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Position Information

Classification TitleTemporary Hourly

Employment CategoryTemporary

Is this an Hourly position?Yes

Work Hours/Week40

Overtime Eligible?Yes

Position LocationFort Collins, CO 80523

Does this position qualify for hybrid or remote work?No

Description of Work Unit

The Richardson Design Center is a multi-disciplinary center, located in the College of Health and Human Sciences at CSU , with a mission to foster interdisciplinary creative collaboration. It serves as a design-thinking hub where students from across campus can gather to collaborate, innovate, and prototype creative ideas in formal and informal learning spaces using state-of-the art equipment and technology.

The RDC has: 4 studio/lab classrooms for hands-on learning, 1 seminar room for use by professional staff, 1 small dedicated project room that can also be used for student teams and visiting designers-in-residence, 2 computer labs, a design exchange (for student presentations, gallery exhibitions, special lectures and events, etc.), an Ideation Lab (including virtual reality equipment), Prototyping Lab (laser cutters, 3d printers, CNC textile equipment, etc.), Metal Lab (traditional metalworking tools, welding, as well as state-of-the-art CNC milling machinery), and a wood shop (traditional woodworking hand and power tools as well as a large (5’x10’) CNC router).

Search Contact [email protected]

Position Summary

This is a temporary position through the spring 2026 semester at the Nancy Richardson Design Center ( RDC ) Fabrication Labs.

The Nancy Richardson Design Center ( RDC ) is an interdisciplinary center in the College of Health and Human Sciences that is housed in the Nancy Richardson Design Center building. Our facilities include 5 labs that house equipment for CSU students to prototype their ideas in a variety of different materials.

We are currently seeking to fill one temporary position that will support the Assistant Labs Coordinator in a variety of duties, for the duration of the spring 2026 semester while the Lab Coordinator is on paid leave.

These duties include maintaining lab equipment, overseeing student hourly lab techs, proctoring labs during class meetings, assisting and training lab users while using lab equipment, helping CSU faculty with coursework that will utilize our lab equipment, and providing operational lab support to our RDC Fabrication Lab Team consisting of non-student administrative professional staff, student lab technicians, lab monitor interns, and community volunteer mentors.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter, can work independently on assigned projects, and can collaborate and lead small teams. This person must be committed to the safety of all lab users and staff and be comfortable as the sole lab supervisor when the Labs Coordinator and Assistant Labs Coordinator are out of the office. They must be outgoing and eager to engage with CSU community members of all backgrounds, and they must be committed to ensuring the safety of all users in the lab environments.

The lab hours are Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The candidate who is chosen for this position will be required to work a weekly schedule that complements the schedule of other department staff to ensure adequate supervision of all lab spaces during open hours (likely Mondays-Thursdays 10:00-6:30pm, Sundays 10:00-4:00). Punctuality is essential for this position to provide consistent and reliable lab access for our lab users.

Position Minimum Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s Degree in Art, Design, Engineering, or related field.

+ One year of relevant experience in an academic or community fabrication lab/shop setting.

+ Experience with general shop safety best practices for wood, metal, or digital tools.

+ Ability to move equipment, materials, or tools weighing 40 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Master’s degree in related field

+ Training experience in an academic institution

+ Experience with several of the following:

+ Wood working equipment: table saw, planer, jointer, band saw, drill press, hand drill, hand tools, sanding machines, lathe, and CNC router

+ Metal working equipment: band saw, drill press, shear, break, lathe, oxy fuel torch, plasma cutter, welding processes (including MIG , TIG , and stick), CNC mill, grinders, and cold saw

+ Fabric equipment: sewing machine, quilting machine, embroidery, seam welding, fabric printing (including dye sublimation and direct to cloth), screen printing, and heat press operation

+ Software: Microsoft applications: Word, Teams, and Xcel, Adobe applications: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Lightroom, Rhino, Grasshopper, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, EnRoute, RhinoCAM, Versa Works, Universal Laser Systems UCP , Bambu Studio, Prusa Slic3r, Chitubox and PreForm slicers.

+ Digital fabrication equipment: laser cutter, 3D printer, and plotter

+ Committed to safety, quality, demonstrated excellent customer service and professionalism

+ Demonstrated experience collaborating on teams with a track record of achieving established goals and objectives

+ Demonstrated ability to give and receive critical feedback

+ Capable of effectively documenting lab accomplishments, record keeping, and inventory management

+ Ability to exhibit confidence and competence in public speaking settings for the purposes of trainings, instruction, and lab tours

Posting Details

Working TitleFabrication Labs Support Technician

Posting Number202500650T

DepartmentRichardson Design Center

Salary Range$19-21 an hour

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/02/benefits-summary-hourly.pdf)

+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .

+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !

Close Date10/02/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please submit a cover letter that addresses the minimum and preferred job qualifications, as well as a resume.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Essential Job Duties

Job Duty CategoryLab Operations

Duty/Responsibility

+ Ensure lab safety rules, best practices, and procedures are followed by lab techs, students, and faculty.

+ Assist Lab Coordinator with lab income and expense transactions and reconciliations

+ Collaborate with faculty to support their instructional needs, including advising on how to integrate digital fabrication into course curriculum and coordinating materials preparation and time schedules for all tasks required to prepare facilities for specific course needs.

+ Provide students with assistance in development and execution of class projects.

+ Assist with maintenance, testing, and repair of hand tool, power tools, and machinery in the labs to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and safety.

+ Provide support and trouble-shooting for a diverse range of fabrication platforms

+ Implement a regular maintenance and service schedule for lab equipment.

+ Engage in RDC and lab promotional and outreach activities, including guided tours and demonstrations of facilities and equipment.

+ Help grow the design thinking and maker culture on the CSU campus.

+ Other duties as assigned.

Percentage Of Time80%

Job Duty CategoryInstruction and Training

Duty/Responsibility

+ Mentor and supervise 2-8 student lab techs, interns, and community volunteers.

+ Develop and keep up-to-date safety and training manuals and procedures.

+ Provide instruction in the safe and correct use of hand and power tools and equipment for students and faculty.

+ Provide instruction in material and tool-specific processes, including proper file preparation for CNC or CAD / CAM processes.

+ Assist with development and teach not-for-credit tutorials, workshops, and executive education programming.

Percentage Of Time20%

References

Minimum References Required

Maximum References Required

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

+ Resume

+ Cover Letter

Optional Documents