POSITION TITLE: Volunteer Shop Lead

REPORTS TO: Elliott Katz, Operations and Facilities Director,  Mae Sullivan, Member and Volunteer Coordinator and Sam Graulty, Programs Coordinator, Alex Hahl, Operations and Safety Technician (don’t worry, you won’t have 4 bosses but we do collaborate as a team!)

STATUS: Volunteer; 3hrs/wk 12hrs/month, Selected by trimester

UPDATED: March 2023

WHAT IS GENERATOR? Generator is a combination of business incubator, artist studio and classroom at the intersection of art, science, and technology. We provide the tools, expertise, education, and opportunity to enable all members of our community to create, collaborate, and bring ideas to fruition. Generator has over 400 maker-members and our programs engage over 2,000 individuals per year in Burlington, Chittenden County and beyond.

WHAT IS A VOLUNTEER SHOP LEAD? Volunteer Shop leads help professionalize Generator’s state-of-the-art facility and provide support to members in order to cultivate vibrant and safe workshops. Shop leads are experts who help members gain knowledge and experience with our various tools and shops. They do this through regular, formal offerings (Open Studio) and informal interactions with members. Volunteer Shop Leads help maintain one of Generator’s seven shops.  They’re one of the go-to people for when members and staff want to know more about a tool. Volunteer Shop Leads report to a collaborative team of Generator Staff and receive a reduced Membership rate in return for their participation and expertise.

HOURS

Volunteer Shop Leads a total of 12 hours of volunteering in weekly 3-hour shifts. The Volunteer Shop Lead will coordinate with Generator Staff to find a regular shift that accommodates both parties. Two 3hr shifts per month are scheduled for Open Studios where shop leads assist in member projects; Open Studio hours will be routine and readily available on Generator’s member calendar of events.

HOW LONG DO I COMMIT TO THE POSITION?

Volunteer Shop Leads are expected to commit 4 months to the position. Shop Leads can be reinstated or terminated at the discretion of Generator Staff.

WHAT ARE THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THIS POSITION?

Regarding culture & community building:

1. Reserving one 3hr shift/month for scheduled, open studio hours to assist in member projects. Schedule will be routine and readily available on Generator’s member calendar of events
2. Opting to use available time monthly to organize open events such as a skillshare, tool demo, or free workshop (in coordination of the Program Coordinator), and/or posting updates about the workshop or work being made in the workshops to Discourse, Generator’s online forum.
3. Attend mandatory volunteer training (training will be virtual when possible)

Regarding facility upkeep include: 

1. Helping to maintain safe, welcoming and functional workspace
2. Assisting in the planning and implementation of facility upgrades regarding storage solutions, work surfaces, furniture, equipment, and other changes as needed.
3. Submit monthly inventories of equipment and consumables
4. Assisting in the fulfillment of equipment consumables

WHAT ARE THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES THAT WOULD HELP SOMEONE SUCCEED IN THIS ROLE?

• Leadership skills; Volunteer Shop Leads are the face of our workshops and should be comfortable with that role.
• Volunteer Shop Leads either have experience in their selected workshop and/or are committed to learning.
• Eagerness to learn and a positive attitude are required!
• This position is an opportunity for ambitious people to learn how to collaboratively solve technical problems. You should be a possibilitarian! You should be curious and self-motivated.
• Ability to work independently AND work well with others.
• Passion for Generator’s mission.

HOW ARE VOLUNTEERS SELECTED?

Volunteers are selected by a panel of Generator staff based on:

• Qualifications, skills and experiences listed above
• Availability
• Commitment to Generator’s mission and willingness to serve this creative community

Generator is committed to fostering an inclusive community that represents a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Candidates across all markers of identity (age, race, gender, ability, communication styles, etc.) are highly encouraged to apply.