This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.
Reporting to the Team Lead, Technical Demonstrator, the Technical Demonstrator in Industrial Design works closely with the Faculty Program Coordinator, technical staff, and instructors to align technical support with course instruction/objectives. The Technical Demonstrator is responsible for supporting students in the use of specialized equipment and work areas through technical instruction, student health & safety, training, testing, and all matters in operating and maintaining the facility comparable to a medium-sized manufacturing operation.
The incumbent provides technical support for individuals with limited/no experience/training in a workshop or digital setting, such as specialized space, materials, tools, and physical and digital equipment required for industrial-scale two and three-dimensional (2D & 3D) form creation. The Technical Demonstrator will provide technical expertise and support for iterative design visualization, low and high-fidelity prototyping, and the operation of specialized labs and workshops—including CNC/CAM facilities, wood and steel shops, design studios, and IT classrooms.
The Faculty of Arts is a diverse and inclusive academic community spanning the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Through innovative research, teaching, creative expression, and strong community partnerships, the Faculty of Arts advances knowledge and drives positive societal change. It provides students with the tools to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute to a more just and thoughtful world.
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Technical Instruction & Student Support: Provide hands-on instruction and guidance on design, woodworking, metalworking tools, and techniques, materials, and prototyping techniques. Assist students in individual or group settings with model-making, tool selection, and procedural directions. Use power equipment on behalf of students when necessary due to safety or physical limitations. Conduct facility tours and manage workshop safety testing and liability waivers.
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Workshop & Lab Operations: Oversee daily operations of the Industrial Design Studio Workshop, wood and steel shops, and digital fabrication labs. Manage specialized technology, including CNC panel routers, 3D printers, laser cutters, and metalworking/welding equipment. Support the computer lab by maintaining hardware and software for high-tech products, interaction, and systemic design. Coordinate material inventory, waste management, and equipment purchasing.
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Health, Safety & Compliance: Serve as the designated Fire Warden and WHMIS designee, ensuring all operations meet OHS standards and university policies. Develop and implement safety procedures, hazard assessments, and safe operating protocols. Conduct PPE fit testing and maintain first aid facilities/accreditation.
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Supervise the cleaning and organization of workspaces to maintain a safe environment.
Maintenance & Facility Management: Perform routine lubrication, repairs, and safety checks on all hand tools and heavy machinery. Design and construct specialized workshop furnishings and storage racks. Manage building security, including morning/evening lockup and Protege System access.
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BDes or equivalent in Industrial Design, Visual/Fine Arts, or a related field.
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Significant experience in conventional physical fabrication (wood, metal, plastics) and digital rapid prototyping.
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Previous experience in a fabrication lab, maker space, or manufacturing environment.
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Proven expertise in industrial-scale fabrication, encompassing advanced woodworking, metal machining, and polymer casting. Proficient in both traditional and digital methodologies, including rapid prototyping, CNC operations, and the management of specialized workshop materials and health and safety protocols within a post-secondary or research environment.
Technical Skills
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Proficiency in welding (MIG/TIG), machining, vacuum forming, and advanced joinery.
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Advanced knowledge of Rhino 3D, Grasshopper, Fusion 360, KeyShot, and the Adobe Creative Suite.
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Experience with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and artificial intelligence tools for design.
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Comfortable working across Mac OS, Windows, and Linux.
Soft Skills
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Ability to explain complex technical concepts with tact and courtesy.
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Highly organized and able to prioritize tasks under tight academic deadlines.
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Ability to quickly envision and communicate technical solutions during the design process.
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Exceptional aptitude for conveying specialized information through collaborative and professional discourse.
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.
This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
