SciFair Mentor
Mentors work in pairs with teens from various schools and organizations throughout
the country. Most support teams that build science fair exhibits featuring Cornell
research and expertise. They focus on reinforcing and motivating math, science,
technology, engineering and social studies learning in a fun, collaborative setting.
Commitment to the youth and good communication skills are essential. Applicants
must be familiar with Windows computing and be available for regular 2+ hour blocks.
Times vary depending on the site to which a mentor is assigned. Weekly workload
is less than 10 hrs/week including prep time and other tasks. A background check
might be required. Hiring usually takes place at the beginning of the fall semester,
plus additional hiring if needed in the spring or as the need arises. We look for
a diverse group of mentors, with combined skills and background in working with
teens, education, engineering, science, as well as technical skills.
Availabiliy: Hiring in late August through September. Additional
hiring in the early spring as needed.
SciCentr Developer
We periodically hire developers for a variety of projects. Specific jobs include
3D modeling, programming, web design, or exhibit content design. A developer will
usually create an interactive component of an exhibit for our Virtual Science Museum,
as part of a development team, or a reusable module for teen builders. Exhibits
are designed for educational use within our other programs and educational community.
Technical and creative skills, and sometimes specific experience with subject matter,
are required according the specific position. Developers are generally expected
to work 10-15 hours weekly during the academic year, and up to 20-30 hours weekly
for summer appointments.
Availabiliy: Hiring in early Fall or Spring, or late spring for
summer work. Additional hiring as needed.
Summer Events Coordinator
Coordinators work in pairs to develop, coordinate and lead activities for summer
outreach programs focused on the creative use of virtual worlds for science and
technology communication. These 3-5 day events engage youth from 11-18 (and sometimes
educators) in a fun 3D multi-user online environment and may include related outdoor
activities on campus. The coordinators work closely with staff to plan activities,
produce online and paper materials, enlist volunteers and coordinate logistics.
Activities are based on the SciFair Model and will be adapted to the ages and skill
levels of the programs. Ideal candidates have experience working with teens (e.g.,
coaching, mentoring, camp counseling) and in Web design and computing in a Windows
environment. Combined team expertise must include strong organizational and interpersonal
skills and creativity. The job runs through June and July, and Coordinators are
expected to work up to 30 hours/week most weeks, and up to full time on event weeks.
CPR and First Aid certification is required.
Availabiliy: Hiring in mid-spring (march/april).
General Information
Students hired for all of these positions are encouraged to work with others to
improve their skills and share ideas, as well as to grow into other activities and
projects as time allows. For example, we try to give mentors opportunities to take
on development projects, and developers the chance to help with special events.
Students with FWS or CU Tradition are encouraged to apply, but work-study status
is not required. We can also often accommodate students on a course-credit or volunteer
basis, who have a particular interest in working on one of our projects. In the
past, this has included independent study courses, Masters' degree projects, and
projects within academic courses.
