Shop Manager
Job Title: Shop Manager – Phorge, Inc. (dba Phorge Makerspace)
Location: Sheridan, Wyoming
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive, Based on Experience, ($40,000 - 55,000)
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Job Description:
Are you passionate about cutting-edge tools, and fostering a creative community? Join us as the Shop Manager for Phorge Makerspace! In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of our shop, supporting members in their projects, and maintaining a safe and innovative environment.
As the Shop Manager, you will oversee the daily activities in our shop, maintain equipment, enforce safety protocols, and provide technical assistance to members. This role combines operational management, technical expertise, and exceptional customer service to deliver a top-tier makerspace experience.
This position is funded by the Wyoming Innovation Partnership grant in collaboration with Sheridan College through June 30, 2025, with the possibility of additional funding being awarded through June 30, 2026. Phorge is working toward long-term funding for this position.
Preferred Experience and Qualifications:
Work Experience:
● Technical Industry Experience:
○ A minimum of five years in a skilled or technical industry, ideally in fields such as CNC machining, fabrication, industrial design, or related disciplines. Experience in both traditional and digital fabrication techniques is highly desirable.
● Previous Teaching Experience:
○ Experience as an instructor, educator, or trainer in a technical environment is preferred. This can include teaching in a formal classroom setting, conducting workshops, delivering workforce training, or providing one-on-one technical instruction.
● Hands-on Equipment Experience:
○ Demonstrated experience with a variety of tools, machines, and equipment typically found in a makerspace, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC mills, lathes, and welding equipment. Ability to perform basic troubleshooting and repairs is a strong advantage.
Leadership and Management Experience:
● Team Management:
○ Proven ability to lead and manage staff and volunteers. This includes creating schedules, overseeing day-to-day operations, and providing training and development opportunities.
● Operational Management:
○ Experience managing the operations of a workshop, lab, or makerspace, including logistics, resource allocation, and scheduling. Strong organizational skills are essential.
● Safety and Compliance:
○ Familiarity with health, safety, and environmental regulations in a workshop or makerspace environment. Experience implementing and enforcing safety protocols is highly preferred. Must be certified in First Aid and CPR or be willing to get certification.
Customer Service and Community Engagement:
● Customer-Focused Approach:
○ A strong background in customer service, with the ability to interact with a diverse community of makers, from hobbyists to professionals. Experience in gathering and responding to member feedback is a plus.
● Community Outreach and Engagement:
○ Experience building and maintaining relationships with the local maker community, schools, or businesses is an advantage. This can include hosting events, workshops, or collaborations with external organizations.
Educational Background:
● Technical Education:
○ A degree or certification in a technical field such as mechanical engineering, industrial design, or a similar discipline is preferred. Equivalent work experience in technical fields may also be considered.
Key Responsibilities:
Daily Operations Management:
● Ensure the makerspace is open and fully operational during designated hours, including overseeing safe opening and closing procedures.
● In collaboration with the Executive Director, co-manage scheduling for workshops, classes, and events, ensuring seamless coordination of space usage.
● Provide on-site support to members, collect feedback, and implement improvements to enhance member experiences.
● In collaboration with the Executive Director, co-manage scheduling for workshops, classes, and events, ensuring seamless coordination of space usage.
● Provide on-site support to members, collect feedback, and implement improvements to enhance member experiences.
Equipment and Inventory Management:
● Perform regular maintenance and repairs on all equipment and machinery, ensuring everything is in safe, working order.
● Conduct routine safety checks and address any issues promptly.
● Manage inventory of materials and supplies, implementing stock control measures and ordering necessary items as needed.
● Conduct routine safety checks and address any issues promptly.
● Manage inventory of materials and supplies, implementing stock control measures and ordering necessary items as needed.
Safety and Compliance:
● Develop and enforce safety protocols for the makerspace, providing safety training for both members and staff.
● Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, maintaining accurate records and ensuring all protocols are up to date.
● Comply with all local and federal safety regulations and laws.
● Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, maintaining accurate records and ensuring all protocols are up to date.
● Comply with all local and federal safety regulations and laws.
Member Support and Training:
● Develop and facilitate training workshops, offering members one-on-one or group instruction on the proper use of tools and machinery.
● Provide ongoing technical support to members, assisting with project planning and execution.
● Identify skill development opportunities and create programs to help members enhance their abilities.
● Provide ongoing technical support to members, assisting with project planning and execution.
● Identify skill development opportunities and create programs to help members enhance their abilities.
Volunteer and Team Supervision:
● Supervise shop staff and volunteers, managing schedules, providing training, and monitoring performance.
● Offer ongoing development opportunities for volunteers and staff to ensure they have the skills needed to support members effectively.
● Offer ongoing development opportunities for volunteers and staff to ensure they have the skills needed to support members effectively.
Impact on the Makerspace:
The Shop Manager’s attention to daily operations, equipment maintenance, and member support is critical to creating a safe, efficient, and productive environment. Your technical expertise and customer service will directly contribute to the positive experiences of members and the overall success of the makerspace.
Why Join Us?
We are a dynamic and creative community that thrives on innovation and collaboration. As Shop Manager, you'll have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and a diverse group of makers, artists, and inventors. You'll play a vital role in shaping the future of Phorge Makerspace and fostering a culture of creativity and learning.
How to Apply:
If you're excited about the opportunity to manage a creative and innovative makerspace, we'd love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a cover letter explaining your relevant experience and why you're the perfect fit for this role to Frank Baca - frank@phorge.co
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Equal Opportunity Employer: We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and members. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
