University Leader

Applications for summer 2026 University Leader positions open February 12, 2026, on the Engineering Outreach site and WaterlooWorks (for UW Co-op students) and close February 22, 2026. 

Applications will be accepted via the Eng Outreach site or through WaterlooWorks. If you are a UW Co-op student, please apply through WaterlooWorks. 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: 

  • 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 University 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, STEMpowered, Travelling STEM, and In-Community 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 

May/June: 8:30 - 4:30 pm, around 35 hours per week 

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

  1. Additional hours may be necessary to ensure that required tasks are completed on time and that camp is successful. 
  2. 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. 
  3. June 25-26, 2026, will be unpaid days off work. These days are designated to give staff time off before the camp season begins. 
  4. During May and 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.

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, or complete the equivalent through WaterlooWorks if you are a University of Waterloo student: 

  • A one-page cover letter (1-page, 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. The first round of interviews will take place in March 2026. If you have questions regarding the application process, please email us at engoutreach@uwaterloo.ca. 

Responsibilities

The University Leader will be responsible for education content development, revisions, and delivery of hands-on activities to youth. In May and June, the focus is on preparing for summer camps through activity development, scheduling, mentor visits, and delivery preparation, as well as leading activities in-schools and in-community in pairs or as a team. 

To expand on summer camp preparation, the University Leader will plan, test and iterate activities, outline program facilitations plans while working within assigned budgets and program structures. Program content will be reviewed through activity write-ups, which include the necessary supplemental material, safety procedures and modifications to best meet a variety of learners’ needs. There is also the important piece of developing activities that create safe and culturally relevant programs, such as connecting Indigenous Ways of Knowing to Western Science through the lens of Two-Eyed Seeing. All staff are expected to thoroughly understand each of their program's activities prior to delivery to youth. 

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

Delivery in July and August will either be on-campus or in-community, depending on the role. For those travelling abroad, there will be additional expectations to ensure safety and alignment with University’s travel policies (aligning with multi-day trips outside of the Region of Waterloo), as well as an emphasis on developing strong connections with the community partners we work with. All travel expenses will be covered by Engineering Outreach, including overnight accommodation and meal expenses. 

Vacant Positions 

The Engineering Outreach team is hiring 20 University Leaders to fulfill the upcoming term objectives. Although the overarching responsibilities remain consistent, there are unique roles for the delivery of our programs. The different University Leader roles are as follows:  

  • Catalyst (4) – summer program for Grade 10-12 youth 

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

  • Local Community (2) – summer camp workshops for Grade K-9 youth in the local community. Preference of a G Class license holder. 

  • Kids on Campus / Floater (2) – Kids on Campus program in May and June, and support all programs as a Floater in July/August (occasional travel required, see Travelling STEM notes below).  

  • STEMpowered (2) – summer camps for Grade 3-12 self-identifying Black youth. Requirement of candidates with lived experience.  

  • Travelling STEM (2) – summer program for Grade K-12 self-identifying Indigenous youth (requires travel to Indigenous communities across Ontario; frequent Sunday travel in July/August, where all travel time, meals and accommodations are paid for by Engineering Outreach). Preference for candidates with lived experience and a G Class license holder. 

Each University Leader is expected to assist in all aspects of Engineering Outreach programs to cultivate a strong team environment. 

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, education, or Two Eyed Seeing 

  • 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 not required but is an asset 

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). 

Dates of Employment, Compensation and Benefits

Employment begins Tuesday May 5, 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 during the duration of employment. June 25-26, 2026 will be unpaid days off work. These days are designated to give staff time off before the camp season begins.