FWS Materials Lab Assistant

Title of position: Materials Lab Assistant / Student Worker 

Supervisor: Caroline Ambrose (Materials Lab Manager)

Position Start Date: Summer 2026

Number of students needed: One (1)

Schedule: TBD, 20 hours max per week

Salary: $18 per hour

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Student Worker will be responsible for assisting the full-time lab manager with the day-to day activities of the Materials Lab including monitoring students, explaining tools and equipment to students, cleaning, maintaining internal Lab programs, organizing as well as additional duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Clean tools and equipment
• Notify staff of broken tools and equipment
• Troubleshoot student issues with tools and equipment
• Keeping labs clean and orderly throughout and at the end of every shift
• Opening and closing duties of lab
• Organize tools in storage area
• Observe inventory of tools, equipment, and materials
• Oversee safe use of materials, tools and equipment by students
• Enforce rules of safe operation with students
• Perform safety demonstrations and instruct students in safe and proper operations of tools and equipment
• Knowledge of first aid kits and other safety equipment
• Assist in troubleshooting problems on student projects and giving technical information to students
• Advise students in acquisition of materials and supplies for their projects.
• Maintain internal programs within the Materials Lab

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Moderate to heavy lifting required up to 60 pounds.
• Must be able to work wearing necessary safety protection for working with potentially hazardous materials.
• Exposure to vapors, dust particles and chemicals and extremes in temperature.

TECHNICAL, MANAGERIAL, and PEOPLE SKILLS REQUIRED 

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Incumbents will be evaluated, in part, based on the performance of each essential function. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Experience working in a group preferred.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• High School or equivalent degree
• Enrollment in New School as at least ¹/₂ enrolled
• Experience in woodshop, metal shop or digital fabrication preferred
• Ability to maintain and repair tools and equipment desirable
• Knowledge of shop safety preferred
• Knowledge or skill in woodworking, mold-making, carving, and casting processes desirable