Nature Lab Coordinator

Job Summary Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a part-time Lab Coordinator to join the Nature Lab. The Nature Lab furthers RISD’s hands-on approach to learning by enabling students to investigate ethical, sustainable modes of making informed by natural systems and designed to benefit the environment. Ultimately, it helps everyone who makes use of our resources better understand and articulate the role we play as humans in the ecosystem.

The Lab Coordinator supports front-line Lab operations during evening and weekend hours. With oversight from the Collections Manager (CM) and training from the Lead Lab Coordinator (LLC), they facilitate access to the Main Collection (Room 22) for the RISD community and the public by performing a variety of functions including support of class reservations and individual visits; processing requests for access and addressing other inquiries;

training and oversight of student employees; data tracking and annual reporting; maintaining proper cleanliness and presentability of all Lab spaces; and assistance with the care and maintenance of living organisms and systems at the Lab as needed.

The successful candidate will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

Main Access Point Operations Provide for front-line operations of Nature Lab facility and access to the Main Collection (Room 22); monitor activities in the space and ensure visitors adhere to Lab rules and RISD’s code of conduct; oversee opening and closing procedures.

Provide facility orientations for faculty, students, and tour groups as well as public visitors; provide information as requested; take and relay messages to appropriate team members as needed.

Oversee student workers responsible for circulation activities including checking out and checking in specimens and equipment.

Mentor and train students through one-on-one instruction, and support Lab Coordinators in assisting both students and faculty in implementation of projects that rely on Nature Lab resources.

Lab Operations Respond to incoming requests for room use; schedule classroom spaces in a timely manner following access guidelines developed by LLC.Monitor inventories of instructional, display, maintenance, cleaning, and curatorial materials and supplies and submit purchasing recommendations to the LLC.Ensure the proper cleanliness, maintenance and presentability of all Lab spaces and furnishings in Main Collection (Rm 22), Biodesign Makerspace (Rm 11), Imaging Lab (Rm 12), Storage Room (12A), Prep Room (Rm 15);

delegate regular cleaning tasks to undergraduate Lab Assistants and ensure that all daily tasks are completed according to routines developed by LLC.Student Training and Supervision Assist in the supervision, evaluation, and mentoring of undergraduate Lab  coordination with LLC and LC, provide training in Standard Operating Procedures including but not limited to specimen borrowing, repairs, and routine maintenance;
Lab opening and closing protocols; maintenance and cleaning routines for all Nature Lab spaces.

Live Organism Care Understudy on tasks related to live animal and plant care to fill in for absent Lab Coordinator when needed.

Assume responsibility for the care of the Lab’s living organisms and systems (including terrestrial and aquatic animals, fresh and salt water aquaria and aquaponics systems) when trained undergraduate Lab Assistants or Lab Coordinators are not available.

Additional Functions:

Support fundraising and public relations efforts of the Nature Lab by hosting guests and visitors and participating in institution-wide and…