BIPOC Maker in Residence

The Maker in Residence is a 3-month volunteer position at Pacific Science Center’s Maker & Innovation Lab. Akin to an Artist in Residency program, the maker in Residence role provides space and materials to support individuals looking to develop, expand, and share their skills in STEAM. The Maker in Residence program engages teen makers and guests in the Maker & Innovation Lab, providing informal mentorship to teen makers, representation of BIPOC STEAM professionals, and opportunities for guest engagement.

The Maker in Residence builds, demonstrates, and engages visitors in small-scale prototyping, designing, fabricating, and all forms of making and tinkering. Ideal candidates can select, create, and discuss new or existing projects with youth program participants and provide informal mentoring, such as teaching a maker skill or sharing professional experience or advice. The Maker in Residence is a key role model in helping guests better understand STEAM fields and helping to make being a maker more approachable.

Reports to: Maker & Innovation Lab Manager

Volunteer Start Date: TBD

Schedule: 1 day per week for 3 consecutive months, Saturday or Sunday. Hours to be determined with Maker & Innovation Lab Manager

Volunteer Duties:

• Volunteering one [1], 2-3 hour shift per week
• Select, design, and prototype projects independently
• Enthusiastically share their experiences with youth program teens, and the public
• Setup and keep the Maker in Residence station clean
• Facilitate discussions about the projects they are working on
• Follow and model safe tool use and maintenance
• Act on opportunities to engage with guests, sharing and demonstrating maker skills
• Actively participate in documentation and evaluation efforts inside the makerspace

Required:

• 18+
• A member of the BIPOC community
• A self-identified maker, or a passion for learning maker crafts
• Prior experience working or volunteering with teens
• Ability or demonstrated desire to act as an informal mentor to youth program participants
• Able to self-direct project development and guest engagement
• Independently learn and problem solve
• Attend one general volunteer training/orientation
• Commit to a minimum of twelve [12], 2-3 hour shifts for 3 consecutive months
• Pass a criminal background check
• Provide three [3] references (one [1] or more being a professional reference)

Benefits of the Maker in Residence:

• Maker in Residence will have access to all tools and equipment in the makerspace, including: 3D printers, laser cutter, vinyl cutters, soldering irons, and basic woodworking tools
• Physical workstation and storage space to build projects
• Collaboration with and access to Maker & Innovation Lab and Pacific Science Center staff and volunteers
• Up to $200 per month for supplies of the Maker’s choosing, during their 3-month residency. Extra funds are available for special projects upon approval
• Maker in Residence will be reimbursed for public transportation and/or parking

To Apply:

Please submit a resume, references, and either a portfolio of maker projects or a proposal for what they hope to learn in the makerspace.