High School Leader

Applications for summer 2026 High School Leader positions open March 10th and close on March 30th through this (Engineering Outreach) site. Please note: To be eligible for a High School Leader position, you must be entering Grade 10 or above in September 2026.

Summary

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: 

  • 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 High School Leaders 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 ESQ and STEMpowered programs by leading engaging workshops and facilitating dynamic summer camps. Your leadership will be key to delivering high-quality experiences that meet our objectives and inspire the next generation of innovators. A successful spring term will be defined by your ability to deliver exceptional STEM programming and support the growth of these 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. 

Tentative Hours of Work 

  • Monday – Friday, occasional weekend work for one-off initiatives 

  • July/August: Shifts scheduled between 8:30am to 4:30pm totalling to 37.5 hours/week 

Please note: 

  1. Additional hours may be necessary to ensure that required tasks are completed on time and that camp is successful. 
  2. Lunch breaks are 30 minutes. The timing of lunch breaks is determined by Engineering Outreach full-time staff. 
  3. The incumbent may be expected to be at work between 7:30 to 8:00 am on Monday mornings to ensure success with Monday camp registration procedures. 

Lived Experience 

A primary focus of Engineering Outreach programming is to reach equity deserving groups who have historically been 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. 

*Some positions may be funded by Canada Summer jobs. 

How to apply

To apply to any of the following jobs, please access the Application form below and include the following: 

  • A one-page cover letter (Upload as PDF in application form)

  • Lived experience statement

    • Engineering Outreach amplifies the importance of lived experience and representation in leaders throughout our programs. Please (1) share how your lived experience influenced your connection to and engagement with a community, and (2) how that relates to the position you are interested in.  (1 paragraph, write in application form)

  • Resume (Upload as PDF in application form)

Engineering Outreach will only consider complete applications and will not follow up with any candidates who submit incomplete applications. Interviews will take place in early April 2026. Only successful applicants will be contacted for an interview. If you have questions regarding the application process, please email us at engoutreach@uwaterloo.ca. 

Responsibilities

The High School Leader will support the delivery of the programs in which University Leaders have developed. The role requires High School Leaders to support the safety, supervision, and quality of content delivered to the youth in their programs. The High Leader is responsible for being a mentor to the volunteers in program preparation and delivery to ensure a successful experience for all. The High School Leader will have support from University Leaders, Team Leaders and Engineering Outreach full-time staff to ensure a successful summer! 

Delivery in July and August will either be on-campus at the University of Waterloo. 

Although the overarching responsibilities remain consistent, there are unique roles for the delivery of our programs. Each High School Leader is expected to assist in all aspects of Engineering Outreach programs to cultivate a strong team environment.  

The different High School Leader roles are as follows:  

  • Engineering Science Quest, ESQ (18) – summer camps for Grade 3-9 youth; will hire based on Junior (Grade 2-5) and Senior (Grade 6-9) roles. 

  • Floater (1) – support all programs as a Floater based on need 

  • STEMpowered (1) – summer camps for Grade 3-12 self-identifying Black youth. Requirement of candidates with lived experience.   

Required Skills

If you have most of the following, you'll 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 or education 

  • 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 

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.  

Technology Requirements: Staff are required to bring and use their own personal laptop and communication devices for the duration of employment. Devices must be capable of running standard office applications (e.g., Microsoft Office/Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, email). 

Compensation and Benefits

Employment begins Monday June 29, 2026, and continues until Friday August 21, 2026. It is anticipated that as a University Leader you will work a base number of 37.5 hours per week, at an hourly rate of $17.60 (in addition, 4% vacation pay is added to each pay cheque).  

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 for the duration of employment. 

*Some positions may be funded by Canada Summer jobs.