Shop Manager

Lakeland, FL, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Life insurance

Paid Time Off

Vision Insurance

Job Description

The School of Architecture (SoA) Fabrication Lab, commonly referred to as the "Shop," is a central component of the SoA’s commitment to hands-on learning, innovation, and the practical application of architectural design concepts. This facility serves as a dynamic creative hub where architecture students engage with the tangible aspects of their education, transforming concepts and designs into physical prototypes, scaled models, and functional projects. The Shop is equipped with a variety of woodworking and fabrication tools, both manual and powered, to support the diverse needs of students and faculty. It is designed to foster a safe, productive, and inspiring environment where skill development and craftsmanship are prioritized alongside academic growth. The SoA itself is an esteemed educational institution dedicated to advancing architectural knowledge and practice, emphasizing creativity, technical proficiency, and sustainability in design education.

The role of Shop Manager is pivotal to the operation and success of the Fabrication Lab. This full-time, in-person position is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Shop’s daily functions and long-term performance. The Shop Manager ensures that the lab operates smoothly by managing safety standards, coordinating resources, and maintaining high-quality outputs while supporting the academic mission of the SoA. This role requires a meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to safety as well as educational excellence. The Shop Manager reviews student projects and designs to ensure they are clear, manufacturable, and feasible, providing expert guidance while respecting the students' original design intentions. Collaboration with faculty is essential to coordinate project needs such as equipment availability, materials, and scheduling to optimize the lab’s resources. Daily inspections of the shop and equipment ensure safety and orderliness, and the manager also oversees the ordering, tracking, and budgeting process for materials and tools required for coursework and projects.

Moreover, the Shop Manager is a vital mentor and educator within the SoA, tasked with fostering skill development among students and faculty by offering instruction, training, and constructive feedback on the safe and effective use of the lab’s tools and equipment. This role extends to managing the shop environment, including leading tours for external guests and representing the lab’s capabilities and achievements. The Shop Manager must demonstrate excellent communication skills to maintain regular updates with the Dean and facilitate the alignment of the Shop’s operations with the School’s vision, mission, and values. An effective Shop Manager combines hands-on technical expertise with leadership and organizational skills to ensure a safe, educational, and innovative fabrication facility.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
At least 5 years of experience in a wood shop or fabrication shop
Two years of experience in managing a shop preferred
Experience operating and maintaining woodshop equipment
Knowledge of shop safety procedures
Ability to provide safety instruction and training
Detail oriented
Experience managing procedures and processes in educational settings
Ability to support students and faculty constructively
Capability to instruct and mentor others
Strong communication skills
Organizational and time management skills

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
At least 5 years of experience in a wood shop or fabrication shop utilizing equipment such as hand tools, power tools, and power equipment
Two years of experience in managing a shop preferred
Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining woodshop equipment and using power and hand tools
Knowledge of shop safety procedures and ability to provide safety instruction and training
Detail oriented with experience in managing procedures, processes, and guidelines related to equipment use in educational settings
Ability to provide patient and constructive support to students and faculty
Demonstrated capability to instruct, mentor, and train in fabrication shop tools, equipment, and processes
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Effective organization and time management skills

Job Duties

Oversee shop operations to ensure and manage a safe and productive environment
Review assigned student projects/designs for clarity, manufacturability, and feasibility, and guide students through the production phase without unduly altering their intent
Work as a team member with faculty to coordinate shop project needs including hours, space, tools, materials, etc
Inspect shop and equipment daily to maintain order and safety
Perform tasks with expert precision
Inspect deliveries of materials for quality, damage, accuracy, and completeness
Consult with faculty and students on methods, materials, and alternatives
Coordinate with faculty in maintaining awareness of project schedules
Communicate thoroughly and regularly with the Dean
Order and track materials and tools needed for coursework or projects as identified by the faculty and students
Manage a budget process for the annual operation of the shop, including consumables, maintenance, and replacement
Lead guided tours of the shop and work-in-progress to outside guests
Contribute to the success of the department by performing all other duties as needed to drive the vision, fulfill the mission, and abide by the values of the College