Slugworks Assistant Lab Manager

Job Summary Under the general supervision of the Slugworks Lab Manager, the Slugworks Facility Assistant Lab Manager supports the day‑to‑day operations of the Baskin Engineering creative/makerspace. The incumbent works collaboratively with the Slugworks Manager to maintain a safe, welcoming, and well‑equipped environment for students engaging in experiential learning and project work. The Assistant Lab Manager shares responsibility for equipment maintenance, safety compliance, student staff supervision, and operational continuity. This role enhances the Slugworks' capacity to serve its growing user community while allowing the Slugworks Manager to focus on strategic initiatives, program development, and higher‑level administrative responsibilities. Appointment Information Budgeted Salary: $92,550 – $108,100/year (salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience) Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits Schedule Information: Full‑time, Fixed; 100% time; 40 hours per week; Monday‑Friday; Day shift Employee Classification: Career appointment Job End Date: None Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus Union Representation: TX Union Job Code Classification: 004757 (RSCH AND DEV ENGR 2 TX) Travel: Never or Rarely Job Duties Safety & Training Support (40%) Lead the ‘Training the Trainers’ initiative by preparing and certifying student staff to safely supervise equipment areas and assist with peer training. Develop and conduct student‑facing machine certifications and safety walkthroughs, ensuring all users demonstrate competency before accessing equipment independently. Assist in the development, posting, and enforcement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all equipment and processes. Support the training and certification of users on low‑to‑moderate risk and higher‑risk equipment. Help maintain training records and access control systems, ensuring only authorized users operate equipment. Contribute to the creation and delivery of safety orientations, workshops, and Canvas‑based training modules. Monitor user activity to identify and address unsafe behaviors or practices in real time. Stay current on EH&S regulations and assist with compliance documentation, chemical inventory, and hazardous waste coordination. Student Staff Supervision & Mentorship (25%) Assist in interviewing, hiring, and onboarding student staff in collaboration with the Slugworks Manager. Provide direct supervision and mentorship to student workers, including shift coverage, task delegation, and performance feedback. Assist with student staff timesheet approval and monitor adherence to work schedules. Support leadership development among student staff through informal mentorship and structured training opportunities. Foster an inclusive, collaborative team environment that models excellent customer service and safety practices. Lab Operations & Equipment Management (15%) Conduct regular facility inspections to ensure equipment is functioning properly and the space remains clean, organized, and safe for users. Perform routine maintenance on tools and equipment and coordinate with vendors or BELS staff for complex repairs. Assist in managing inventory of consumables, supplies, and personal protective equipment, placing orders as authorized and tracking expenditures. Ensure students and users properly clean, store, and dispose of materials after use, maintaining the facility in accordance with safety standards. Interface with Baskin Engineering Lab Support (BELS) staff, Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), and Baskin Engineering Facilities as needed to support smooth operations and address maintenance or compliance issues. Support procurement processes and maintain records of equipment warranties, service contracts, and supply orders. Serve as a key point of contact for daily operational questions and troubleshooting, reducing interruptions to the Slugworks Manager's workflow. Student Project Support & Collaboration (10%) Provide engineering and design guidance to students, clubs, and project teams using the facility. Provide direct residential club oversight and space management, including coordinating storage allocations, project workspaces, and access for active student organizations. Assist student organizations with project logistics, tool access, general lab safety, and basic budgetary/procurement questions. Participate in quarterly stakeholder meetings with student groups, clubs, and instructional staff to gather feedback and identify operational improvements. Collaborate with other Baskin Engineering staff who support student clubs, particularly regarding campus event preparation, competition preparation, and travel logistics. Help document and archive student projects to promote visibility and celebrate achievements within the Slugworks community. Outreach & Communication (10%) Assist in maintaining website, Canvas training, and social media content, including equipment listings, training schedules, and facility hours. Help track and map resources offered at Slugworks and other comparable on‑campus or community facilities. Support cross‑campus collaboration on training approaches and shared resource initiatives. Participate in Slugworks Executive Planning Committee meetings and contribute to a cohesive, well‑coordinated lab support environment. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Demonstrated experience with makerspace, machine shop, or teaching lab operations, including familiarity with common fabrication tools (3D printers, laser cutters, mills, lathes, welding equipment, hand and power tools). Basic understanding of health and safety compliance regulations relevant to a makerspace environment (hazard communication, PPE, machine guarding, hazardous waste). Effective oral and written communication skills to interact with diverse users including students, faculty, and staff. Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize competing tasks in a dynamic environment. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to independently address operational challenges. Customer service orientation with ability to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment. Experience supervising/mentoring students or junior staff. Familiarity with budget tracking and procurement processes. Proficiency with Windows and Macintosh operating systems, and willingness to learn new software platforms (Canvas, access control systems, inventory management tools). Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a small team. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, art/design with a technology focus. Experience working in a higher education makerspace, machine shop, or similar instructional facility. Formal training or certification in relevant areas (e.g., welding certification, CNC operation, laser safety officer training). Experience with access control systems (e.g., Kisi, Brivo) and learning management systems (e.g., Canvas). Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and accessible design of learning spaces and programming. Experience coordinating with student organizations or project‑based design courses. Familiarity with environmental health and safety compliance in an academic setting. Experience with basic equipment maintenance and repair. Experience coordinating with student organizations, including advising clubs on project execution, safety practices, and event logistics. Experience facilitating community meetings, town halls, or user groups to gather feedback and implement iterative improvements. Special Conditions of Employment Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre‑employment criminal history background check. Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process. Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation. The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on‑site. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed. Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature / weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens. Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation. Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting. Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training. The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program. Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. ‘Misconduct’ means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy; UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy; Abusive Conduct in the Workplace. Safety Statement All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries. Notice of Availability In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at: This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io. EEO & AA The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti‑discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California, Santa Cruz