Specialist (Fabrication Lab)

Hiring Unit: School of Architecture

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Other Conditions: To begin approximately August 2026. Renewal of position dependent upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

Duties and Responsibilities

• **Oversee daily operations of the Fabrication Workshop during instructional use by architectural courses and studio projects.
• Train and supervise students, faculty, and research staff in utilizing the shop workspace and in the operation of all woodworking and fabrication equipment.
• Maintain technical proficiency and strict adherence to safety protocols when operating the laser cutter, CNC equipment, and all associated software.
• Safely operate and maintain the laser cutter, CNC equipment, and all related software. Develop competency in 3D modular CNC skills to expand and enhance the technical capabilities of the 3D Lab.
• Perform work requiring the use of specialized equipment, requires devising and improvising new methods and techniques for using equipment.
• Provide up-to-date training to students, faculty, and research/UHCDC staff on the Laser Cutter and CNC Equipment use.
• Implement and conduct training and enforcement of all workshop safety procedures in accordance with industry, state and federal standards.
• Train and supervise all students, faculty, and research staff on utilizing the shop workspace and in the operation of all woodworking and fabrication equipment.
• Develop, recommend, and institute policies and procedures governing the workshop space.
• Hire and supervise student employees in the workshop.
• Conduct student workshops in Digital Fabrication, Furniture Design, Design Build, and related areas.
• Contribute to upkeep of the School's facilities including light maintenance, furniture repair, and disposal. Research equipment needs and provide cost comparisons for design studio spaces, including choices of desks, chairs, and communication boards. Acquire and supervise external contractors. Initiate and coordinate work by UHM Facilities Management.
• Assess and recommend facilities needs working in conjunction with the Dean up to and including procurement.
• Act as coordinator for student projects in connection with accreditation purposes including storage and presentation.
• Attend scheduled school meetings.
• Ensure a safe and orderly working environment in the Fabrication Workshop.
• Maintain the budget for the workshop.
• Maintain tools and equipment so that they are in good working order and condition.
• Maintain inventory of tools and equipment in the workshop.
• Researches and purchases material and equipment.
• Determines need for new and replacement materials and equipment for the shop.
• Keep apprised of technological development and innovation in the design field and apply learning to the shop operations and teachings to keep current with industry developments.
• Support the research faculty and the UHCDC by consulting on fabrication materials, processes, digital fabrication, technical guidance and workspace for their projects.
• Research, develop, and implement programs that leverage the unique resources of the school's 3D Lab to assist in outreach to prospective students, community groups, and practicing professionals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive professional building, woodworking, or fabrication experience.
• Familiarity with design workflows typically used by architects and designers.
• Ability to manage shop schedules, equipment access, material storage, purchasing, inventory, and workflow.
• Ability to train individuals and groups on the use of hand tools, hand held power tools, stationary bench tools (table saw, jointer, band saws, etc.), laser cutters and related metal/wood shop equipment demonstrated by knowledge, understanding and ability to apply concepts and terminology.
• Software ability or willingness to learn and attend training courses as required.
• Experience managing budgets, procurement, inventory, equipment scheduling, and maintenance logs.
• Experience developing safety manuals, certification systems, equipment-use policies, or shop-access protocols.
• Knowledge of OSHA or related safety practices, risk management, dust collection, ventilation, fire safety, PPE, and hazardous material handling.
• Leadership to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all shop users, despite experience level.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating closely with faculty and school leadership.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, especially when working with students, faculty, staff, and outside vendors.
• Ability to draw on broad professional experience, synthesizing new ideas for improving institutional norms.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience training students, leading workshops, or developing instructional materials.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty to support research, course assignments, studio projects, fabrication workshops, and design-build initiatives.
• Comfort with providing technical feedback in support of student projects.
• Grant writing experience.

To Apply:

• Cover letter that addresses how the applicant meets the minimum qualifications and desirable qualifications
• Resume
• Names and contact information (telephone numbers and email addresses) of at least three professional references
• Official transcript(s) showing degree and coursework to date appropriate to the position (copies of official transcripts are acceptable; however, original official transcripts will be required prior to completion of hiring).

Late and/or incomplete (applications that do not include all four documents) will not be considered. All documents become the property of the school.

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.