The Assembly House | Buffalo, NY
 
Who we are:
The Assembly House is an experimental work of art and architecture envisioned by artist/architect Dennis Maher that transforms a historic former church in Buffalo, NY into a “Dreamworld for the Building Arts.” It is a site for the public imagination that instills joy and enthusiasm for the built environment. The project synthesizes many themes of Maher’s work by bringing together art, architecture, design, preservation, and construction while creating an otherworldly destination and center for hands-on learning.  At The Assembly House, teams of builders, apprentices, and students work with tradespeople, designers, educators and others to build the church into a cultural/educational destination and create artworks for other sites. Projects are realized while providing educational opportunities in construction arts.
 
SACRA Construction Training Program: Associate Instructor (Part- Time ). The SACRA Associate Program Instructor supports the Lead Instructor in delivering the SACRA construction skills training program and provides hands-on instructional guidance to students and apprentices at The Assembly House. This position serves as the primary backup to the Lead Instructor and assists with the day-to-day operation of the program.
This is a part-time, hourly position that spans the duration of each 8-week SACRA cohort, including a minimum of one week of preparation before the program begins and one week of wrap-up activities after the cohort concludes. The SACRA program operates twice annually (Fall and Spring), requiring an estimated commitment of 20 weeks per year. Availability for periodic planning meetings and check-ins with staff and instructors throughout the year is preferred (schedule and frequency to be determined).
Key Responsibilities
Curriculum & Program Delivery

• Collaborate with the Lead Instructor to ensure curriculum objectives, student projects, and program milestones remain on track and on schedule.
• Maintain a consistent, hands-on presence in the shop, providing guidance, mentorship, and technical support to students throughout project completion.
• Demonstrate and teach woodworking, carpentry, and construction techniques in both individual and group settings.
• Assist the Lead Instructor in coordinating and scheduling volunteer-led workshops with community and industry partners.
• Support Assembly House workshops and projects by providing demonstrations, tutorials, and technical instruction as appropriate.
• Participate in student recruitment and selection by conducting applicant interviews alongside the Lead Instructor and providing feedback on candidates.
• Coordinate and conduct interviews, workshops, and other program activities in the Lead Instructor’s absence.
• Monitor adherence to shop safety protocols, support safety training efforts, and assist with incident reporting and documentation.
• Be a mentor to students, communicating technical skills as well as soft skills including such topics as professionalism in the workplace, internal and external communication, time and project management matters, and conflict resolution

• Work with the Lead Instructor to maintain and complete program tracking spreadsheets and records.
• Ensure program documents are properly organized, stored, and archived.
• Collaborate with Lead Placement Specialist and Lead Instructor on Job Readiness and Job Placement matters.  Conduct job readiness and professionalism talks with students.
• Make suggestions (with Lead Instructor) as to potential areas of future career exploration.
• Facilitate communication and information sharing with the Operations Manager and Studio/Fabrication Manager to support smooth program operations.
• Assist with general program administration and reporting as needed.
• Recommend curriculum improvements and program enhancements to the ED and Lead Instructor as appropriate.

• Minimum 8 years of hands-on experience in woodworking, carpentry, construction, fabrication, or a related skilled trade.
• Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, and support individuals with varying skill levels in a hands-on learning environment.
• Strong knowledge of woodworking tools, equipment, shop operations, and construction techniques.
• Commitment to maintaining and enforcing shop safety standards and safe work practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback, coaching, and mentorship to students and apprentices.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and program activities simultaneously.
• Experience maintaining records, tracking progress, and completing basic administrative tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively with instructors, staff, volunteers, industry partners, and community stakeholders.
• Reliable transportation and ability to work a flexible schedule during program cohorts, including occasional evenings or special events as needed.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role, including standing for extended periods, lifting materials and equipment, and working in a shop environment.

• Prior experience teaching in a vocational, workforce development, apprenticeship, adult education, or community-based training program.
• Knowledge of job readiness, workforce development, and career pathway programs within the construction or skilled trades industries.
• Experience coordinating workshops, volunteers, or community partnerships.
• Familiarity with project-based learning methodologies and hands-on instructional techniques.