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

 

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Are you passionate about recycling or the environment? Do you enjoy talking with people about recycling or about what actions they can take to improve the environment? Penn State Sustainability's Sustainable Operations team is seeking students for the 2026 Tailgate Ambassadors Program sponsored by PepsiCo. To promote sustainability and improve the fan experience in our tailgating lots on game days, and at basketball, hockey and/or wrestling events, we are seeking to employ up to 20 Tailgate Ambassadors. Training and resources will be provided.

 

Tailgate Ambassadors can expect to work at least four hours every home football game day. Exact times may be dependent on the kickoff time, and shifts will finish at least 30 minutes before kickoff.

There will be two roles available every home football game day: tailgate lots and the Tailgate Ambassadors booth sponsored by Pepsi. Ambassadors will engage with fans at the booth and/or in the tailgate fields and engage with volunteers helping Ambassador efforts on game days.

 

At the booth, engagements will include activities such as:

• Engaging with fans, answering questions and promoting a welcoming Penn State environment
• Promoting sustainability-related behavior through games and interactive activities
• Taking pictures and creating social media materials to market the activities 

 

In the tailgate fields, Ambassadors will be:

• Engaging directly with fans at their tailgates to answer questions and discuss recycling practices
• Taking pictures and creating social media materials to market the activities 
• Nominating potential winners of the Recycling Tailgate of the Game award

In the spring semester, Tailgate Ambassadors can expect to work at least four hours at home basketball, hockey, and/or wrestling events. There will be two roles available: 1) staffing waste stations to engage and educate fans about proper disposal of waste and recycling; 2) staffing an informational table. At the table, engagements will include activities such as:

• Engaging with fans, answering questions and promoting a welcoming Penn State environment
• Promoting sustainability-related behavior through games and interactive activities
• Taking pictures and creating social media materials to market the activities 

Responsibilities 

• Work at least five home games for the fall 2026 season, the 2027 Blue and White game, and from one event per month to two events per week during the spring semester.
• Receive training
• Assist fans with various gameday questions 
• Assist with setup and teardown of Tailgate Ambassador booth/table
• Staff the Tailgate Ambassador booth/table
• Facilitate interactive activities in the booth/table
• Walk around tailgate lots interacting with fans about recycling
• Nominate tailgates for "Pepsi's Recycling Tailgate of the Game" award 
• Potentially take photographs and create social media materials
• Staff waste stations at sporting events during the spring semester
• Other duties as assigned 

 

Salary  

$16/hour 

 

Minimum Qualifications 
Strong communication and teamwork skills

Must be a current Penn State Student. 

Submit a resume and cover letter on Workday to be considered. 
 
Preferences 

Open to all majors and degree programs.

Ideal candidates must be comfortable engaging with people and working as part of a high-performance team.

This is an in-person job.

Candidates should plan to be available for entire program duration, but candidates only available for Fall of 2026 will still be considered.  
Priority will be given to work study students.

Program operation dates are between September 2026 and The Blue and White Game during Spring 2027, with strong preference for those available for Spring 2026 Blue and White game.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

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

 

 

 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

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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