Maker Specialist

Northbrook Public Library seeks a Maker Specialist.

Full-time: 35 hours/week

Schedule: Every Tuesday-Saturday and 1 evening a week required

About the Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled maker to join our Maker Services Department. With over 8,000 visitors a year, the Collaboratory at the Northbrook Library is a popular and busy community destination. Candidates should have a broad set of maker/DIY qualifications, proficiency with a variety of tools and equipment, experience in designing and leading maker programming, and enthusiasm for collaborating with people of all ages and abilities.

Responsibilities include

• Guiding users in learning and using design techniques and software.
• Facilitating the appropriate use of the Collaboratory’s equipment (laser cutter, sewing & embroidery machines, 3D printers, digitization equipment, etc.).
• Creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment for users to explore ideas and techniques.
• Developing and leading programs that cover a range of maker/DIY areas, from no-tech (fiber arts) to high tech (digital media editing).
• Performing equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Managing inventory and purchasing for assigned equipment.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should have solid maker and computer skills, strong customer service skills, be comfortable relating to a diverse group of people, show initiative and work independently. A post-secondary degree or equivalent knowledge and skills in area(s) related to the responsibilities of this position are required. 

 We want to hear from you if you:

• Fully embrace our core values of innovation, inclusion, life-long learning, customer-focus, and collaboration,

• Value EDI (equity, diversity and inclusion) principles and initiatives,
• Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills,
• Are aware of trends in making and maker projects,
• Enjoy learning new skills,
• Thrive in a collaborative environment across and within departments,
• Are committed to fostering teamwork through respectful feedback and accountability,
• Follow a thoughtful data driven approach in serving the community,
• Understand the importance of failure and iteration in making and
• Are comfortable with change. 

We are seeking a wide array of candidates that encompass varied identities and abilities and encourage those who have gained skills outside of traditional education to apply. The Northbrook Public Library is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging - so if you’re excited about this position but not sure if you meet all the criteria, we encourage you to still consider applying. You may have other experiences or skills that would still make you a great candidate.

Click on links to read the job description, the library's Service Standards and learn more about our award-winning library.

About the Library and Community 

We seek candidates who share our passion for serving the people of Northbrook. The Northbrook Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer who values every community member and works to be welcoming and respectful of people's different identities including race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, religion, ability, language, age, size, and more. 

The Village of Northbrook, IL has a resident population of 35,222. This highly regarded, civic-minded and well-resourced community is just 25 miles north of downtown Chicago. With excellent access to transportation, Northbrook has a vibrant business community and is headquarters to several Fortune 500 companies. Residents are attracted to the top-rated schools, access to many recreational opportunities, and its small-town charm.

This Library Journal Five Star library is a cornerstone of the community with strong public support and an operating budget of $8,600,000.  The collection includes over 250,000 physical items, with an annual circulation of over 900,000.  

Benefits

Quality benefits play a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of our staff and their families, and this is why we offer a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage to eligible employees. We also have generous paid time off and retirement plans for eligible employees.

Applying

Apply by clicking on the blue tab "Apply for This Job" located at the top right corner on the jobs page. When using a Mac to apply, use a browser other than Safari. Communication with applicants is made via email through BambooHR, our Applicant Tracking System. Please add BambooHR to your list of acceptable addresses in your email to ensure you receive emails during the application process.

Remember to attach a cover letter and resume. Both documents are required for candidate consideration. 

If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please let us know.

Open Until Filled