Teen Technology Mentor (Part Time)

Teen Technology Mentor (Part Time)

Department: Branch Programs & Services

Employment Type: Temporary

Location: Various Locations

Reporting To: Jackie Ferro

Compensation: $35.00 / hour

Description

Overview
In support of the New York Public Library’s Teens 360º Initiative, the Teen Technology and Design team equips staff and teen patrons with the skills, resources, and creative technology experiences needed to support interest-driven, project-based learning. Reporting to the Associate Manager of Teen Technology & Design, the Teen Technology Mentor provides teen-centered creative technology instruction, digital literacy support, and mentorship to young adult patrons.
This position is for someone interested in community development through education and informal learning. The Teen Technology Mentor supports young adult learners of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and skill levels through hands-on instruction using creative technology tools, including 3D printers, cutting machines, digital cameras, video and music editing software, digital art tools, microcontrollers, and other emerging technologies. The Teen Technology Mentor develops and adapts instructional content, facilitates weekly technology programs, supports safe and welcoming learning environments, and collaborates with Library staff to deliver programs across multiple New York Public Library Teen Center locations, with a special focus on sites located in the Bronx.

*This is a temporary, grant-funded position through September 30, 2028.*

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, modify, and facilitate instructor-led, project-based technology programs for teen patrons, adapting instruction to meet the needs of young adult learners with varying skill levels
• Provide digital literacy and creative technology training in topics including visual art, music and audio production, 3D modeling and design, photography and videography, coding and robotics, digital fabrication, and general computer skills
• Mentor young adult patrons and foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that supports creative expression, skill-building, and youth development
• Assist with operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting creative technology hardware and software in Teen Centers, including but not limited to 3D printers, craft cutting machines, digital and instant photography cameras, audio recorders and microphones, and Apple MacBooks and iPads equipped with Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro X, Procreate, Canva, Stop Motion Studio, and TinkerCAD
• Collaborate with Young Adult Librarians, branch staff, and Teen Technology & Design colleagues to enhance instructional delivery, program content, outreach, and use of creative technology resources
• Assist with outreach and promotion of Teen Center technology programs
• Track program attendance, participant engagement, equipment usage, and other program data as required
• Travel to multiple branch locations across New York City to deliver teen-centered technology instruction and programming
• Perform other project-related duties as assigned

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of additional related experience

Required Experience

• 2+ years relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience teaching, instructing, mentoring, training, or facilitating programs for teens and young adults in an educational, library, community-based, or informal learning setting
• Experience supporting learners with varying skill levels, backgrounds, and learning needs
• Experience with creative technology software and tools, including nonlinear video editing software, digital audio workstations, photo editing software, computer-aided design, digital cameras, vinyl cutters, 3D printers, or related applications

Required Skills

• Proficiency in one or more creative technology disciplines, such as digital art, photography, music/audio production, videography or filmmaking, graphic design, 3D modeling, robotics, coding, maker space technology, or related fields
• Ability to facilitate group instruction, one-on-one support, and project-based technology learning experiences for teens with varying skill levels
• Ability to use hands-on, learner-centered instructional techniques that encourage active learning, individual practice, exploration, and learning by doing
• Working knowledge of Mac, PC, iOS, and commonly used digital platforms, with the ability to provide digital literacy support and basic troubleshooting
• Strong aptitude for learning new and emerging creative technologies quickly and applying them in teen-centered programming
• Commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for teens that supports unique, informal, and interest-driven learning
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with the ability to work independently, manage time and tasks, and collaborate with staff in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

• N/A

More...

Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems 
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Office setting
• Public library setting

Physical Duties

• Light lifting required
• Travel within NYC required

Pre-Placement Physical Required?

• No

Union/Non Union

• Non-Union

FLSA Status

• Non-Exempt

Schedule

• 19 hours per week to be scheduled during branch hours
• Occasional weekend and evening availability may be required

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.