Harris County Public Library (HCPL) - History
What began in 1921 and the years following as a collection of small libraries housed in stores, post offices, and private homes has grown into a system of 26 branch buildings, 2 technology service centers, and 2 partner locations offering collection/circulation services. HCPL operates branches in unincorporated parts of Harris County and cities which do not have their own library systems.
What you will do at Harris County Public Library:
The high-level focus of this position will be assisting in the development and implementation of maker programming and support of Harris County Public Library (HCPL) Maker labs and locations. Working closely with the Maker and Innovation Labs Programming Coordinator II and under the direction of the Outreach Services Manager IV, the Innovation Lab Specialist III will help with a myriad of technical and non-technical tasks. These tasks include training in the design of outreach programs, development of maker projects that encourage and empower community members to think of libraries as a catalyst for creating innovative thinkers and doers, and providing services at the library branches and virtually to the communities we serve.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Serves as a member of the Program, Partnerships & Outreach (PPO) division team and works with team members to support library programming and outreach events.
- Assists in providing formal and informal hands-on instruction in the Maker Space.
- Assists in conducting in-person or virtual classes for all ages on a variety of topics related to creative hardware, software, and special maker projects.
- Provides individualized technical assistance to library users.
- Performs basic maintenance and troubleshooting tasks on Innovation Lab equipment, including but not limited to 3D printers, laser cutters, and Cricut machines.
- Supports the technology training lab and mobile technology services.
- Assists library staff in troubleshooting technical programs in the library and in the community.
- Travels to HCPL library branches and community sites to perform various duties of this position.
- Supports the work of the Innovation Lab Coordinator III.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Library Science, Education, Instructional Engineering, Instructional Design, Instructional or Educational Technology, or a related field.
- One (1) year of library operation and program experience with 3D printer hardware, design software, laser cutter and engraver, coding, and basic robotics activities for all ages.
OR
- Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Library Science, Education, Instructional Engineering, Instructional Design, Instructional or Educational Technology, or a related field.
- Three (3) years of library operation and program experience with 3D printer hardware, design software, laser cutter and engraver, coding, and basic robotics activities for all ages.
OR
- High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
- Five (5) years of library operation and program experience with 3D printer hardware, design software, laser cutter and engraver, coding, and basic robotics activities for all ages.
Additional Requirements:
- Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties.
- Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Proficient with Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.).
- Proficient with the Internet and Office 365.
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment.
- Ability to work well with public and staff members.
- Ability to exercise initiative and act with discretion.
- Must use your personal mobile device for our Multifactor Authentication process.
Experience:
- Experience with micro-computing technologies such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, coding, or similar technology (preferred).
- Experience serving people of diverse ages and cultural/ethnic/language backgrounds in a library, makerspace, or other informal or formal learning environment (preferred).
- Teaching experience in a group or classroom setting (preferred).
- Experience working in a public library setting (preferred).
Language:
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
- Full-time | Regular – 40 hours a week.
- Typical shifts are Day, Evening, Nights, Weekends, etc.
- May require attending meetings, council sessions, or after-hours events and off-site meetings.
Work Environment and Physical Demands:
- Driving: Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties.
- Office Equipment: Daily use of a computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell). Daily use of software programs including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel, and GPS.
- Physical Activities: Sits for long periods; light physical activity that may include walking, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying.
- Lifting: Ability to lift, carry, and exert up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lifts, carries, and exerts up to 40 pounds.
- Vision and Hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to answer telephones, communicate conversation, and respond to verbal inquiries.
- Exposure to Environmental Conditions: The position generally works in an office setting with exposure to loud noises in the environment.
Reporting Relationships:
- Reports To Position: Outreach Services Manager IV.
- Supervises Positions: None.
Work Location:
Employment is contingent upon passing a background check.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
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