Weissman Foundry Scout

3 weeks ago

Wellesley, United States Babson College Full time
SCOUT

Fall 2023

/// OVERVIEW

The Weissman Foundry is a Babson College, Olin College and Wellesley College (BOW) student-focused, transdisciplinary, entrepreneurial, and creative studio environment. The Foundry is a hands-on, experience-based environment that supports projects and curriculum at any stage of development through innovative programming, experimental courses, digital and traditional fabrication resources, and social events across the BOW campuses.

The Weissman Foundry prioritizes having a diverse student workforce known as Scouts, who represent the many backgrounds, identities, disciplines and departments within BOW. The Weissman Foundry team members contribute to a broad array of perspectives and skills to support an inclusive and transdisciplinary culture and community. All Foundry community members must agree to abide by and uphold the Foundry's Honor Code.

This position pays $15 per hour for approximately 8-15 hours per week. The Scout position is appointed on a semester by semester basis, and all Scouts are asked to reapply each semester, though preference is given to previously employed Scouts.

/// APPLICANT PROFILE

A strong candidate is a current BOW student who is eager to engage with the BOW community, works proactively, and has excellent interpersonal skills. A successful candidate will enjoy working with a wide variety of other students and faculty and has interest in the tools and technology the Foundry offers. Additionally, a successful candidate is available for scheduled work a minimum of one weekend day, and a variety of times throughout the week.

Though full knowledge of the Foundry's tools and software is not required or expected, you must have taken at least two Foundry Trainings (these are specific skill building trainings on our tools, and are separate from attending our Workshops or other events - I.E. Laser Cutter, 3D Printing, Sewing trainings, etc.)

We have presented a list below that includes skills that Scouts will learn on the job, and is presented in order to showcase some of the skills you might be tasked with learning while a Scout. Beyond the two trainings, familiarity with any of them is helpful, but not required.

  • Laser cutting
  • Model making
  • Art and design
  • Digital printing and UV printing
  • 3D printing and CNC processes
  • Machine embroidery and knitting
  • Adobe Suite (particularly Illustrator)
  • Vacuum forming, mould making/casting
  • Machine sewing and apparel construction
  • PR, marketing, event planning, supervising
  • Virtual and augmented reality technologies
  • Electronics, physical computing, and programming
  • Traditional fine arts, woodworking, and craft techniques
  • 3D modeling (Rhino, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Sketchup, etc)
/// RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities include:
  • Build the Foundry culture with an emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and equity
  • Be a student leader and mentor for the Foundry
  • Supervise the proper usage of equipment and adherence to safety protocols
  • General maintenance and clean-up
  • Assist with classes, projects, and events as needed
  • Create at least three small example projects to inspire the community to further their projects each semester
  • Continue to learn new processes and tools throughout your employment in the Foundry
  • Become certified to train users on at least one new tool each semester
  • Serve as a cross-departmental and BOW college ambassador and liaison
Typical Scout experience and expectations:
  • Complete our Daily Shift Checklist during your Shifts, such as checking in with users as they arrive and work in the space, loading/unloading the dishwasher, documenting the number of users who have entered the building, ensuring doors are locked/unlocked as needed, restocking prototyping materials throughout the building, sanitizing spaces as needed, tidying spaces users have left messy, etc.
  • Check Slack messages twice a day, every day and respond to messages from your Manager and other Foundry employees within 24 hours
  • Assist users in documenting projects completed in the Foundry, and share that content with the Marketing Team for posting to our Social Media channels
  • Complete assigned tasks from our Task List as assigned by your Scout Manager or other Foundry Staff
  • Find a replacement Scout to cover your shift no later than 24 hours before your absence (illness being an exception)
  • Attend Scout Orientation at the beginning of every semester (usually a Saturday and Sunday within the first three weeks of the start of the semester.)
  • Attend most Scout Campfire meetings (no fewer than 7). Campfires are weekly 30-60 minute "ship steering" meetings.
  • As needed, assist Foundry events in planning, execution


Direct questions, comments, and concerns to the Foundry at foundryinfo@babson.edu.