Kairuruku Wāhi-auaha | Engagement and Learning Librarian

Job Description:

Tumu Tuarua Akoranga | Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic

Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Generous superannuation provisions (up to 6.75% employer contribution)
• Permanent position (37.5 hours per week | 1.0 FTE)

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!
He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Engagement and Learning Librarian? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do
We are seeking an innovative and collaborative Engagement and Learning Librarian to lead the University of Canterbury Library Makerspace and deliver engaging learning experiences that enhance student success, creativity, and belonging.

Based in the Puaka James Hight Library, you will create an inclusive environment where students and staff can explore ideas through technology, making, and interdisciplinary collaboration. You will oversee the day-to-day operation and future development of the Makerspace while supporting learning, teaching, research, and wider library engagement initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the day-to-day operation, development, and promotion of the UC Library Makerspace
• Designing and delivering engaging learning programmes, workshops, and events that foster creativity and innovation
• Managing makerspace technologies and equipment, including maintenance, safety, inventory, and operational procedures
• Developing evidence-based improvements to makerspace services using user experience research and analytics
• Building strong relationships with students, academic staff, library colleagues, and external partners to support collaborative initiatives
• Creating opportunities for student-led activities and communities of practice to thrive
• Developing promotional content across digital and print platforms to increase awareness and engagement
• Supervising and training students, volunteers, and staff in the safe and effective use of makerspace technologies
• Supporting broader library services, including enquiry services, information support, and staff capability development
• Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and delivering an exceptional library experience for the UC community

For more information about our makerspace please feel free to visit our website here and here.

Mōu | Who You Are
You are a creative, customer-focused professional who enjoys empowering others through technology, learning, and innovation. You are equally comfortable managing operational responsibilities as you are designing engaging programmes that inspire curiosity and collaboration.

You bring strong organisational skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a passion for delivering outstanding user experiences.

You will have:

• At least 3–4 years' professional experience in a library, education, or related environment
• Experience designing and delivering learning programmes involving technology, creativity, or makerspace activities
• Demonstrated knowledge of current makerspace trends and emerging technologies
• Experience managing projects, events, or collaborative initiatives
• Excellent digital literacy, with confidence using a range of makerspace technologies, creative software, and design applications
• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage a wide range of audiences
• Experience supervising or mentoring staff, volunteers, or students
• Sound knowledge of health and safety practices within a workshop or makerspace environment
• An alignment with our organisation's values and culture, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

You will join the University of Canterbury Library's Engagement and Learning team, working closely with library colleagues, academic staff, professional services teams, students, and external community partners.

Reporting to the Team Leader Engagement and Learning Support, you will play an important role in delivering innovative services that support learning, creativity, and student success across the University.

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC
At UC, being part of our team means more than just a job. We are committed to supporting our kaimahi | staff’s career and wellbeing with benefits designed to help our kaimahi grow and feel connected, supported and valued.

UC’s Benefits approach is shaped by Ngā Uara | Our Values Whanaungatanga, Tiakitanga, and Manaakitanga. They are designed to be relevant, support and inspire our people, they include:

• 5 weeks annual leave +5 days university holidays
• UC Parental Leave (up to 9 weeks paid) + 26 weeks Government paid parental leave and onsite childcare facility
• generous employer contribution to superannuation (up to 6.75%)
• flexible working arrangements
• professional development and study opportunities
• supportive working environment
• a wide range of retail discounts across shopping, entertainment and travel
• on-campus staff discounts including UC RecCentre
• living in revitalised Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand
• a unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as UC RecCentre and Staff Club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more.

For more information, please visit us: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/about-uc/work-at-uc/benefits-working-uc

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/

The closing date for this position is: Monday, 3 August 2026 (midnight, NZ time)
Please note, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date.

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted via our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume.

Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to [email protected]

You must have Aotearoa New Zealand or Australian citizenship/permanent residency to be considered for this role.

Please note, this is an onsite position.