Graduate Assistant Position

The GA will work closely with the College of Science Dean’s office staff to help administer and run outreach programs held in summer of 2027. The main summer programs are four residential science camps for middle and high school students and professional development workshops for high school science teachers. 

The goals of the camps are to: (1) provide an enriching science experience for all, (2) foster each camper’s sense of belonging in science, (3) help campers learn of sciences and careers that are rarely discussed in schools, (4) give campers the opportunity to meet other kids who also love science, and (5) demystify the college experience and application process. Campers may apply for need-based scholarships to defray camp costs.

Our goals for the teacher workshops are to: (1) give teachers up-to-date knowledge of their subject area(s), (2) introduce hands-on, engaging lesson plans for their classrooms, and (3) provide networking opportunities with other teachers.

Position Description

Spring and Summer Graduate Assistant (GA) Position for Science Outreach

The GA position runs during spring and summer terms, from Dec. 25, 2026 to August 9, 2027 (last day is negotiable).

Responsibilities are:  

Spring into summer:

• Run a robust student staff hiring process, including recruiting, interviewing, selecting, training, and scheduling camp staff.
• Learn and use VT’s admissions software, SLATE, to review and process camp applications, scholarships, and camper documents.
• Coordinate with Continuing and Professional Education to manage camp payments.
• Correspond with parents and campers by email and phone.
• Complete Office of Youth Protection training and FERPA training.

Summer:

• Work with Housing to assign rooms for all camps.
• Serve in a residential capacity for 2 of the four camps, supervise camp staff, and be on-call in cases of emergency.
• Plan and participate in social team-building activities with campers and RAs in evenings.
• Lead daily staff check-ins during camps.
• Manage crises, as needed, e.g., sick camper, behavioral issues.
• Manage student accommodations, as needed.
• Evaluate the camps and assess student-learning outcomes.
• Help with program logistics, including: Signing in/out campers at the start/end of each camp; Opening classrooms and operating AV technology for instructors; Scheduling van drivers.
• Keep supervising staff informed of any issues that arise.

Salary is $2908 /month based on 20 hours per week on average. Some weeks will require more than 20 hours (e.g., during the two camps) but your average will NOT go above 20 hours/week. 

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional and responsible and timely.
• Strong work ethic.
• Ability to think through potential problems ahead of time and plan accordingly.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and successfully manage multiple assignments.
• Highly organized with good attention to detail.
• Competent with word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications (Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Google Apps (Sheets, Docs, etc), and Zoom).
• Discrete in handling confidential information.
• Patient and adaptable.
• Must pass background checks.
• Must be on campus during all camps and much of summer term.
• Experience working/leading youth, e.g., as camp counselor or teacher.

Preferred qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a master’s level or higher program in: Higher Education Administration/Student Affairs, Science Education, Education Policy, Social work, or a related program.
• Problem solving skills to manage complex tasks and/or to balance competing interests.
• Previous experience working in Housing or Residential Life.
• Must have a valid US driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Willing to drive self and campers as needed.

Note: The above qualifications describe the ideal skill set for candidates. We encourage you to apply even if you do not possess all of the listed qualifications.

How to Apply

Please prepare the following application materials using 1-inch margins and a font of 11 point or above:

 1. A one-page personal statement that covers: 

• Why you are interested in the position.
• How this program will help address your educational and career goals.
• What you expect to gain from this experience, if selected.
• Any relevant interests, collaborations, and skills that are not covered in your resume, CV, or transcripts.

2. CV or resume (please tailor to this job application)

3. Contact information for two people willing to serve as a professional or academic references.

4. Copy of your most recent university transcript (unofficial is fine).

Combine all of your application materials into one (1) PDF document and name the document “Lastname_Firstname_GA2027.pdf”, e.g., Smith_Sarah_GA2027.pdf.

Email application to explorescicamp@vt.edu. Applications will be considered starting October 7, 2026. You may address questions to that email address as well.