By Zorian Edwards, Editor-In-Chief
Daemen provides various working opportunities for students interested in working at the university while taking classes. There are Federal work-study (FWS) and nonfederal work-study positions available.
FWS is a federally funded program based on financial need. Students may work up to 10 hours per week and are paid biweekly at New York State minimum wage. You can check if you have FWS by emailing employee engagement at hr@daemen.edu.
Students who do not qualify for FWS can still find on-campus positions. Additional nonfederal work-study jobs will come during the spring semester when the student leadership survey is released.
The student leadership survey will include positions such as resident assistant (RA), orientation leader (OL) and diversity ambassador (DA).
Some positions may be filled by the time you read this.
Nonfederal work-study
Dining Hall Positions
Students can apply to work in dining services as supervisors, dishwashers or cooks. Applicants should be reliable, committed to the Daemen community and have flexible availability.
“From time to time, positions open in the Den or at 78 West,” said Jessica Lively, general manager of dining services. “I encourage students to apply through our website or by stopping in the dining services office for an application. If we do not have anything available now, we will hold your application for reconsideration next semester.”
Students can contact Lively at jlively@daemen.edu or visit the dining services website for more information.
Tour Guide/Admissions Student Assistant
Students can apply to work as campus tour guides, becoming one of the first smiling faces new students see when they visit Daemen. The position may be offered as either federal or nonfederal work-study, depending on eligibility. Tour guides are required to work some weekend events, pick up weekly tour shifts and be present on campus.
“We are looking for students who are approachable, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the campus,” said Emma Alvarado, assistant director of admissions events. “It is important for a student to be friendly and open while also sharing accurate and helpful information. A good candidate would also be professional and dependable. Most importantly, a student should show genuine pride and excitement for Daemen because that energy helps visitors picture themselves attending Daemen University.”
Interested students can contact Alvarado at ealvarad@daemen.edu or Jill Baltzley at jillian.baltzley@daemen.edu for more information.
Federal work-study (FWS)
Building Operations Assistant
This position involves setting up and taking down events alongside the Student Affairs team in the Yurtchuck Student Center (YSC). Responsibilities may include maintaining the YSC patio and courtyard, managing event tables and placing table covers. The position offers a flexible schedule, with hours available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
“I am looking for folks with customer service experience, problem-solving skills, and the ability to take initiative in their role,” said Dominic Hannon, assistant director for student center operations, said. “With the BOA position being a relatively new concept, I’m also looking for students who want to be a part of a critical role in the day-to-day of the Yurtchuk Student Center and help bring new life to the building and its offerings. If you are looking to gain skills in event planning, want to always know what’s happening on campus, and enjoy working in a faster-paced environment, the BOA position is for you!”
English Department Work-study Assistant
This position involves managing the front desk in the English Department (DS138). Responsibilities include handling documents such as locating, scanning and shredding. Other tasks include placing items on reserve in the Research and Information Commons (RIC), fulfilling faculty library requests and completing assignments as needed. The position is open to all majors, though English majors are preferred.
“Someone with a sense of whimsy that matches the institutional culture of English. Someone who will laugh at my jokes. Someone who will take my side in conflict with Dr. (Margaret) Artman,” said Hamish Dalley, chair of the English Department. “The employee needs to be personable and welcoming – a good face/first impression for the department. They should be reliable and fulfill their posted requirements. They should be responsive to requests for assistance with designated tasks.”
Financial Aid Work-study
This position involves assisting with filing, photocopying, mailing correspondence and completing additional tasks as assigned in the Financial Aid Office (DS111). The role helps ensure the office runs efficiently.
“We are looking for a student who is available during our normal office hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and who has strong verbal and written communication skills as well as good organizational skills,” said Scott Row, director of financial aid.
Global Programs Office Work-study
This position is based in the Global Programs Office (DS149), working under Ann Robinson, executive director of global programs, and Elizabeth Renner, associate director of global programs. Responsibilities include answering phones, filing documents, running errands on campus, creating bulletin boards and assisting with additional office tasks.
“We are looking for someone who is curious and willing to engage with the global community,” Renner said. “The student should have strong attention to detail, be familiar with office equipment such as computers and phones, be able to handle confidential matters and be comfortable working as part of a team. Experience with graphic design or social media is a plus.”
This position is based in the Research and Information Commons (RIC), assisting with daily operations. Responsibilities include helping staff with library functions, processing interlibrary loans, locating books for patrons, shelving materials and completing additional tasks as needed.
“A student’s work schedule remains the same for the entire semester, and we count on them to be at the desk during their scheduled time,” said Andrea Sullivan, head of reference and library instruction. “Approachability is also important. Our desk is where people stop for directions—not just for our building, but for the entire campus. A warm, friendly face at the desk makes all the difference in those situations.”
Office of the President Student Work-study Assistant
In this position, you are asked to assist with daily operations in the Office of the President (DS107). Job requirements include being proficient in Microsoft and Google Office products, professionalism, ability to multitask, and more.
“We are looking for someone with basic technology and office skills who is open to doing tasks ranging from stuffing envelopes to assembling PowerPoint decks to running errands on campus and everything in between,” said Katie Meyer, executive assistant. “No day is the same in the President’s Office, so we’re looking for someone who is energetic and also extremely detail-oriented, with a true ‘can-do’ attitude. There are some confidential aspects to the job as well, so a high level of maturity and professionalism is required.”
This position is located in the RIC (Research & Information Commons). Requirements include interaction with the public, politeness, dependability, responsibility, and good communication skills. You will work under the supervision of the reference librarians and assist students with locating appropriate materials for their assignments.
“Our student workers are often the ‘first line’ of help in triaging requests for research assistance,” said Andrea Sullivan, head of reference and library instruction. “This is definitely a forward-facing, people-oriented campus position…I’ve had students come into classes with me to assist with library instruction. They’ve also helped with library programs in the RIC, as well as assisted other library staff with projects. While there are definite expectations with this position, there is also room for creativity.”
S.M.A.R.T. Squad (Information Technology) Work-study
S.M.A.R.T. Squad is looking for dedicated student workers to become a part of their team. This position includes assisting faculty and students with technological problems, troubleshooting issues (phone and in person), and helping maintain the S.M.A.R.T. Squad “How do I?” database.
“We look for anyone interested in learning more about technology,” S.M.A.R.T. Squad said. “They could be a tech-savvy person who is looking to gain hands-on experience, or a non-tech-savvy student looking to gain a better understanding of how things work. As long as they are open to learning, are trustworthy, and able to communicate and interact with people well, we’re happy to have them.”