Experienced Garment/Textile Education Technician – Web & Cloud Application Development, STEAM Education, and Community Outreach

About The Possible Zone

The Possible Zone (TPZ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for young people with untapped potential. Our mission is to advance economic equity by empowering high school students with the entrepreneurial spirit, skills, and networks to launch successful careers. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, TPZ offers a year-round, multi-year entrepreneurship program that includes project-based curriculum, STEAM education, hands-on work experience, and individualized college and career advising. Our students develop career readiness, social-emotional, and technical skills, and strengthen their professional identity, preparing them to succeed in any future path they choose.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Garment/Textile Education Technician to join our team at The Possible Zone. As a key member of our staff, you will be responsible for overseeing the operations of our garment and textile design and fabrication equipment at our Boston Innovation Center. Your primary focus will be on ensuring these resources are safe and accessible for our high school-aged students, staff, and community members. This includes developing and delivering hands-on, project-based workshops in individual and group contexts, as well as managing the supplies, equipment, garment design software, and workspace in our fashion design studio.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a passionate and dedicated care-taker of TPZ's fashion design studio, including organization and upkeep of the workspace;
• Oversight of daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly equipment maintenance; troubleshooting; and coordinating with equipment manufacturers for servicing;
• Develop documentation, tutorials, guides, trainings, and workshops for sewing, garment printing, pattern design, garment alteration, and apparel design;
• Create and document example textile projects;
• Develop and maintain inventory of sewing supplies and accessories;
• Create, implement, and enforce safety protocols for garment and textile fabrication equipment and tools;
• Cross-collaborate with other TPZ technicians, Fab Lab coordinator, and STEAM and Program teams to help shape interdisciplinary projects and curricula;
• Develop and lead training and certification for fashion design equipment, tools, and software;
• Consult with students, community members, and other stakeholders about their textile and garment design and fabrication projects and ideas;
• Train and oversee student shop assistants and TAs;
• Oversee related inventory, maintenance tracking, user credentialing, and small equipment check-in/check-out;
• In collaboration with members of the STEAM team, develop and teach workshops to make apparel design, prototyping, and production safe and accessible for staff, students, community members, and other stakeholders;
• Create online and in-person tutorials for students, educators, and community members, updating TPZ's MakerHub online resource center (makerhub.possiblezone.org) with resources for sewing and apparel design;
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• And other duties as required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience with apparel design and production;
• Prior teaching/mentoring experience with sewing and/or in a makerspace environment;
• Prior experience creating with design and fabrication technologies with exposure to general tools and maker processes beyond apparel design and production;
• Ability to quickly learn new pieces of technology, including digital fabrication equipment and design software;
• Proficient with Adobe Illustrator;
• Experience with soft circuits, digital fabrication, and CAD a plus;
• Ability to work with a diverse audience of varying numbers and experience levels;
• Creative spirit and collaborative nature;
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and troubleshoot in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment;
• Very high attention to detail;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong organizational and time management skills;
• Passion for and understanding of the mission and vision of TPZ;
• Commitment to live the values of Diversity, Equity, and inclusion (see Statement below);
• Bilingual in Spanish, Portuguese, or Hatian Creole a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary of $35-45 per hour, depending on experience. Our benefits package includes a comprehensive health insurance plan, paid time off, and opportunities for professional development and growth.

COVID Vaccination Policy

The Possible Zone is requiring that all employees receive a primary series of COVID-19 vaccination as well as a booster dose. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen, and receives a booster dose when eligible. In order to be qualified for employment at The Possible Zone, final candidates must comply with the vaccination requirement or receive an approved exemption.

DEI Statement

We believe every member of our team and student body deserves opportunities for growth, success, and inclusion. We recognize that for many of our students, staff, and communities, their life journeys run through oppressive structures and systems (e.g. classism, racism, sexism) – and that's what makes our organizational culture and work so necessary and important. We believe that diversity in perspective, backgrounds, ethnicities, and lived experience is a strength, and from that strength, we can accomplish great things with the students we serve. Together as students, staff, organizations, communities, volunteers, and partners, we are intentional about creating safe spaces where all members can speak authentically and be themselves. We are committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about empowering young people with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the fashion industry, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant work samples to [insert contact information]. We look forward to hearing from you!

We Encourage You to Apply!

Even if you feel you're not a perfect match, we'd still love to hear from you. We are looking for great people to join our friendly team.