What are the responsibilities and job description for the IDEAS Lab Specialist position at Windward School?
Description
Windward School, a grade 7-12 college-preparatory, independent day school in vibrant West Los Angeles, is currently seeking an experienced educator to join our Science and Technology Department. We are committed to fostering innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning. Our state-of-the-art new 2,500 sq ft. maker space, the IDEAS* lab, will provide students and educators with the tools, technology, and support needed to bring their ideas to life.
*Innovation Design Entrepreneurship Arts Sciences
A nationwide leader in educational models and practices that excite students about learning, Windward is committed to building a nurturing, inclusive culture. We welcome teachers and staff members who bring skills, qualities, and experiences that demonstrate an understanding of and ability to support our work fostering a diverse school community.
At Windward, we are dedicated to cultivating an environment that encourages and supports growth and belonging amongst all community members. Windward teachers, parents, and administrators work together to inspire our students to be responsible, caring, well-informed, ethical, prepared, and well-balanced young adults.
For more information on what Windward has to offer, please visit windwardschool.org/about/careers.
We are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic IDEAS Lab Specialist to oversee, maintain, and enhance the functionality of our maker space. The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented fabricator and educator passionate about new technologies, safety, and community engagement. This role requires a proactive professional with experience in CNC machines, 3D printing, and other maker technologies.
Primary Responsibilities:
1. Technology Maintenance & Oversight
- Operates, maintains, and repairs maker space equipment, including CNC machines, Wazer water jet cutters, 3D printers, laser cutters, and related tools
- Conducts routine inspections and ensures all equipment is in excellent working order
- Maintains inventory of consumables and coordinates reordering as needed
- Organizes and stores student work within the space
- Investigates new technologies for making and assesses their usefulness for the school environment
2. Safety & Training
- Develops and implements safety protocols to ensure a secure working environment for all users
- Creates training materials and leads workshops for students, teachers, and staff on the proper use of maker space tools and equipment
- Maintains a visible presence in the space to provide guidance and enforces safety measures
3. Educational Support
- Collaborates with educators to integrate maker space activities into classroom curricula
- Assists students in planning and executing independent projects, fostering a spirit of innovation and problem-solving
- Hosts maker space orientations, workshops, and demonstrations to inspire engagement across the school community
- Provides support for robotics competition teams
4. Community Building
- Promotes a collaborative and inclusive environment where creativity and learning thrive
- Acts as a resource for students and faculty, offering technical expertise and project advice
- Organizes maker events, showcases, and competitions to celebrate student achievements
Other duties as assigned.
This is a great chance to be part of a dynamic, close-knit, independent school culture and community.
We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including:
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- Paid Holidays, Vacation and Wellness days
- Retirement Plan, including up to 6% employer match
- School-paid Life and Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account Plans
- Annual $2,000 FlexCheck
- Annual $2,500 Lunch Allowance
- MetLife Group Home & Auto Group Discount
- Access to Peak Performance Center to promote physical and mental health
- Wellness Initiatives, including Chair Massages, free Wellness Coaching, Self-Care Reimbursement, and much more!
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Remission
- Nurturing, supportive and inclusive community
- And much more!
Salary Range: $75,600- $143,740, depending on experience. Please review the Faculty Salary Calculator on our Careers page for additional information.
To Apply: All interested candidates should send a resume and a cover letter via the Application link.
EOE
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or relevant certifications in a related field (e.g., engineering, design, or education)
- Proven experience with maker technologies, including CNC machining, 3D printing, and laser cutting
- Experience in an educational setting collaborating with faculty and students and working with diverse age groups and experience levels
- Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
- Knowledge of safety standards and best practices for maker spaces
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Salary : $75,600 - $143,740