Woodshop Manager

Woodshop Manager

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Location: Milwaukee, WI
Employment Type: Full Time
Job Category: Academic Staff
Employment Type: Regular
Job Profile: Laboratory Supervisor

The Woodshop Manager oversees daily operations, safety, and instructional support of the construction lab at the School of Architecture and Urban Planning within the College of the Arts & Architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This role ensures that students, faculty, and staff have a safe, well‑maintained, and fully equipped environment for creative work, research, and fabrication. While the manager may supervise and mentor student shop assistants, the primary responsibilities, decisions, and accountability for the shop rest with this position.

This position reports directly to the Director of Facilities for the College of the Arts & Architecture.

• Shop Operations & Safety (25%) – Oversee daily operations of the academic wood shop and nearby fabrication areas; enforce safety protocols and train students, staff, and faculty on proper tool use including CNC routers, Saw Stop table saws, bandsaws, jointers, planers, sanders, and other woodworking equipment; ensure compliance with university safety standards and OSHA regulations; perform regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and safety checks.
• Instructional & Technical Support (20%) – Provide occasional demonstrations and technical guidance to students on a wide range of woodworking and finishing techniques; advise on material selection, construction methods, and finishing processes.
• Equipment & Facility Management (50%) – Supervise maintenance, repair, and calibration of equipment; create and enforce shop use policies, scheduling, and orientation procedures; organize and maintain the lab workspace; keep track of supply inventory, order materials, and monitor usage for budget planning.
• Staff & Student Supervision (5%) – Serve as the primary authority and responsible manager; recruit, train, and supervise student shop assistants; ensure that assistants understand their supportive role while the manager maintains full responsibility.
• Key Job Responsibilities – Exercise supervisory authority over at least 2.0 FTE employees; ensure compliance with policies; develop, direct, schedule, and secure resources for operational assignments and special projects; participate in professional meetings and conferences; develop, direct, and evaluate laboratory studies and protocols; identify new techniques and procedures.

• Academic Year (Fall & Spring): 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Monday–Friday (hours may shift to departmental needs).
• Winter & Summer Recess:
  Flexible hours based on projects and facility needs.

The School of Architecture & Urban Planning (SARUP) within the College of the Arts and Architecture at the University of Wisconsin‑Milwaukee offers a range of studios and collaborates with industry partners, hosting international design awards. SARUP offers BARCH, BSAS, M. Arch., MS, MUD, and Ph.D. programs.

Expected salary: $46,200 (final offer contingent on qualifications).

• Associate’s degree in architecture or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proficiency with woodworking tools and machinery (CNC routers, Saw Stop table saws, bandsaws, jointers, planers, sanders).
• Knowledge of construction, joinery and finishing techniques.
• Strong commitment to safety, training, and community building in education.

• Experience working in higher education, particularly arts, design or architecture programs.
• Knowledge of digital fabrication workflows and CAD/CAM software for CNC.
• Certification in shop safety or occupational safety and health.
• Understanding of first aid, CPR, and emergency procedures.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Bachelor’s degree in architecture or related field, or equivalent experience.

• Cover Letter addressing required and preferred qualifications.
• Resume.

Apply electronically…