Woodshop Specialist

Location: Grand Rapids (Kendall)

Department: 45025 - KCAD Model Shop LabAdvertised Salary: $35,209; Salary placement details in job summary. Salary commensurate with education, experience, and other requirements.

Benefits: Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.)

FLSA: Exempt

Summary of Position: To maintain a well-equipped, easily accessible multimedia shop facility with the purpose of promoting a safe, barrier-free, creative learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. The work year for this position is 1 week before students start in August and 1 week after exams in the spring. The calendar calculation is 190 days in 26-27 or .73. The anticipated start date for this position is October 2026; however, this is an estimate and may be revised if needed. The selected candidate for this position must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without employer assistance or sponsorship now or in the future. The university will not assist with any F-1 EADs, OPT, H1B, etc. Offers are determined based on a review of the candidate's qualifications, including education, training, experience, and internal pay equity considerations. Placement within the range will generally be based on the following factors: Entry-Range: Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and core requirements of the position. Mid-Range: Candidates with three or more years of directly related professional experience and demonstrate proficiency in the key responsibilities of the role. Upper Range: Candidates with seven or more years of directly related experience, advanced knowledge, specialized skills, certifications, or expertise that provide significant value to the position. Placement above the minimum rate will be determined based on the candidate's overall qualifications, experience, and alignment with the University's compensation philosophy in consultation with Human Resources.

Position Type: Staff

Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a related discipline. Required Work Experience: At least 3 years of related work experience in an educational institution, workshop, or model-making facility.

Physical Demands: Bending, Carrying, Electrical Hazards, Moving, Reaching, Sitting, Twisting, Climbing, Lifting, Pulling/Pushing, Repetitive movement, Standing Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: Master's degree preferred in fine arts, sculpture, furniture design, or industrial design.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Prepare and administer the Woodshop budget. Participate in relevant ad hoc committees or committees relevant to the wood shop area. Develop and implement a wood shop training program for faculty, staff, and students. Train and manage student work-study. Develop and implement a centralized tool storage and security check-out system. Maintain a safe and clean shop environment. Monitor the maintenance and adjustments of power and hand tools. Ensure adherence to all shop equipment safety regulations. Maintain woodshop hours and days to fulfill the instructional and student course needs of each semester. Advise shop users on the safe use of tools and machines. Consult and advise shop users on best practices based on project needs and materials. Maintain and revise shop policies. Compile and maintain shop tool and equipment inventory. Carries out responsibilities in accordance with university policies and applicable laws. Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. Supports, promotes, and develops university student enrollment and retention initiatives. Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: Produce light project construction throughout the building. Produce light classroom furniture construction.

Skills and Abilities: Ability to maintain all stationary power tools associated with a woodshop, including changing planar/jointer knives, setting up vacuum bags/tables, CNC machine, etc. Ability to operate across both analog and digital methods of making. Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences. Required Documents: Cover Letter, Resume, Unofficial Transcript 1Optional Documents: Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of an unofficial transcript of their degree. Transcripts must include the institution name, the applicant's name, the date the degree was attained, and the degree awarded. Finalists will be required to submit an official transcript. Unofficial Transcript 2 (OPTIONAL): Applicants who have completed college coursework or attained a degree must attach a copy of their unofficial transcript. Transcripts must include the institution name, the applicant's name, the date the degree was attained, and the degree awarded. Finalists will be required to submit an official transcript. Initial Application Review Date: September 28, 2026 Open Until Position is Filled?: YesEEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.