STEAM Lab Technician

Senior School Teaching Assistant - STEAM Lab Technician

Senior School

Part Time - 20 hours per week

10 Month Contract - September 2026 - June 2027

About York House School

It all began on the corner of Granville and 28th where seven fearless women welcomed 17 students to the very first York House School in 1932. Nearly a century later, thousands of students have found their unique path and purpose at YHS. Our School has since grown into one of Canada’s leading independent schools for girls. Today, we serve approximately 700 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

At York House School, our Vision is clear: seeing the world as it is, and imagining what it could be, we aspire to create a transformational experience for students who are empowered to reshape the future.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to creating an environment that elevates the mind, celebrates uniqueness, inspires creativity, and encourages discourse.

Why Join Us?

At York House School, we’re fostering a learning environment where creative exploration, courageous conversation and deep intellectual engagement are equally celebrated. This bold approach requires a highly skilled, diverse and energetic team of committed faculty and staff. Please check out our Spark Strategic Plan to learn more.

If you are passionate about education, excited by the opportunity to inspire future leaders, and eager to be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking community, we would love to hear from you.

Position Summary

The Design Technology Lab Technician assists the Makerspace Coordinator, teachers, and students with class preparation, workshop maintenance, and safety. This role directly supports student learning by manufacturing physical models from student designs and serving as the primary coach for the Senior School robotics team.

Key Responsibilities

Execution of Student Designs & Workshop Support

• Execute and manufacture physical prototypes from student CAD files and layouts using 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, and traditional shop tools.
• Advise students on material selection, fabrication feasibility, and finishing techniques.
• Prepare raw materials, tooling, and tech resources ahead of classes; monitor student clean-up during transitions.
• Provide active, in-class technical support during design and building activities.
• Be available in the makerspace during scheduled student help sessions.
• Provide technical assistance for special projects from other school departments requiring specialized tools.
• Collaborate in regularly scheduled meetings with STEAM/Design staff.

Robotics Coaching & Co-Curricular Support

• Act as the primary coach and mentor for the Senior School robotics team.
• Guide students through the engineering design process, programming, mechanical assembly, and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate team practices, workshop sessions, and local robotics competitions.
• Support co-curricular clubs and chaperone field trips as needed.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain and enforce strict safety protocols and machine guarding in the workshop.
• Inspect tools regularly and provide safety orientations for students and staff.
• Ensure compliance with WHMIS regulations regarding the labeling, storage, and disposal of hazardous workshop materials.
• Maintain meticulous records related to equipment servicing, safety protocols, and asset inventories.

Resource & Equipment Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance, calibrations, and minor repairs on all machinery (e.g., CNC router, power tools, 3D printers).
• Keep the workshop and storerooms clean, organized, labeled, and free of hazards.
• Continuously optimize and redesign work spaces and storage systems to maximize efficiency.
• Manage tool sign-outs, monitor consumable stocks (e.g., filament, timber), pick up supplies, and prepare purchase orders in consultation with the Makerspace Coordinator.

Qualifications & Experience

• Post-secondary training as a technician, or a credential in Design Technology, Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• Experience working as a technician in a fabrication lab, makerspace, or industrial shop.
• Experience coaching or mentoring competitive youth robotics programs (e.g., VEX, FIRST).
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software, slicing software, vector design programs, and creative suites (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Cricut).
• Proficient with Mac platforms and Google Workspace applications.
• Competence with both traditional analog shop tools and digital fabrication hardware.
• WHMIS certification and First Aid Level 2 certificate are assets.

Key Competencies

• Creative problem-solving skills to troubleshoot and realize student design concepts.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle fabrication queues safely under deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and empathy for working with youth.