Program Assistant

Applications for summer 2025 University Leader positions open February 13th and close February 25th.  

Applications will be accepted via the Eng Outreach site only as the duration of employment is shorter than eligible co-op terms. 

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. 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. In addition, 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 

  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. 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. 

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. 

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. 

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
  • 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 mid-March 2025. 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

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 support program. 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.

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

All Management and University Leader Staff must be fully trained in Standard First Aid and CPR. 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 schedule time is the financial responsibility of the staff member. 

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. Engineering Outreach will not accept checks that were issued for work with other groups, pending the date of approval (< 6 months). Returning staff will also be required to produce new Vulnerable Sector Checks if there has been a gap in employment with Engineering Outreach.   

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. 

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. 

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]. 

Dates of Employment, Compensation and Benefits

Employment begins Wednesday July 2, 2025, and continues until Friday August 22, 2025. 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 $21.10 (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.