Assistant Manager Wood, Metal, & Light Lab

About the role

Parsons, Mannes, Jazz, and Drama, a division of The New School, seeks an Assistant Manager of the 25 E 13th Street (E3/E4) Facilities for the Making Center. The Making Center comprises over 70,000 sq. ft. of labs, shops, studios, and open workspaces that support curricular making across a broad range of mediums and disciplines and foster experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Assistant Manager will be a personable, proactive, detail‑oriented individual integral to the daily workings of the facilities, able to learn new skills and technologies as needed in a fast‑paced, year‑round environment. This exempt administrative position reports to the Facilities Manager for Wood and Metal Shops and interfaces with students, faculty, and staff to support multiple processes and resources across all making spaces.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily workings of the Making Center’s 25 East 13th Street Shop Facilities, including the Wood Shop, Metal Shop, Light Lab, associated Open Work Areas, Tool/Equipment Checkout, Material Store, and storage areas.
• Manage full‑time and part‑time technicians and student workers: interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling, tracking accountability, task assignment, scheduling/attending team and one‑on‑one meetings, and providing emergency coverage for unexpected absences.
• Manage a fixed budget: track, plan, and prioritize expenses related to inventories, schedules, projects, and repairs.
• Work with the Facilities Manager and/or Director on special initiatives, facility improvement projects, and hardware/software purchase recommendations as they pertain to the curriculum.
• Maintain policies and systems for checkout, satellite store, scheduling, recordkeeping, and inventories; generate macro and micro usage data and statistics, evaluating and updating as needed.
• Organize calendars and communications for facilities: create website updates, shop signage, safety orientations, technical/instructional documentation for labs/equipment, workshops, class demos, deliveries, special events, and modified holiday hours.
• Facilitate health and safety trainings for E4/L&E staff, conduct safety walk‑throughs, and meet COF requirements.
• Work across systems in the Making Center to connect separate areas, streamlining efficiency and communication.
• Adapt to changes in the work environment; adjust approach and prioritize competing demands as necessary.
• Provide a high level of customer service, maintaining a positive and professional demeanor in all interactions with students, faculty, and staff.
• Cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming learning environment with productive and positive workplace relationships.
• Stay current with relevant technology and developments within the field.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 3‑5 years of relevant or professional experience within the industry.
• Flexible schedule – ability to work non‑traditional schedules that may include nights and weekends, plus schedule shifts with semester changes.
• Completion of university‑required staff trainings and necessary COF’s for all Making Center Facilities within the first 6 months of employment.
• Gain knowledge of CNC plasma cutting equipment operation within the first 6 months.
• Advanced knowledge of a variety of production and fabrication techniques in wood, metal, and other materials; familiarity with practices related to current design and art practice (general fabrication, furniture making, sculpture, product prototyping, hot + cold metal working, jewelry and non‑ferrous metalworking, architectural or art installation).
• Ability to work safely with, and demonstrate proper use of, a wide array of hand tools, power tools, and machinery.
• Experience maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting equipment/tools.
• Understanding of working in a cross‑platform (Windows and macOS) environment.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud, CAD‑based programs, and Google Drive.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; close attention to detail; strong organizational and time‑management abilities.
• Proven track record of working well with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, supporting students in an interdisciplinary manner from concept to fabrication.
• Desire to learn new skills and processes related to Parsons Making Center initiatives.
• Ability to handle objects weighing up to 25 lbs and, on occasion, lift objects up to 50 lbs.
• Familiarity with CNC/digital fabrication equipment (CNC plasma cutters, laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers), vacuum forming, physical computing, ceramics, casting, finishes, plastics, foams, lighting design and technology, or fabrics is a plus.
• Knowledge of Webcheckout or comparable equipment management systems is a plus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Financial wellness resources.
• Retirement plan administered by TIAA.
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan.
• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on the first day.
• Paid holidays and floating holidays.
• Work‑life balance policies (including telework where applicable).
• Professional growth: career advancement and professional development opportunities.
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world‑renowned speakers and organizations.
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents.
• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers.

Pay

$66,300 per annum

Schedule

• Flexible schedule – ability to work non‑traditional schedules that may include nights and weekends, with schedule shifts each semester.
• On‑campus position – expected to work on‑campus during regularly scheduled work hours due to the nature of the work.