Working closely with both the Director of the Genesis Lab and the Drescher Graduate Campus Librarian, the Making and Innovation Specialist is responsible for maintaining Pepperdine Libraries’ makerspaces and promoting the use of their emerging technologies and creative resources to faculty, students, and staff in alignment with the University’s mission and strategic plan. The Making and Innovation Specialist works in the Payson Library Genesis Lab Makerspace and the Drescher Library iLab, which are both located on Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus, and provides support for makerspaces at other campus libraries in Southern California.

Duties

• Orient Genesis Lab and Drescher iLab users to available technologies and resources. Provide assistance for faculty, staff, and student projects through consultations, training, and ongoing support, including remote support for users of the West LA iLab Studio. Technologies include but are not limited to 3-D scanning and printing, virtual reality and augmented reality, CAD, Adobe Creative Cloud applications, audio and video recording, and data visualization. On-the-job training will be provided as needed.
• Maintain technology (hardware and software) in the Genesis Lab and Drescher iLab to support lab activities and keep track of supply inventory. Recommend upgrades, restocks, and new purchases to the Director of the Genesis Lab as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Director of the Genesis Lab, Drescher Graduate Campus Librarian, Director of Library Programming and Public Affairs, and campus partners to plan, promote, and host Genesis Lab and Drescher iLab events and educational programs.
• In coordination with the Director of the Genesis Lab and Drescher Graduate Campus Librarian, provide supervision, training, and mentoring to Genesis Lab and Drescher iLab student employees, which includes ensuring the smooth daily operation of the spaces, in addition to developing and assigning special projects.
• Develop projects that showcase the technology and resources available in the Genesis Lab and Drescher iLab.
• Actively seek out opportunities for new partnerships and collaborations across campus.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission and Libraries' core values through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Education, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics), or related field, or comparable experience.
• An appreciation for and commitment to the university’s Christian mission and a desire to contribute actively to that mission.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and emotional intelligence.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Interest in emerging technologies and their application in an academic setting.
• Ability to teach hardware and software programs to a wide variety of users.
• Willingness to experiment with new technologies.
• Reliable and detail-oriented; efficient and organized, with the ability to prioritize effectively in a busy environment.
• Strong interpersonal relationship skills; the ability to take initiative and work independently; the ability to work collaboratively within the library and with external partners.
• Ability to lift and carry at least 20 lbs.
• Knowledge of 3-D printing, VR and AR, data visualization, and 3D imaging; ability and initiative to independently learn and troubleshoot new hardware and software; basic understanding of image editing and design software for marketing; proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace programs; Zoom.

Preferred:

• Hands-on experience with a makerspace, creative technology space, and/or studio space.
• Generalized knowledge of gaming content, rating, and platforms.
• Experience with or willingness to learn Adobe Creative Cloud, CAD, Python, Unity, and/or C++.

This is a Restricted, Nonexempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $21.63 - $24.03 per hour 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Individuals will be required to disclose any criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.