VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Below you will find a list of volunteer positions for which Gizmo is currently recruiting.  We ask our regular volunteers to donate a minimum of 8 hrs/month. Event volunteers donate hours to a specific event or activity.

​If you see a position that matches your interests and qualifications, please click HERE to fill out our Volunteer Application. If you feel like you could match multiple positions, please indicate that during the application process. We will always consider your preference but will prioritize the needs of Gizmo. We review each application and then reach out to discuss next steps. 
Note: Individuals who have not previously had a membership or participated in a program at Gizmo will be asked to come in for a tour first.
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If you have a specific questions about volunteering not addressed on our website or are interested in teaching classes on tools & machines at Gizmo, please send us an email at [email protected].

INSTRUCTORS AND MENTORS

Position Description

Our instructors and mentors are the front-face of Gizmo-CdA.  Your talent, approachability, and professionalism is how people who are new to us form impressions of our brand, our makerspace, and our culture. 

Requirements and Qualifications

• Varies, depending on class style and needs
• Engage and communicate with people of different personalities and perspectives
  
• Demonstrate expertise and ability to instruct
• For public classes, submit a lesson plan and material needs list

Sample of Duties

• Arrive before your class or scheduled mentorship to check equipment and prepare area
• Maintain a safe and effective environment for the duration of your class
• Stay mindful of schedule expectations
• Clean up instruction material and shop area, returning borrowed equipment to correct location and in proper condition
  

Benefits

Gain experience in teaching and coaching
Expand your professional network by connecting with local makers, artists, and professionals
Share your knowledge and passion with your local community

ARTISTIC ADVENTURER & GENERAL CARETAKER VOLUNTEER​

Position Description

As a caretaker of the Gizmo Makerspace, you will have the opportunity to interact with stewards and members of all different shops and skill sets. Every shift will look a little different, depending on the needs of that day. Some days you might sweep and vacuum shared spaces. Other days you might partner with a shop steward to help organize a specific shop. And we may ask you to sit down and get creative with a short project that we can put on display here at Gizmo!

Requirements and Qualifications

• Can bend and lift up to 25lbs
• Can stand for long periods of time
• Be okay with changing tasks and duties
• Be okay with getting a little dirty​

Sample of Duties

• Sweep, vacuum, and mop floors
• Wipe down staff kitchen/break area
• Assist with general tidying in shops and common spaces
• Restock common areas with supplies & communicate with staff regarding inventory
• Assist staff with small projects as needed
• Think up new ways to make this space more inviting and engaging
• Engage with and get to know Gizmo’s members
  

Benefits

• Get to explore all the different areas of a makerspace
• Expand your network by connecting with local makers, artists, and professionals
• Get inspired and inspire others

SHOP-SPECIFIC VOLUNTEER

Position Description

Shop-specific volunteers at Gizmo-CDA play a crucial role in maintaining and overseeing the various creative and technical shops within our makerspace. We are looking for experienced craftspersons to take lead in individual shops, as well as inexperienced volunteers who are ready to learn a new skill. Each position involves ensuring the smooth operation of one of the following shops:  Machine Shop, Woodshop, Electronics Lab, Creative Arts Lab, Welding Shop, Print Shop, Sewing Shop, and Clay Studio. The shop-specific volunteers will support members, manage equipment, and foster a safe and collaborative environment for all users.​​​

Requirements and Qualifications

• Some experience (or willingness to learn!) in one of the following areas: machining, woodworking, electronics, creative arts, welding, printing, laser cutting, ceramic or other crafts
• Volunteer 2 hrs/wk on a consistent schedule
• Pass Gizmo’s tool certification process
• Strong understanding of the importance of safety protocols and best practices in a makerspace environment
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail
• Passion for creativity, innovation, and community engagement

Sample of Duties

• Conduct regular safety checks and maintenance of the shop area
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in assigned shop
• Answer basic questions on workshop functionality for new members and visitors
• Give basic tool instruction for member projects
• Observe and communicate with staff regarding shop inventory or concerns
• Assist staff with small projects as needed
• May need to lift up to 40lbs or shift heavy objects
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment, encouraging creativity and innovation
• Engage with and get to know Gizmo’s members​​

Benefits

• Gain practical experience in managing and maintaining various creative and technical shops
• Improve skills in safety protocols, equipment management, and workshop organization
• Expand your professional network by connecting with local makers, artists, and professionals
• Work closely with a diverse team, learning from experienced professionals and gaining insights into effective teamwork and project management
• Gain confidence in your abilities to manage shop operations and support members

ADMINISTRATIVE & MARKETING VOLUNTEER

Position Description

Our admin and marketing volunteers are an amazing crew. ​Gizmo is a busy place! We need people to greet members and community guests as they enter, guide them through signing in and help them get to where they need to go. We need people to capture the magic moments of inspiration and success in our classes and projects. You can decide if you want to focus on just administrative tasks, marketing tasks, or dive into the deep end with all of it. Whatever you choose, start with a smile and proceed with enthusiasm. 

Requirements and Qualifications

• Able to volunteer 2 hrs/wk on a consistent schedule (admin only)
• Able to volunteer during class events as scheduled by your supervisor (marketing only)
• Can sit for long periods
• Comfortable with multitasking
• Some experience with computer technology and/or camera technology
• Experience with Google Drive and graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.

Sample of Duties

• Lead tours of the Gizmo makerspace
• Manage calendars and schedule mentor appointments
• Answer phones, respond to emails, and filter visitor questions 
• Update and manage current class list
• Organize files, both physical and digital
• Assist with the planning and execution of marketing campaigns and events
• Attend classes to assist with the creation of marketing materials

Benefits

• Gain practical experience in customer service and front desk management within a creative and innovative environment
• Improve skills in content creation, graphic design, and analytics
• Create a portfolio of work that showcases your ability to manage and grow social media platforms
• Opportunity to work with diverse students, members, and professionals
• Be a contributor to the success and growth of a vibrant community makerspace

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS VOLUNTEER 

Position Description

Help us inspire the next generation of innovators and creators! Being part of our children’s programs is a huge responsibility and privilege–we want to empower our youth by building creative confidence and curiosity through our programs and classes. You will get to guide our students through projects and hopefully get a little inspiration yourself!

Requirements and Qualifications

• Can sit, stand and bend frequently to engage with children on their level
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with various stimuli such as loud noises, smells, etc.
• Pass a national background check

Sample of Duties

• Assist with program set-up, including arranging tables & chairs, papering tables, and gathering supplies
• Assist with program clean-up, including sweeping floors, wiping down tables & chairs, emptying trash & returning supplies to storage
• Mindfully engage youth program participants, providing encouragement, feedback and physical assistance as needed but allowing the youth to retain their autonomy as makers and problem solvers

Benefits

• Gain practical experience in educational program delivery within a creative and innovative environment
• Opportunity to work with a diverse group of children and professionals
• Enhance your teaching and communication skills through hands-on experience

EVENTS VOLUNTEER

Position Description

Gizmo hosts many community events throughout the year and always needs extra hands during these larger-scale events. If you are interested in supporting the community at Gizmo, but your schedule or lifestyle doesn’t allow for consistent engagement, becoming one of our on-call event volunteers might be right for you​.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Be willing to subscribe to our events email mailing list
• Learn about the history and mission of Gizmo so that you can represent Gizmo to visitors and the public

Sample of Duties

• Assist with set up and take down of various events
• Engage with the public at community events
• Have a working knowledge of Gizmo’s organizational structure and can answer questions pertaining to membership, mentorship, hours of operation, and the history of Gizmo

Benefits

• Support Gizmo’s mission without a strict schedule or minimum volunteer hours
• Expand your network by connecting with local makers, artists, and professionals
• Inspire others to be makers and creators