Student Employment & Work Study is available to currently enrolled students at Porterville
College. Our purpose is to coordinate the hiring of on-campus job placement and various
off-campus placements funded by Porterville College by the Federal Work Study Program,
Campus Work Study Program, and CalWORK's Work Study Program.
Student Employment Work Study
It is our goal to provide students with vital employment experience, supplemental income, and an accommodating schedule while working toward a degree or certificate.
Job Openings
California Renewable Energy Laboratory (CREL) Student Ambassador
Job Description
Applicants for the Student Ambassador program must have a passion for climate change, energy, and sustainability. Must be enrolled at Porterville College. Must attend mandatory virtual trainings, meetings, and collaborate with other CREL Student Ambassadors from Kern CCD’s three colleges, outside partners, and community members. Must attend campus events, develop surveys to assess campus understanding of renewable energy, and report responses with the help of their supervisor. Candidates are required to regularly upload deliverables and collaborate with CREL staff to plan and carry out objectives related to CREL’s Centers of Excellence.
Preferred Courses/Skills
- Strong interest in the energy, climate, and sustainability disciplines
- Organizational and communication skills
- Takes initiative
- Must be professional, reliable, and flexible
- Strong interpersonal skills
Learning Opportunities/Work Experience Benefits
The Student Ambassador will focus on one center of excellence and an area of interest. Ambassadors will have the flexibility to design or participate in an event, presentation, or workshop to help educate their campus on renewable energy and sustainability related projects and programs with the support of their supervising program manager. Participants will attend a virtual training at the start of the program to develop their understanding of CREL and the Student Ambassador role at each campus.
- Paid work experience
- Explore interest in climate, sustainability, and renewable energy.
- Network with the California Renewable Energy Laboratory staff, industry partners, and community members.
- Develop written and verbal communication skills.
- Receive mentorship from the supervising CREL Program Manager.
- Leadership and professional development.
- Upon completing the program, participants will qualify to become a Lead Ambassador for the next cycle of Student Ambassadors during the 2025/2026 academic year.
GEAR UP Tutor/Mentor
Job Description
GEAR UP Tutor/Mentor will provide after-school academic support and mentoring to high school students at various school sites, assisting with homework, test prep, and high school-level assignments across subjects. This is a great opportunity for college students pursuing education or helping professions to gain hands-on experience supporting youth. Training is provided.
Preferred Skills/Courses
- Current PC Student, preferably majoring in education, counseling, social work, or a related field
- Strong knowledge of core high school subjects (e.g., math, English, science, history)
- Experience working with youth or in an educational setting
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to serve as a positive role model and mentor
- Dependable, punctual, and able to work independently and as part of a team
- Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse student populations
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus but not required
- Reliable transportation to assigned school sites
Learning Opportunities/Work Experience Benefits
- 9 month employment
- Afternoon and Evening hours during the weekday
- Gain hands-on experience working directly with high school students in an educational setting
- Network with educators, school staff, and college access professionals
- Learn how to support diverse learners and promote college and career readiness
- Strengthen time management and organizational skills in a professional environment
Rising Scholars Student Ambassador
Job description
The Rising Scholars Student Ambassador serves as a peer leader and representative for the Rising Scholars Program, supporting students who are justice-impacted or formerly incarcerated. Ambassadors help build a welcoming and supportive environment by connecting students to campus resources, sharing their own experiences, and encouraging student engagement.
Duties/Responsibilities
Serve as a positive role model and advocate for Rising Scholars students. Help plan, organize, and facilitate outreach events, workshops, and campus activities. Assist with program presentations to classrooms, community partners, and at special events. Provide peer mentorship by sharing strategies for academic success, navigating college systems, and overcoming challenges. Help connect students to campus resources such as tutoring, counseling, financial aid, and basic needs services. Participate in program meetings, trainings, and professional development activities. Support Rising Scholars staff with administrative tasks such as outreach calls, creating flyers, or maintaining program spaces. Contribute to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all Rising Scholars students. Student must have physical capability for light lifting and standing for extended periods of time.
Learning Objectives/Work Experience Benefits
Valuable leadership, communication, and outreach experience. Opportunities to participate in professional development and campus training. A chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of fellow Rising Scholars students.
Preferred Skills and/or Courses
Must be a current Rising Scholars student or have experience with the justice system or similar lived experiences. Strong communication skills and ability to connect with diverse student populations. Willingness to share personal experiences in a professional and appropriate manner. Dependable, flexible, and able to work collaboratively as part of a team. Passionate about helping peers succeed and building community.
Hours and Compensation
- Flexible hours
- Monday – Friday
- 15 hours per week
- Compensation rate: Minimum wage
Minimum Qualifications
- Enrolled in at least 6 units at Porterville College
- Completion of the FAFSA
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
- Eligibility determined by Financial Aid Office
Student Assistant – Food Pantry, Fueling Station & Neighborhood Market Distribution
Job Description
The Student Assistant will support Porterville College’s food support initiatives, including the Food Pantry, Fueling Station, and the monthly Neighborhood Market Food Distribution. This role involves physically demanding work, both indoors and outdoors, and offers students an opportunity to make a direct impact on food security efforts on campus.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with monthly Neighborhood Market Food Distribution events, including unloading and distributing food items, directing student and community traffic, and providing general setup and takedown support
- Perform heavy lifting (up to 50 lbs) and repeated physical movement such as bending, walking, and carrying items in varied weather conditions (heat, cold, or rain)
- Receive, unload, and organize large food deliveries for the Food Pantry
- Restock pantry shelves, maintain cleanliness, and ensure proper food storage and rotation per food safety standards
- Monitor expiration dates and report inventory needs
- Operate the Fueling Station, which includes transporting a stocked cart across campus to distribute free snacks and beverages to students
- Provide friendly and helpful service to students utilizing food services
- Participate in occasional outreach and promotional activities related to food programs
- Follow campus safety and food handling protocols at all times
Benefits/Learning Outcomes
- Hours will vary depending on needs of the campus, anywhere between 8 up to 19 hrs per week
- Gain hands-on experience in community service and food program operations
- Build transferable skills in teamwork, customer service, time management, and logistics
- Develop an understanding of food safety and health standards
- Contribute to supporting student well-being and basic needs
Preferred Skills and Coursework
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to work in physically demanding environments
- Ability to interact respectfully and professionally with diverse student populations
- Interest in public health, nutrition, social services, or community outreach is a plus
- Completion of or enrollment in coursework such as Health, Nutrition, Social Work, or Public Service is preferred
Minimum Requirements
- Enrolled in at least 6 units at Porterville College
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements
Maintenance & Operations – Grounds
Job Description
Working in outdoor settings, raking leaves, trimming bushes, and dispose of trash/waste.
Preferred Skills
Time management, basic yard work skills, adaptability, and physical ability.
Learning Opportunities
The student will gain interpersonal and communication skills, learn how to maintain the health and appearance of the landscape.
Hours and Compensation
- Flexible hours
- Monday – Friday
- Up to 19 hours per week
- Compensation rate: Minimum wage
Minimum Qualifications
- Enrolled in at least 6 units at Porterville College
- Completion of the FAFSA
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
- Eligibility determined by Financial Aid Office
Maintenance & Operations – Maintenance
Job Description
Clean, vacuum, wash vehicles, assist in keeping work areas organized and clean.
Preferred Skills
Time management, basic cleaning skills, adaptability, and physical ability.
Learning Opportunities
The student will gain interpersonal and communication skills, time management skills, and equipment knowledge.
Hours and Compensation
- Flexible hours
- Monday – Friday
- Up to 19 hours per week
- Compensation rate: Minimum wage
Minimum Qualifications
- Enrolled in at least 6 units at Porterville College
- Completion of the FAFSA
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
- Eligibility determined by Financial Aid Office
Cashier - Swap Meet Foundation Office
Job Description
- Knowledge of cash handling
- Collect entry and vendor fees
- Make and provide receipts
- Track customer entry and counts
- Ability to multi-task and cross train as needed
- Customer service oriented
- Serve as ambassador to customers as needed
- Cash reconciliation
- Clean and maintain workstation & break areas
- Support event safety and rules
- Maintain event grounds
Custodial - Swap Meet Foundation Office
Job Description
- Support event setup
- Customer service oriented
- Serve as ambassador to customers as needed
- Support event safety and rules
- Ability to multi-task and cross train as needed
- Perform routine cleaning and maintenance:
- Hourly bathroom checks and restocking
- Hourly bathroom sanitation
- Trash removal
- Maintain event grounds
- Clean and maintain workstation & break areas
Maintenance and Operations: Custodial
Job Description
General routine custodial duties, to include dusting, taking out trash, mopping, vacuuming, cleaning restrooms, and restocking paper and soap supplies. Assisting with event setups and breakdowns. Washing carts.
Preferred skills
Basic knowledge of cleaning procedures and supplies. Knowledge of how to use cleaning equipment such as vacuums and cleaning products.
Hours and Compensation
- Flexible hours
- Monday – Friday
- 10-15 hours per week
- Compensation rate: Minimum wage
Minimum Qualifications
- Enrolled in at least 6 units at Porterville College
- Completion of the FAFSA
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
- Eligibility determined by Financial Aid Office
Forms
- Direct Deposit form
- Application for Student Employment
- Completion of the WTE Training and Student Orientation
Note regarding the Direct Deposit and Payroll process: Student payroll is processed on the 1st of every month in the form of a check. To receive Direct Deposit, submit the Direct Deposit form to the Financial Aid Office.
For Work Study Supervisors
To access the Student Worker Request Form and Student Worker Evaluation Form, please go to the Porterville College Portal.
