Temporary WVU STEM Ambassador - Division for Land-Grant Engagement

WVU STEM Ambassadors act as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) instructors and camp/cabin counselors during 4-H summer camps and events in West Virginia. Given training and materials, ambassadors will deliver pre-arranged STEM curricula to youth at 4-H Camps and events across the state of West Virginia during the time frame of May 18, 2025, to August 5, 2025. Other assignments may include county 4-H day camps, summer youth program sites, state 4-H camps located at Jackson's Mill, and the West Virginia State Fair located in Lewisburg, WV in August as well as assembly and distribution of STEM kits and materials. Room and board is provided while on assignment at camps, but ambassadors must be able to provide their own transportation to locations across West Virginia. Ambassadors will have the opportunity to work at least 25 days between May 18, 2025, and August 5, 2025, with additional opportunities possible based on need and availability (on average, ambassadors work 30 days throughout the summer). Please note that positions are limited so interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

What you'll do:

Working under the direction of the supervising Extension Faculty member, the STEM Ambassador will:

• Lead organized STEM educational classes and activities at 4-H summer camps, including (but not limited to):
  
  
  
  
  • Deliver STEM curriculum courses
  • Offer STEM activities throughout the day
  • Assist Camp Director and camp staff with other camp duties
  • Camper Counseling and/or youth supervision duties (in camp/cabin settings)
  • 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 18-May 23, 2025. This is a mandatory training held at WVU Jackson's Mill.
• Participate in the STEM Ambassador End of Summer Meeting on Tuesday, Aug 5, 2025. This is a mandatory meeting held at WVU Jackson's Mill.
• Have open availability throughout the entire month of June. This is a prerequisite as June is 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 conduct evaluations as requested by the Supervisor.
• Travel to site and conduct needed activities on a timely basis.
• Each Ambassador will be evaluated by their Supervisor.

Pay: $125 per day

Length of Assignment: Approximately 4.5 months

Work Hours: 37.5 Hours per week

Time Required: May 18, 2025 to August 5, 2025, or a portion 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.

Location: Various locations throughout the state of West Virginia; location to change weekly for duration of assignment.

Individuals serving as 4-H STEM Ambassadors must have:

• 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 4-H STEM Ambassador 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 Microbology 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 colleges listed below are eligible for employment. Example majors/minors for each sponsoring college include but are not limited to:
  
  
  
  
  • Eberly College of Arts and Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Geology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology, Forensic Biology and 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, and 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, and Wood Science.
  • WVU School of Medicine: Exercise Physiology and Medical Laboratory Science, Immunology and Medical Microbiology
  • We do have a small number of grant funded positions. These positions are open to applicants with a major focusing on Science, Engineering, Technology, or Math from WVU colleges not listed above or from other institutions of higher education.
  
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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 in youth
• A sincere commitment to cooperating with others to further the educational purposes of the 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
• Ability to deliver curriculum on a variety of STEM topics;
• Ability to communicate in written and verbal forms and work with youth and adult participants of differing age and skill levels; provide necessary instructions to youth;
• Ability to observe youth behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and policies and emergency procedures and apply appropriate behavior management techniques;
• Visual and auditory abilities to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to activities;
• Ability to assist youth in emergencies (fire, evacuation, illness, injury);
• Possess physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of youth and perform other assigned duties.

Questions about the STEM Ambassador Positions?

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

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