Federal Work Study Job Descriptions
Below is a list of the numerous types of positions available on campus for Work Study students. Each position listed includes a general summary of the role, qualifications, and Career Ready core competencies students will obtain through their appointment.
Note: For Tech students looking for additional on-campus jobs or other part-time opportunities outside of the Federal Work Study program, please log in to your Handshake account in Tech Express to explore positions coordinated by the Center for Career Development.
The Federal Work Study program is a great opportunity for students to earn real experience in a job setting while also providing early networking chances with your peers. I can credit a lot of what I’ve learned to being involved in the program my entire time here at Tennessee Tech.
FWS 2024-2025 Term Dates
- Fall 2024: August 12, 2024 - December 6, 2024
- Spring 2024: January 16, 2025 - May 2, 2025
Upcoming FWS 2025-2026 Term Dates
- Fall 2025: TBD
- Spring 2026: TBD
- » Athletics Assistant
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Assists with clerical duties, answering phones, and desk coverage. Assists with ticket office sales, game day set up, athletic team assistance, and other duties as assigned. A good candidate would be someone who can be physically active. Computer knowledge, professional work ethic, great communication skills, detail oriented, customer service driven. Hours may include nights and/or weekends.
Duties & Responsibilities: Assists with the daily maintenance of any physical activity rooms, gymnasium area, training rooms, and equipment rooms. Assists with tasks that could include doing laundry, sanitizing gym equipment, and cleaning up after events. Some entry level office tasks as needed. Set up and break down after athletic events.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Oral/Written Communication skills
- Teamwork/Collaboration skills
- Other skills developed: customer service skills
- » Childcare Assistant
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Interact appropriately with children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Support the teachers and assistants in the classroom with daily operations that provide age-appropriate activities. Assist with daily office operations as determined by supervisor. Assists with clerical duties, answering phones, and desk coverage. Maintains office tasks such as filing, organizing, shredding and running errands. Other duties as assigned.
Duties & Responsibilities: Students may be required to complete a background check. A strong desire to work with children and families to exhibit the highest standards and best practices in childcare and early education professions. Must be willing to meet and exceed the Department of Human Services (DHS) rules and regulations - training provided. Computer knowledge, good work ethic (dependable) and communication skills, ability to follow directions, good phone etiquette, willingness to learn.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Critical Thinking/ Problem Solving
- Oral/Written Communication skills
- Professionalism/Work Ethic
- Other skills developed: baseline customer services skills
- » Clerical Support Specialist
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Assist with daily office operations as determined by supervisor. Assists with clerical duties, answering phones, and desk coverage. Maintains office tasks such as filing, organizing, shredding and running errands. Other duties as assigned.
A good candidate would be someone who possessed basic computer knowledge, good work ethic (dependable) and communication skills, ability to follow directions, good phone etiquette, willingness to learn.
Duties & Responsibilities: Provides customer service when assisting students, community members and college employees regarding student service processes and general campus information. Identifying customer needs, and referring to the appropriate personnel or service. Sort, scan, index and file student services related documents. Performs office support duties, distributing and processing mail, responding to email requests.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Oral/Written Communications Skills
- Baseline Collaboration/Teamwork skills
- Other skills identified: baseline customer services skills; office skills
- » Computer Lab Attendant
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Assist with lab maintenance. Inspect lab technology and escalate any issues to appropriate ITS (Information Technology Services) team. Assist students to develop basic computer skills, including use of a mouse and a flash drive, file management, email composition in Outlook, internet searches, Word, PowerPoint and Excel and uploading to Dropbox. Help students who have difficulty following directions, don't understand the instructions, or are stuck because of technical issues. Copying, filing and creating documents may also be required. Other duties as assigned.
A good candidate would be someone who has a friendly, helpful, and respectful personality with good English communication skills and familiarity with computer programs taught. Must be able to assist students in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, TechExpress, and Tech's email system. Ability to troubleshoot computer connection and technical problems a plus.
Duties & Responsibilities: Preferred focus in IT/Technology related degree. Good interpersonal skills, working knowledge of basic computer programs, commitment to building positive client relationships and willingness to learn. Requires walking around quickly, moving carefully in tight quarters between computer desks, bending over, good hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills. Requires a lot of patience to work with students who are beginning computer users.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Oral and Written Communication skills
- Digital technology
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
- » Event Management Associate
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Researching events happening on campus, in local communities, and at other institutions to discover trends relevant to the student body and inform programming decisions. Keeping organized files, accurate records, and thorough evaluations on events to guide the work of future event planning. May be responsible for setting up at various events, handing out marketing materials, talking to prospective students or former students, and in general, promoting Tennessee Tech. Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
A good candidate would be someone who energetic and able to lift at least 25lbs. This position requires lifting boxes of supplies, be able to stand for periods of time, must be outgoing and not afraid to speak to people.
Duties & Responsibilities: Ability to multi-task and prioritize work, quick and efficient learner, excellent organization and management skills, strong communication and presentation skills.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Baseline Collaboration/Teamwork skills
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
- Professionalism/Work Ethic
- Written and Oral Communication Skills
- » IT (Information Technology) System Tech
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Focus on IT check out service to Tennessee Tech students. Responsible for monitoring equipment for problems on a continual basis. Provides preventative maintenance on equipment, assists with printing questions/troubleshooting printing problems, diagnose network and application problems, reports problems to supervisor if unable to resolve. Maintains printers by refilling paper and toner, addressing paper jams as they occur. Update technology instructions as necessary.
Duties & Responsibilities: Working knowledge of PC and Apple software, ability to multitask effectively, exercise patience and professionalism during stressful situations, possess the ability to work responsibly with or without direct supervision. Professional work ethic and appearance required. Preferred: prior experience in ITS. Energetic, outgoing, approachable, friendly and helpful attitude. Good interpersonal skills.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Digital technology
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
- Written and Oral Communication Skills
- Collaboration/Teamwork skills
- Other skills identified: customer service skills
- » IT (Information Technology) - iMakerSpace
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Supervise and maintain iMakerSpace facilities and equipment inventory for safe operation practices. Assist users to operate tools, 3D Printers and instruments. Schedule and track the use of the iMakerSpace. Responsible for community outreach (photo taking, content development, and hosting events) and provides guided tours to campus visitors. Commit to deadlines and complete projects.
Duties & Responsibilities: Great customer service, communication & interpersonal skills, professional work ethic and appearance. Energetic, outgoing, approachable, friendly and helpful attitude. Ability to multi-task and prioritize work, quick and efficient learner to learn new programming.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Oral and Written Communication skills
- Digital technology
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
- » Lab Assistant
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Assist staff in laboratory or fieldwork. Dispense supplies to laboratories, clean glassware, and maintain inventory/stock room. Organize work, collect and analyze data, make calculations, prepare reports, keep records, and make independent decisions. Other clerical duties as assigned by supervisor.
A good candidate would be some who possessed a professional demeanor, basic computer knowledge, good work ethic (dependable) and communication skills, ability to follow directions, and willingness to learn. College level science in any discipline preferred but not necessary. Ability to work independently. Must have to ability to bend, stoop, walk, and lift up to 40 pounds.
Duties & Responsibilities: A Lab Assistant must also demonstrate knowledge of the laboratory facility rooms and their uses, and locations of all common lab glassware and utensils. They must demonstrate knowledge of the SOPs for the main dishwashing area and execute these tasks without extra supervision.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Oral and Written Communication skills
- Digital technology
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
- Professionalism and work ethic
- Other skills: Lab skills, organizing and inventory skills
- » Lab Technician
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Perform routine tasks in a research environment. Assist staff in laboratory or fieldwork. Dispense supplies to laboratories, clean glassware, and maintain inventory/stock room. Organize work, collect and analyze data, make calculations, prepare reports, keep records, and make independent decisions. Other clerical duties as assigned by supervisor. Willingness to work with live animals, plants, and handle biological specimens.
A good candidate would be some who possessed a professional demeanor, basic computer knowledge, good work ethic (dependable) and communication skills, ability to follow directions, and willingness to learn. College level science in any discipline preferred but not necessary. Ability to work independently. Must have to ability to bend, stoop, walk, and lift up to 40 pounds.
Duties & Responsibilities: A Lab Technician would need to demonstrate the ability to care for lab animals and plants and in the general lab areas with minimal supervision. Be able to support instructors/supervisors through the completion of special projects including reorganization of any and all lab areas and maintenance and care of laboratory teaching materials. Lab Technician student workers will be expected to be self-starters such that they will demonstrate the ability to work unsupervised or to mentor other lab employees.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Digital technology
- Critical Thinking
- Professionalism and work ethic
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Oral and written communication skills
- Other skills: Lab skills, organizing and inventory skills
- » Mechanical Technician
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Assists with clerical duties, answering phones, and desk coverage, if needed. Maintains office tasks such as filing, organizing, shredding and running errands. Assist in the shop with daily duties including organizing supplies, laboratory/shop cleanliness, and other duties as assigned.
Duties & Responsibilities: Ability to stay focused, follow directions, contribute to a safe working environment. Basic understanding of hand tools and manual machinery. Student must be familiar with laboratory/shop safety practices and procedures. Work involves occasional bending, stooping and lifting of 40 pounds or less.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Oral/Written Communication skills
- Teamwork/Collaboration
- Other skills developed: customer service skills
- » Office Assistant
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Assists with clerical duties, answering phones, and front desk coverage. Provide additional support for data entry and general office support such as filing, organizing, shredding and running errands.
A good candidate would be someone with strong attention to detail, the ability to use self-direction and ask necessary questions when assigned to a project. Ability to communicate project process, challenges, and completion to appropriate staff. Intermediate general computer skills (experience entering data in a data system is preferred). Ability to follow directions and work on both short- and long-term projects (creating packets, continuous data entry, etc).
Duties & Responsibilities: Communicates at a high level both verbally and in writing. Commitment to deadlines and complete projects (ex: develop documents such as fliers, marketing materials) on time. Maintains strict adherence to records, privacy, FERPA regulations and confidentiality. Assists with special events.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Oral and Written Communication Skills
- Baseline competencies in Digital Technology
- Baseline skill development in Professionalism and Work Ethic
- Teamwork/Collaboration
- Other skills identified: customer service skills; office skills
- » Photographer/Videographer Assistant
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: As part of a team, you’ll be responsible for creating video and possible photo content for social media platforms and the Tech website. After initial training, you’ll be expected to assist in the gathering of photos and videos of students, events and classrooms on campus. Working under the direction of the department marketing coordinator, you’ll work closely with a team to put together content that will create a story to be shared with various audiences.
Duties & Responsibilities: Must possess some videography skills and some photography skills, have working knowledge of Adobe Premier Pro, iMovie or other video editing tool, as well as Adobe Lightroom. Experience with DSLR cameras a plus.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Digital technology
- Critical Thinking
- Professionalism and work ethic
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Oral and written communication skills
- Other skills: Organizing and inventory skills
- » Recreational Assistant
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Assist with daily office operations as determined by supervisor. Assists with clerical duties, answering phones, and desk coverage. Monitors orderly operation of the fitness room and provides routine maintenance to fitness equipment. Ensures fitness areas is adequately stocked with water, towels, and clean equipment.
Duties & Responsibilities: Personable, dependable, willingness to learn. Looking for specific interests such as: lifeguard, sports officials, sports field maintenance, fitness instructors, swim instructors, bike maintenance experience, and camping and outdoor experience. Students may be required to submit to a background check.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Oral/Written Communication Skills
- Other skills developed: customer service skills
- » Research Facilitator
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Assist professors in development and implementation of experiments. Perform complex laboratory tasks with minimal supervision. Responsible for care of research animals/plants in one or more of the department's buildings during weekends and vacations. Advanced or upper level coursework along with extensive knowledge of lab equipment and procedures are required.
Duties & Responsibilities: Professional demeanor, basic computer knowledge, good work ethic (dependable) and communication skills, ability to follow directions, and willingness to learn. Ability to multi-task and prioritize work, quick and efficient learner, excellent organization and management skills, strong communication and presentation skills.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Digital technology
- Critical Thinking
- Professionalism and work ethic
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Oral and written communication skills
- Other skills: Organizing and inventory skills
- » Social Media Associate
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Works in conjunction with the staff to create the customization of a social media marketing campaign. Aids in developing social media content and post to various platforms. the Social Media Intern will develop and execute social media strategy by creating on-trend dynamic social content with engaging visuals to improve brand awareness, engagement, and advocacy of the department or program. The individual should be focused, resourceful and dependable, and able to multitask while working in a fast-paced environment.
Duties & Responsibilities: Develop and coordinate creative social media content across major social media platforms, assist with marketing needs of our Lead Designers, collaborate with coworkers to ensure branding is consistent, assist with marketing planning and goals, ability to multi-task and prioritize work, quick and efficient learner, excellent organization and management skills, strong communication and presentation skills.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Digital technology
- Critical Thinking
- Professionalism and work ethic
- Oral and written communication skills
- Other skills: Organizing and inventory skills
- » TA - Teaching Assistant
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Supports faculty in assisting students enrolled in courses and other duties as assigned. Assist students with technology, course work, issues in iLearn or other course-specific software. Assist with running break-out sessions and meetings. May assist with editing/creating instructional materials for ‘classroom’ use. Outreach to students via email/social media. Assist with departmental projects as needed. Internet research. Other support duties as assigned. Maintains strict adherence to records, privacy, FERPA regulations and confidentiality.
Duties & Responsibilities: An A or B grade in the course(s) of which to be a TA. A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher may be required based on your assignment. Please note that some, not all, major concentrations or assignments will require sophomore grade level or higher. Responsible, dependable, honest, mature, and sensitive to a diversity of students. Disposition to help, prepare and teach others to achieve success.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Oral/Written Communication skills
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
- Leadership
- Baseline Collaboration/Teamwork
- Other skills developed: customer services skills
- » Theater Production, Design & Technology
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Support the faculty of the Backdoor Playhouse on campus by assisting in productions and performances. Students will participate in teamwork-based activities that may include (but are not limited to) set construction, management, design, social media networking, painting, health and safety, and interacting with community members.
Duties & Responsibilities: Communication skills, work well with others, participate in events, show interest in learning new skills.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Ability to Meet Deadlines
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Teamwork/Collaboration Skills
- » Tutor
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Provide individual and/or small group tutoring to students. Assist students in improving academic achievement by meeting with them on a regular basis to clarify learning problems, work on study skills by coaching to assist in the student becoming a successful, independent learner. Other assistance might include: reviewing class material, discussing the text, predicting test questions, formulating ideas for papers, or working on solutions to problems. Tutoring is a supplement to classroom teaching. Maintains strict adherence to records, privacy, FERPA regulations and confidentiality.
Duties & Responsibilities: An A or B grade in the course(s) to be tutored. A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher may be required based on your assignment. Please note that some, not all, major concentrations or assignments will require sophomore grade level or higher. Responsible, dependable, honest, mature, and sensitive to a diversity of students. Disposition to help, prepare and teach others to achieve success.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Oral/Written Communication skills
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
- Leadership
- Baseline Collaboration/Teamwork
- Other skills developed: customer services skills
- » University Representative
Federal Work Study Rate of pay for the 2022-2023 Award year is $10.00 per hour. Hours must be completed within the term dates listed above.
Purpose/Role of Position: Assists and provides timely and accurate information about Tennessee Tech, to students, callers and office visitors with a focus on exceptional customer service to potential and existing students. Assists with daily office operations as determined by supervisor. Assists with clerical duties, answering phones, and front desk coverage. Performs data entry tasks. Maintains office tasks such as filing, organizing, shredding and running errands. Communicates at a high level both verbally and in writing. Commitment to deadlines and complete projects on time. Assists with special events. Works independently, but willing to take directions, asks questions and ensure all assignments are completed on time. Maintains strict adherence to records, privacy, FERPA regulations and confidentiality. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Duties & Responsibilities: Exceptional customer service/communication skills, professional work ethic and appearance, ability and interest to promote Tennessee Tech to potential students, deep level of understanding of the importance of confidentiality, precise attention to detail.
"Career Ready" Core Competencies:
- Oral and written communication skills
- Baseline skill development in Professionalism and Work Ethic
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
- Baseline competencies in Digital Technology
- Other skills identified: ability to meet deadlines; customer service