Makerspace Volunteer Lab Technician

As a Volunteer Lab Technician, you will play a vital role in supporting the daily operations of our creative Makerspace. This dynamic environment blends art, science, engineering and technology, offering our community access to tools and resources such as 3D printers, laser engraver, vinyl cutting equipment and more. You’ll help maintain equipment, assist users, and contribute to a culture of innovation, support and safety.  

You will be a friendly open technical person able to share their knowledge in an inclusive accessible way. It’s a great opportunity to see technical culture and technology in action in the social world and understand the complexity of living with neuromuscular conditions and how your knowledge can support others.

Key responsibilities

• Support Makerspace team to prepare, clean, tidy and organise materials and equipment 
• Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on lab equipment – under supervision 
• Support users with safe and proper use of tools and machines 
• Assist in setting up workshops or creative sessions 
• Track inventory of supplies and report replenishment needs 
• Collaborate with staff on projects 
• Help document Makerspace activities and user projects

Key skills and qualities

• Quick to respond to changing priorities 
• Ability to keep track of deadlines and document what you do 
• Flexible social skills to be able to support people of all generations, backgrounds and needs in a space that can be complex busy, fun and challenging. 
• Work alongside people with a range of technical knowledge experience from none to advanced. 
• Familiar with common open source & proprietary creative, engineering and making software such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, TinkerCAD, CAD software, Lightburn, GIMP Adobe Photoshop   
• Familiarity with maker platforms and software, physical computing, interaction design or basic electronics, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, micropython.  
• Basic understanding of lab or workshop environments (e.g., maker, science, art-tech labs) 
• Willingness to learn new tools and technologies and open and sensitive to others diverse needs and behaviours  
• Strong attention to detail and a proactive attitude 
• Good communication and teamwork skills 
• Passion for creativity, hands-on making, and community engagement 
• Familiarity with tools such as 3D printers, or laser cutters (a plus but not required)

Benefits to you

• Hands-on experience with a variety of creative tools and technologies 
• Gain transferable skills in equipment maintenance, workshop facilitation, and health & safety 
• Be part of a vibrant, collaborative community 
• Learn to manage complex priorities and projects to deadline 
• Gain strong interpersonal skills and supportive qualities 

Additional information

Volunteers must follow NMC’s policies (including safeguarding, data protection, and health & safety).

This is a voluntary role and does not create a contract of employment.