The OWRC has completed regular hiring for the 2009-2010 academic year!

The Odegaard Writing and Research Center (OWRC) has now officially completed hiring of writing tutors for Early Fall Start and the 2009-10 academic year.  We thank all our strong applicants, and we're excited to welcome our new staff members.  Future applicants are invited to review the materials and processes below to gain an understanding of what we are seeking and of our hiring process!

 

 
We are seeking:

1) Qualified writing tutors who can join our weekly schedule starting Early Fall Start or Fall 2009

2) Qualified substitute writing tutors who will have the ability to pick up shifts during busy periods and/or step in when one of our regularly scheduled tutors needs an afternoon or evening off 
 
A detailed job description is posted below.  We will be accepting materials until noon July 31, 2009 (though you're encouraged to apply early for a better chance at securing a position).  Please contact Jenny Halpin at owrc@u.washington.edu with questions. 

 

Job Description:

The OWRC supports UW students, staff, and faculty members from all disciplines on any type of writing -- and through all stages of the writing process.  We primarily assist our "clients" in three ways.  First, as peer tutors, we engage in conversation to help writers understand fully what any given writing situation is asking them to do; second, we help writers plan clearly how to complete assignments or writing tasks successfully; and third, we help writers execute that plan from the initial brainstorming (and research where appropriate) through the development and submission of a successful draft.  We're here to support writers in developing healthy practices and gaining autonomy, not to 'do the work for them' or 'clean it up at the end'.
 
The job requires patience and good listening skills as well as the ability to identify both strengths and difficulties/possibilities in others' writing.  When applicable, tutors will also work with Odegaard reference librarians to help students with their information literacy and research needs. While quarterly training sessions (paid) will be provided to better equip tutors to assist the Center's varied student population, applicants with a strong grasp of academic writing conventions, flexible thinking skills, and an ability to communicate writing strategies clearly to others will be given preference.  
 
Tutoring at the OWRC is a great opportunity to work in a relaxed, fun learning environment while also gaining valuable experience.  The skills acquired through this work  serve tutors throughout their academic and professional careers.

Requirements:
-- Excellent written and oral communication skills; demonstrated academic success; knowledge of and ability to clearly articulate academic conventions
-- Ability to work collaboratively with students, other tutors, the writing center director and assistant director, faculty members, and reference librarians

-- Ability to work two or more afternoon and/or evening shifts per week (for a total of 8-10 hours/week) and willingness to sub as needed
-- Ability to attend quarterly paid training sessions (often held on Fridays or Saturdays at the beginning of each quarter) and to participate in follow-up assessment by senior staff once a quarter
 
Desired Qualities:
-- Prior experience as a tutor, mentor, teacher, facilitator, or academic coach
-- Ability to use a variety of approaches to diagnose and problem-solve
-- Experience working with ESL students
-- Interest in pursuing leadership opportunities at the Center (e.g., developing and delivering workshops, assisting with the training of new staff, attending regional writing center conferences, facilitating monthly meetings, marketing and representing the Center at various Center events, etc.) 
-- Desire to be involved in the intellectual and interpersonal life of the Center, engaging in ongoing conversations about our craft
 -- Ability to work the full academic year

 

Wage:
-- Starting wage for undergraduates, alumni, and pre-MA graduate students is $10.00 an hour (raises are offered to returning tutors)
-- Starting wage for post-MA graduate tutors is $15.00 an hour (raises are offered to returning tutors)

-- Work study students are qualified to earn higher wages; contact the OWRC director for details
 
To Apply:
Please submit the following materials as one MS Word document attachment (labeled "OWRC 2010 Hiring: your last name") by email to owrc@u.washington.edu

(a) cover letter describing your qualifications and why you want to be an OWRC tutor
(b) current curriculum vitae (cv) and
(c) 5-7 page polished writing sample (course papers are preferred; excerpts are fine; please begin the sample by commenting briefly on the assignment or writing context)

Again, e-mail this application document to owrc@u.washington.edu.  If you do not receive a response within 72 hours of applying, you are encouraged to resend your application or inquire after your application by phone, by email, or in person.   Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2009.  Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.  We will call in top applicants for interviews during the second week of August and make job offers by no later than August 17, 2009. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) How many hours per week do OWRC tutors work?

OWRC tutors are scheduled to work a couple of shifts (8-10 hours) per week at times that fit their academic schedules. Regularly scheduled tutors submit availability and shift preferences every quarter.  We are able to accommodate a variety of academic schedules.  Substitute tutors work fewer hours per week with more variability.

2) Do you provide training for your tutors?

We provide 10-15 hours of paid training throughout the academic year.   Intensive training occurs the first week of each quarter on a Friday or Saturday afternoon.

In addition to paid training sessions, tutors receive anonymous student feedback on a regular basis, meet with senior staff members at least once a quarter to discuss their progress as a tutor, and attend monthly 'sofa chats' where they and various other tutors sit around the sofa and discuss a wide range of writing-center-related issues with the director and assistant director.  Tutors are also encouraged to chat one-to-one throughout the quarter with the director and assistant director about effective tutoring practices.  All of these things mean tutors get plenty of support as the year progresses!    

3) I don't have any tutoring experience.  Should I even apply?

Of course!  Previous experience does not matter as much as you might think.  More often than not, we look for individuals who are friendly, have a strong understanding of academic writing conventions in a variety of disciplines (e.g. what is a thesis?) and are able to effectively communicate their responses as readers and their own strategies as writers with others.  

4) Why are post-MA graduate students paid a different wage?

A large number of graduate students use our center every quarter.  Many of these students require the assistance of a post-MA graduate tutor to help them with their MA theses, dissertations, articles for publications, and/or conference proposals.  Since post-MA graduate students have completed a higher level of education and are familiar with all or most of the writing genres listed above, they are placed on a different pay scale. 

5) What is a substitute tutor? Can a regularly-scheduled tutor work as a substitute tutor as well?

Substitute writing tutors are individuals who work irregularly and have the ability to pick up shifts during busy periods and/or step in when one of our regularly scheduled tutors needs an afternoon or evening off .  Since we have many tutors on staff, sub requests are often sent out on a weekly basis.  The nice thing about being a sub is not being tied down to a weekly schedule and having the option of picking up as many (or as few) shifts as desired.  Regularly-scheduled tutors can also act as subs and have the ability to pick up extra shifts if they like as well.  

6) I'm graduating soon, but I plan to stay in the Seattle area.  Or, I am studying abroad part of next year.  Can I still apply?

Of course!  As long as you can attend our preliminary training sessions in August and September, you are encouraged to apply.

7) I applied for a tutoring position but I never heard back from you.  What gives?!

Sorry! We likely didn't receive your application.  Please email us if you do not hear back from us within 72 hours of submitting your application.

8) Why should I work at the OWRC?

Because we're a great place to work!  Our staff has a reputation for being bright, funny, and easy to work with.  In addition, unlike a typical retail or administrative position, OWRC tutors have an opportunity to make a difference in people's lives.  Where else can you get paid to instill confidence in others, help students become proficient writers, and engage in smart (paid!) conversation on a variety of academic and professional topics? 

Last but not least, we pride ourselves on making sure that our tutors leave our center more prepared for whatever academic or professional endeavor they're pursuing.  If you're planning to pursue an advanced degree, we'll help you to craft your personal statement/statement of purpose and to improve your candidacy for a TA or RA-ship.  If you're planning to enter the job market immediately after graduation, we'll help you revamp your resume and give you an opportunity to sit in on interviews and learn how to effectively communicate with potential employers.  If you plan to teach one day, we'll give you an opportunity to lead writing workshops and present workshops at regional writing center conferences.  In short, we'll do our best to ensure that you leave the center better prepared for a range of professional challenges.
 
Notes: 
This job classification is governed by a negotiated labor contract and is subject to union shop provisions. For more information about union shop provisions, visit: http://www.washington.edu/admin/hr/jobs/apl/union-info.html

The University of Washington is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206.543.6450 / 206.543.6452 (tty) or dso@u.washington.edu