Librarian II, Maker & Innovation Supervisor

Spark curiosity and fuel a passion for discovery, experimentation and critical thinking by engaging with patrons of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds in the library’s makerspace. This position focuses heavily on patron engagement, with the majority of worktime spent with people. This position will maintain the facility and its resources in good working order; design and deliver programs; provide instruction on using the facility’s materials, tools, and equipment safely; and coach makers through projects. This position also partners with creatives in the community on maker events in the makerspace. This role embodies the creative spirit of a maker, role-modeling design, tinkering, failure, and iteration as equally valuable stages of making, and strives to inspire joy in the process as much as the final result. This position supervises employees, interns and volunteers. 

At Tacoma Public Library, our mission is to empower our community by bringing people together to discover, connect, create, learn, and thrive. We are radically welcoming: a trusted community hub where all people can find joy, compassion, and inspiration. We welcome applicants of all abilities.

The ideal candidate is passionate about providing excellent customer service, developing strong community relationships, working collaboratively with others, and is committed to racial equity and social justice to serve to Tacoma’s diverse communities. Applying equity and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Tacoma Public Library employees. All employees are expected to model and apply our equity and social justice shared values, behaviors, and practices.   

This is a project position with an anticipated duration of 30 months. 

The schedule is Tuesday - Wednesday, 11 am - 8 pm, Thursday - Saturday 9 am - 6 pm.

Responsibilities Include:

• Supervises the day-to-day programming and operations of the makerspace including interns, volunteers and at least one employee. 
• Designs, promotes, delivers, and evaluates makerspace programs for the public.
• Collaborates with local area artists, makers, business owners, schools, and entrepreneurs on programs and outreach events. 
• Provides one-on-one coaching for individuals’ projects, and safety and equipment training for makerspace users. 
• Provides regular maintenance and cleaning of the facility and its tools and equipment; repairs or replaces malfunctioning equipment promptly. 
• Creates and documents application and systems standards, maintenance procedures, and operational procedures and maintains an inventory of equipment and software.
• Purchases tools and materials for classes and general use. 
• Serves as a maker/STEAM resource for library staff. 
• Attends meetings, serves on library-wide committees and projects, and participates in professional development opportunities.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master of Library Science (MLS) or a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from an accredited library school and/or Washington State certification as a Librarian
• Two (2) years' experience working as a librarian, preferably in public services positions
• Experience developing and running a makerspace or similar educational program 
• Experience using and troubleshooting a broad spectrum of relevant technologies including but not limited to: 
• 3D printers, cutting machines and engraving tools, electronics or robotics 
• Sewing, quilting, weaving, crotchet, knitting or other types of fiber arts 
• Papercraft, jewelry making, pottery, leatherwork, or other types of crafting 
• Video game design, video and audio production, digital design software 
• Microcontroller prototyping platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or Micro:bit 
• Other related makerspace technologies