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WVU STEM Ambassador - Jackson's Mill

West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States


Description
The Extension Division of Land Grant Engagement at West Virginia University is accepting applications for a Temporary WVU STEM Ambassador. WVU STEM Ambassadors act as STEM instructors and camp counselors during 4‑H summer camps and events in West Virginia. Ambassadors will deliver pre‑arranged STEM curricula to youth at 4‑H camps and events from May 17, 2026 to August 10, 2026. They may also work at county day camps, summer youth programs, state 4‑H camps at Jackson's Mill, the West Virginia State Fair in August, and assemble and distribute STEM kits. Room and board are provided on assignment and ambassadors must bring their own transportation.

What You’ll Do

Lead organized STEM educational classes and activities at 4‑H summer camps, including:

Deliver STEM curriculum courses

Offer STEM activities throughout the day

Assist Camp Director and camp staff with other camp duties

Perform camper counseling and/or youth supervision duties in camp/cabin settings

Conduct other activities and classes within the instructor’s training and expertise

Provide information about their major, their college, and WVU to youth participants

Assemble STEM materials and kits as needed

Participate in STEM Ambassador Training (May 17‑May 23, 2026) – mandatory training at WVU Jackson’s Mill

Participate in the STEM Ambassador End‑of‑Summer Meeting (Wednesday, Aug 5, 2026) – mandatory meeting at WVU Jackson’s Mill

Have open availability throughout June, the busiest month for 4‑H camps

Maintain effective communications with the 4‑H STEM supervisor and WVU College liaisons

Follow all guidelines and policies of the West Virginia University Extension Service and WVU College liaisons

Exercise mature, professional judgment in assuming responsibility for and working with youth

Prepare and submit reports and evaluations as requested by the supervisor

Travel to sites and conduct needed activities promptly

Each Ambassador will be evaluated by their supervisor

Length of Assignment
4.5 months (approximately 30 days of work)

Location
Various locations throughout West Virginia; location changes weekly during the assignment.

Pay
Salary of $3,000‑$4,000 ($125 per day for an average of 30 days). Room and board provided while on assignment. STEM Ambassadors are guaranteed 25 days of work, with additional opportunities sometimes available.

Time Required
May 17, 2026 to August 10, 2026 (or part thereof). Weekends and overnight stays at various statewide 4‑H camps will be required. Full assignment schedules will be determined based on need and ambassador availability.

Qualifications

A high school diploma or equivalent with at least one year of college (24 credit hours) from a sponsoring college. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply.

The program is sponsored by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, WVU Medicine’s Exercise Physiology and Immunology and Medical Microbiology programs, and the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Current undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a STEM degree from at least one of the sponsoring colleges are eligible. Example majors/minors include but are not limited to:

Eberly College of Arts and Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Geology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology, Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology.

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering: Aerospace Engineering, Biometric Systems, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mining Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering.

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design: Agroecology, Agriculture Education, Animal & Nutritional Sciences, Applied & Environmental Microbiology, Biochemistry, Environmental Protection, Horticulture, Human Nutrition & Foods, Environmental Soil and Water Science, Soil Science, Wildlife & Fisheries, Wood Science.

WVU School of Medicine: Exercise Physiology, Medical Laboratory Science, Immunology, Medical Microbiology.

The ability to be energetic, enthusiastic, quick‑thinking, adaptable, diplomatic, and prompt.

The ability to teach and motivate youth while nurturing positive self‑esteem, decision‑making skills, responsibility, and leadership.

A sincere commitment to cooperating with others to further the educational purposes of the STEM curriculum.

Ambassadors must be able to provide their own transportation to locations across West Virginia (a travel stipend is provided).

Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Essential Functions

Deliver curriculum on a variety of STEM topics.

Communicate in written and verbal form and work with youth and adult participants of differing age and skill levels; provide necessary instructions to youth.

Observe youth behavior, assess appropriateness, enforce safety regulations, policies and emergency procedures, and apply behavior‑management techniques.

Respond to environmental and hazards related to activities.

Assist youth in emergencies (fire, evacuation, illness, injury).

Have physical strength and endurance required for constant youth supervision and other assigned duties.

Questions
Contact Suzanne McDonald at smcdonal@mail.wvu.edu or 304‑293‑9892.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.

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