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Makerspace Supervisor

Universities of Wisconsin · Platteville, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you supervised student employees. How did you help them grow?

What they are checking: Whether they can manage tasks while supporting student learning goals, which the posting emphasizes.

Tell me about a time you had to handle a safety incident or near miss.

What they are checking: Whether they respond calmly, document it and improve procedures afterward.

What would you do

A community member wants to use the laser cutter but has not completed training. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they enforce safety and training rules consistently and politely for every user group.

Design a workshop you would offer to bring new people into the makerspace.

What they are checking: Whether they can create outreach that attracts students, faculty and community members.

A machine breaks during a busy week and a class project depends on it. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can troubleshoot or find alternatives quickly and communicate with affected users.

How would you measure whether the makerspace is meeting its goals?

What they are checking: Whether they track usage, outcomes and feedback to show the space's value to leadership.

About the work

Which makerspace tools have you used and maintained, like 3D printers, laser cutters or CNC machines?

What they are checking: Whether they can oversee upkeep and safe use of the equipment on the Huff Family Innovation Center floor.

How would you train student mentors so they can safely teach others to use the equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they can build training that develops student mentors and keeps users safe.

How would you set up an equipment checkout system so items come back on time and in good shape?

What they are checking: Whether they can run reliable asset tracking that reduces loss and damage.

How do you manage supply budgets and decide what materials to stock?

What they are checking: Whether they can balance demand and cost for consumables like filament and wood stock.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

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. Position Title: Makerspace Supervisor Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Administrative Manager Position Summary: University of Wisconsin-Platteville is seeking a Makerspace Supervisor . The Makerspace Supervisor assists in the daily oversight and operational success of the Huff Family Innovation Center makerspace floor. The Makerspace Supervisor initiates, develops, and implements operational services that support the Huff Family Innovation Center projects and programs to advance program goals and objectives. This is a full-time position, with a starting salary of $55,000, commensurate with skills and experience. This position is benefit and paid leave eligible. Key Job Responsibilities: • Supervise daily makerspace-assigned student mentors, including overseeing task management, adherence to customer service protocols, and progression of student learning goals. • Work with student staff, staff/faculty, and community membership to co-develop workshop and/or training and outreach opportunities. • Oversee and delegate proper maintenance, upkeep, and supply of all machinery and technologies within makerspace. • Maintain assets checkout system and oversee that proper procedures are being followed for the lending and intake of equipment and assets. • Develop systems and protocols for “just in time” safety, tracking, and ordering procedures for makerspace. • Execute space reservations, scheduling, and staging for events, classes, tours, visits, and other activities in the makerspace with student help. • Work with students, faculty, and community makers to best solve fabrication and prototyping challenges—includes engaging with students, mentors, faculty, and maker community at large. • Provide personal assistance and expertise to senior design projects. • Assist with the onboarding, delegation, and tracking of fabrication and prototyping work within the makerspace, in collaboration with Instrument Maker Manager. • Oversee student success and time management of projects from estimation phase to completion, including attending design meetings, overseeing budgets and quotations, and ordering supplies and materials at the request of student mentors. • In partnership with Instrument Maker Manager, collaborate with Student Safety Team, Safety and Compliance Officer, Director, and others to maintain safety protocols and reporting for makerspace. Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution • Experience in prototyping, art, education, teaching, and/or design and industry • Strong interpersonal skills • Customer service oriented • Strong written and oral communication skills • Experience working with guests from diverse backgrounds and interests. • Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively How to Apply: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by September 24, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled. The following documents are required for applicant consideration: • Letter of application addressing all required qualifications. • A current resume. Contact Information: Legal Notices and Important Information: Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University ensures physical accessibility to work environments for persons with disabilities and will provided reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to employment. Upon request, the University will provide reasonable accommodations for religious observances and practices. The University is committed to a program of affirmative action for women, racial minorities, persons with disabilities, disabled veterans and veterans of the Vietnam era. While the Chancellor assumes overall responsibility for the success of the program, university administrators and supervisors are responsible and accountable for implementation. Authority for monitoring the program is delegated to Human Resources. Each individual associated with the University is called upon to pledge a new and revitalized commitment to build and maintain a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination, an environment that fosters mutual respect, recognizes the dignity and worth of all people, and promotes to the fullest, equal employment opportunity through affirmative action. In compliance with the Clery Act of 1998, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Annual Security & Annual Fire Safety Report is available for review. Call the UW-Platteville Campus Police Office at 608.342.1584 for a paper copy of the annual report. The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7). UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Required Postings: Labor Law Poster - English Labor Law Poster - Spanish Families First Coronavirus Response Act Update

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