Program Assistant

Applications for summer 2026 Program Assistant (PA) positions open December 22, 2025, and close March 13, 2026. The extended application period is a reflection of teacher placement opportunities for within the PA position. 

Applications will be accepted via the Engineering Outreach site as well as applicable post-secondary institution job posting ports. Additional rounds of applications may be made available if all positions are not filled within the initial round of offers. 

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: 

  • 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 Assistants to champion the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to youth through hands-on, impactful programming for youth with unique needs. During the months of July and August, Program Assistants (PAs) will be working on a "low ratio" or "as needed" basis in the camp rooms with campers from our unique needs support program. The type of support varies substantially based on the child, however, often includes designing and supporting lessons based on accommodation needs, quiet time spent in PA rooms which may include 1:1 engagement, and time spent walking to take breaks outside of the classroom environment. PAs will also be working as a support to leaders in the camp rooms. 

Please note: Programs are planned to run in-person at the University of Waterloo’s Waterloo Campus. 

Tentative Hours of Work 

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

July/August: Shifts scheduled between 8:00 - 5:00 pm, around 37.5 to 40 hours per week 

Please note:

  1. Additional hours may be necessary to ensure that required tasks are completed on time and that camp is successful. 

  1. 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. 

  1. In June, lunch breaks are 1 hour and in July and August, lunch breaks are 30 minutes. The timing of lunch breaks is determined by Engineering Outreach full-time staff. 

There may be the possibility to work part-time in preparation for your full-time role, to help with parent/guardian Program Support pre-camp phone calls. In these calls we aim to get a better understanding of each child’s needs before participation in our programs.

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. 

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 

  • Lived experience statement (details below) 

  • Resume 

Engineering Outreach will only consider complete applications and will not follow up with any candidates who submit incomplete applications. Interviews will take place in late March 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. 

Lived Experience & Community Connections 

  • Engineering Outreach amplifies the importance of lived experience and representation in leaders throughout our programs. Please share how your lived experience influenced your connection to and engagement with a community. [1 paragraph] 

Responsibilities

Program Assistant (PA) responsibilities include placement in an ESQ or STEMpowered camp based on camper needs. PAs are responsible for familiarizing themselves with Engineering Outreach’s Program Support initiative. In July and August, all PAs will be on campus as low ratio support in camps to ensure successful participation for youth with unique needs. The day-to-day operation is in response to the child and program needs, prioritizing safety and access in our programs. 

Vacant Positions

The Engineering Outreach team is hiring 4 Program Assistants (PA) to fulfill the Program Support program. The PAs will be supporting on-campus programs including ESQ and STEMpowered. 

Required Skills

If you have the following, you'll be a great fit for us: 

  • Experience working with children requiring extra support 

  • A background in STEM or education 

  • Able to adapt to new situations quickly 

  • A demonstrated ability to manage, redirect, encourage and engage with children requiring additional support and attention as well as communicating directly with parents. 

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 cycles (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). 

Dates of Employment, 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 35-40 hours per week, at an hourly rate of $21.60 (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.