Desk Assistant - STEM Branch Library, Earth and Mineral Sciences

Location: University Park

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

* CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

* CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

* If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires you to have received a work-study award. To verify if you have received a work-study award, please consult the Financial Aid Award Summary area in your LionPATH account. A Federal Work Study award does not guarantee a job is available.

The Earth and Mineral Sciences Library is offering a Federal Work Study eligible customer service-oriented individual to provide assistance at the reference and circulation desk. Responsibilities include providing service to library users; performing circulation transaction functions; opening and/or closing the library; assisting in the location of materials in the stacks, Course Reserves, reference, and on-line collections; shelving library materials, shelf-reading and maintaining collections;

miscellaneous clerical, technological, and problem solving activities and projects assigned by or in absence of full-time staff; and answering general information and basic reference questions.

Experience in a public service setting preferred especially library experience and excellent computer skills preferred. Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills required. Requires the ability to follow directions and keep a schedule. Must be a dependable team player. Hours are subject to change during the adjustment of operation during semesters, breaks, and holidays. Commitment of 10-24 hours a week. Night and weekend availability preferred. 

Seeking to interview, hire and train students in Spring 2026, with the position beginning fully in Fall 2026.

To apply for this position, please upload a cover letter and resume to indicate the hours that you are available to work.

The starting hourly rate for this job is $12.00.

Federal Work Study job performance is evaluated either annually or through ongoing mentorship. Students who received a Federal Work Study award have the opportunity to obtain a job and perform related duties either on campus, or remotely, if possible and at the discretion of the employer. Students applying for Federal Work Study positions should clarify expectations with their potential employer regarding either on campus/in person or remote work arrangements.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact .

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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