MS/US Visual Arts Department: Assistant Teaching/Shop Technician – Middle & Upper School Maker Space

Riverdale Country School, a Pre-K through Grade 12 independent all-gender school in New York City, is dedicated to inspiring students to live meaningful and purpose-driven lives. The school achieves this by fostering a culture of academic excellence, critical thinking, and curiosity, supported by a diverse and inclusive community. Riverdale emphasizes both high challenge and high support in its approach to education, encouraging students to engage deeply in interdisciplinary learning, research, and experiential education, both inside and outside the classroom and beyond our campuses. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

At Riverdale, we strive to reflect the diversity of the New York metropolitan area in our students, faculty, and staff. We believe that a diverse and inclusive community enriches the educational experience and is integral to our mission. With a student body of approximately 1,300 students from 117 different zip codes, Riverdale is a vibrant community where 48% of our students identify as students of color. 

We seek to employ educators and leaders who bring a student-centered approach, passion for their work, a commitment to DEIB, and a desire to contribute to the growth and development of our entire school community.

Riverdale Country School seeks a full-time Assistant Teaching/Shop Technician to support our Middle and Upper School Maker Space. This role is ideal for someone passionate about hands-on learning and excited to work alongside faculty and students to bring creative, three-dimensional art and design projects to life. We are looking for a collaborative, technically skilled individual who enjoys problem-solving and working in a dynamic educational environment.

The Assistant Teaching/Shop Technician will work closely with teaching faculty to provide logistical, technical, and instructional support during classes and open studio time. Candidates should be comfortable working with students of varying ages and skill levels and be enthusiastic about helping young makers develop their ideas into fully realized projects.

• Support faculty and students in the Maker Space by preparing materials, maintaining tools and equipment, and assisting during hands-on project work.
• Ensure the safety of all users by overseeing the correct operation of machinery and tools, and by helping to implement and enforce shop safety guidelines and protocols.
• Maintain and organize the shop space, including regular upkeep of equipment such as welders,  woodworking tools, CNC machines, laser cutters, 3D printers, and other fabrication tools.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to students on tool use, fabrication techniques, and prototyping.
• Assist in the setup and execution of student showcases, exhibitions, and special events.
• Support faculty with digital fabrication processes and troubleshooting software/hardware issues related to microcontrollers, electronics, and other maker technologies.
• Help ensure compliance with safety regulations, including those from OSHA, NFPA, and other relevant bodies.
• Cover for other teachers during absences.

• Bachelor's degree or relevant certification in a technical or design-related field is preferred; candidates with hands-on experience in shop environments are encouraged to apply.
• 2+ years of experience working in a maker space, fabrication studio, or educational workshop setting.
• Proficiency in at least several fabrication processes such as woodworking, metalworking (welding), laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC operation, or electronics.
• Experience in bicycle mechanics, general mechanics
• Experience with microcontrollers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi), basic circuitry, or digital fabrication software is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and a commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment.
• A collaborative spirit, willingness to learn, and interest in supporting a student-centered approach to design and making.

Department Culture:

The Art and Design department fosters a culture of collaboration, creative inquiry, and mutual respect. We value a global perspective on art and design and believe in its power to help students better understand and shape the world around them.

This position is ideal for someone who wants to be part of a supportive, energetic team and play a key role in empowering young designers and makers.

To apply for this position, please click on the red “Apply for this Job” button. Please submit a resume and cover letter.  If there are pronouns we should use in potential future communications, we invite you to share that information with us.  For information about this position and all open positions, please visit the Careers page of Riverdale’s website.

Benefits of Full Time Work at Riverdale Country School

Working at Riverdale Country School is a purposeful and meaningful career choice that comes with many benefits including:  

Transportation: Shuttle service is available to/from the 242nd St / Broadway subway station. Limited stops are also available near transit hubs in Manhattan including the Metro North Harlem Station and subway lines – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, A, B, C, and D. If there is need in the community, we can also run a shuttle from the Henry Hudson Parkway / 246th St bus stop which connects to the #7, #10, and Express Buses to/from Manhattan.

Professional Development: A generous professional-development budget provides for conferences, skills training, and onsite training in areas such as mindfulness, coaching, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Grants and Stipends: All employees are eligible for Frankel Fellow grants, known as “passion grants,” which pay for enrichment activities. More than 120 grants have been made to faculty and staff since the program started in 2014. Stipends are available for coaching, affinity group facilitation, advising clubs with significant out-of-school time, and chaperoning trips (including global trips!).

Sabbatical:  Full time teaching faculty are eligible for a sabbatical after 10 years of employment.  

Health Benefits: Riverdale offers and subsidizes health, dental, and vision insurance.  In addition, the school offers a flexible spending account through which employees can use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses.  

Retirement:  Employees are eligible to join our Defined Contribution retirement plan through TIAA.  The school contributes 7% of an employee's annual salary to their retirement account.  

Vacation:  Riverdale Country School has a generous time-off policy for staff in addition to vacations afforded by the school calendar.