Program Facilitators

The Engineering Outreach department works to create excitement and interest in the world of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through hands-on initiatives. The programs are targeted at Youth in Grades K-12, Educators, and Undergraduate audiences. The main programs run out of Engineering Outreach are: 

  • Catalyst – High school programs 

  • Engineering Science Quest – Elementary and high school programs  

  • ESQube – In-school workshops 

  • Hive Mind – Tutoring for Grade 11-12 science and math courses 

  • Indigenous Youth Programs – On-campus and in-community initiatives for Indigenous youth 

  • Kids on Campus – On-campus field trip for Grade 4 students 

  • STEMpowered – On-campus and in-community initiatives for Black youth 

  • Women in Engineering – Girls, women and non-binary focused programs 

  • And more - Engineering Outreach looks to create opportunities for groups who have been historically underrepresented in STEM fields

We are looking for passionate and driven Program Facilitators to champion the promotion of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to youth through hands-on, impactful programming. In this role, you will be integral to the success of Engineering Outreach's programs by leading engaging activities and facilitating dynamic programs. Your leadership will be key to delivering high-quality experiences that meet our objectives and inspire the next generation of innovators. A successful term will be defined by your ability to deliver exceptional STEM programming, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, and support the growth of critical outreach initiatives.

Please note: Most programs are planned to run in-person at the University of Waterloo's Waterloo Campus and throughout the Region of Waterloo.

As a Facilitator for Engineering Outreach, you will be using your education to create and deliver programs that will share your passion and excitement for STEM. You will be assigned to one of the below areas of focus depending on your preferences (note that drivers with full G licenses are preferred for roles supporting off-campus programs):

  • Engineering Science Quest (ESQ)
  • ESQube
  • Women in Engineering
  • Kids on Campus
  • Community (Indigenous Youth Programs, STEMpowered, Additional events on and off-campus)
  • Floater (Supporting all areas of focus)

Tentative Hours of Work 

  • 35 hours per week Monday to Friday, includes weekend work for one-off initiatives (occasional basis)
  • Standard shift times are from 8:30am-4:30pm with a 1-hour unpaid break, with frequent adjusting of schedules to be from 1:00-9:00pm with advance notice
  • Please note: Additional hours may be necessary to ensure that required tasks are completed on time and that program delivery is successful

Lived Experience 

A primary focus of Engineering Outreach programming is to reach equity deserving groups who have been historically underrepresented in STEM fields; these equity deserving groups include Black Youth, Indigenous Youth, Girls and Non-binary Youth, Persons with Disabilities, Racialized Communities and Youth facing socioeconomic disadvantages. Candidates with lived experience in one or more of these communities are encouraged to apply for the position and highlight their relevant lived experience in the application process.

How to apply

Jobs are posted in WaterlooWorks for co-op positions and through this site when position openings are available. Join our mailing list for updates on application dates and requirements! 

In these posts, you will also need to submit the following:

  • Cover Letter (1-page only)
  • Resume
  • Lived Experience & Community Connections statement emailed to us (additional details in application forms)

Engineering Outreach will only consider complete applications and will not follow up with any candidates who submit incomplete applications. 

If you have questions regarding the application process, please email us at engoutreach@uwaterloo.ca. 

Responsibilities

The Program Facilitator role will include the following responsibilities:

  • Content Development & Preparation
    • Develop, revise, and test hands-on STEM activities for youth
    • Create facilitation plans aligned with program structure and budget
    • Prepare supplemental materials, safety protocols, and inclusive modifications
    • Incorporate Two-Eyed Seeing and culturally relevant approaches
  • Program Delivery
    • Lead activity delivery individually, in pairs, and/or as a team both on campus and in community
    • Develop trusting relationships with stakeholders, including youth, parents/guardians, campus supporters and community partners
    • Ensure youth safety, program quality, and effective supervision
    • Mentor volunteers to support program success
    • Collaborate amongst Facilitator and full-time staff for support
    • For programs off campus, vehicle travel is required following University travel policies. Please note: all travel-related expenses are covered

Please note there will be opportunities that require all Facilitators to be involved, regardless of the assigned position.

Vacant Positions

*There are no vacant positions available at this time. We will update our pages for any changes*

Join our mailing list for updates on application dates and requirements! 

The Engineering Outreach team hires up to 10 Program Facilitators to fulfill the upcoming term objectives. Each Program Facilitator position promotes STEM to youth. The positions are differentiated by program teams; however, assignments may be adjusted to fulfill department objectives. Each Program Facilitator is expected to assist in all aspects of Engineering Outreach programs to cultivate a strong team environment. The teams include:

  • Community - programs for Black and Indigenous youth (G-Class license preferred, Lived Experience required)
  • ESQ - programs prioritizing youth in community, including youth with disabilities, and paid programs (G-Class license required)
  • ESQube Junior - elementary in-school workshops (G-Class license required)
  • ESQube Senior - high school in-school workshops (G-Class license required)
  • Kids on Campus - grade four field-trip program
  • Women in Engineering - programs for Girls and Non-Binary youth (G-Class license preferred, Lived Experience require

Required Skills

If you have many of the following skills, you will be a great fit for us:

  • Experience working with all youth, with emphasis on youth who have been historically underrepresented in STEM fields
  • A background in STEM, education, and/or Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being
  • Great communication skills
  • Genuine interest in getting youth excited about the world of STEM
  • Experience with coding, breadboarding, software development, robotics etc. is an asset but not a requirement
  • A full G-Level License is required for some roles (please note a G1 or G2 license is not sufficient)

Expectations, Conduct and Behaviour

First Aid/CPR-C: All Program Facilitator staff must be fully trained in Standard First Aid and CPR-C. Engineering Outreach will arrange a training date and cover the cost of First Aid/CPR training for those who do not have a valid certification. Any First Aid training outside of the scheduled time is the financial responsibility of the staff member.

Vulnerable Sector Check: All Staff are required to undergo an official Vulnerable Sector check and must submit proof of this by the end of their first day of employment with Engineering Outreach. Vulnerable Sector checks are the financial responsibility of the Staff. The University of Waterloo will not accept checks that were issued for work with other groups. Returning staff will also be required to produce new Vulnerable Sector Checks if there has been a gap in employment with Engineering Outreach.

Vehicle Use: The University of Waterloo governs that operators of University vehicles must be over the age of 18 years, and proof of valid G Class driver's license is also required. The University carries liability insurance for said vehicles. However, any infractions, such as speeding tickets or other charges, are the sole responsibility of the vehicle operator.

Engineering Outreach Policy: All Engineering Outreach Staff must comply with the guidelines and code as defined in the policy manual. A violation of policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination of employment.

University of Waterloo Policy: At all times, Engineering Outreach staff will respect their fellow workers, as well as all University of Waterloo's faculty and staff. All University of Waterloo employees are bound to the applicable University of Waterloo policies, procedures and guidelines [http://www.adm.uwaterloo.ca/infosec/Policies/Policies_alpha.html].

Nature and Scope

Physical and Sensory Demands: Physical labour will be required (e.g., moving materials, setting up rooms for programming), prolonged periods of being stationary and moving between activity areas (delivering workshops, supervising groups, leading games), occasional times of moving quickly (participating in high-energy activities such as tag, water games), fine motor skills (preparing craft and electronic materials, soldering), loud and multisensory working environments when in a classroom and with children, open concept desk space with noise from other colleagues which may cause distraction, travel will be required for most positions. Requires attention to detail when completing developing activities, attendance, and contributing to impact reports.

Working Environment: This is an in-person position. Workday is typically Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, at a classroom or desk and in surrounding office development spaces. Weekend and evening work may be required for programming. When this is needed, the workweek/day will be shifted. During camps (March Break and Summer) days may be longer due to program needs. Outdoor exposure in varying weather conditions (sun, heat, rain, wind, etc.), sometimes for periods of time without access to air conditioning or shelter.

Compensation and Benefits

It is anticipated that as an Outreach Facilitator you will work a base number of 35-40 hours per week. Hourly rates will be updated here as vacant positions arise. 

Engineering Outreach may find it necessary to modify the number of weekly hours, depending on need. Where further reduction of hours is necessary, two weeks advance notice will be given. Salaries are paid monthly and are subjected to routine government deductions. As a casual employee with the University of Waterloo there are no vacation days during the duration of employment.