Helena College offers Montana State and Federal Work-Study Programs. The Work-Study Programs provide on- and off-campus employment opportunities to students in order to help meet their educational expenses. The Work-Study Program is funded through part of a total financial aid award based upon financial need. Students must be eligible in order to qualify for employment.
Students who participate in the Work-Study Program are paid biweekly. Students earn their Work-Study award on an hourly basis, the same way they would at a regular job.
Job Search & Responsibilities
The Work-Study Program provides students flexibility and responsibility. The Scholarship & Work Study Officer does not provide job placement for students; thus, jobs are not guaranteed for any student who is eligible for a Work-Study award.
Helena College operates its Work-Study Program in a “free market” environment, which means that the College does not assign you to a specific job. You are free to apply to any open position. The job search process allows for open communication between the student and supervisor and encourages students to contact only those departments and/or supervisors of jobs of interest. If a student has trouble finding a job or has not received responses from one or more supervisors after several attempts by email or phone, he/she should contact the Scholarship & Work Study Officer for assistance.
Although many employers post vacancies on the Work-Study Positions webpage throughout the academic year, most job openings are posted at the start of the school year in July and August. Don’t wait! Begin applying to positions early.
We recommend that you apply for several positions. The more positions you apply to the better your chances are of obtaining a job. Applying to just one position and waiting to hear back before applying to additional openings is not a good strategy.
If you do not hear back from an employer, follow up no more than a week or two later to reinforce your interest in the position and inquire about the status of your application.
To check your eligibility and obtain applications, please contact the Scholarship & Work Study Officer or the Financial Aid Office.
For more information regarding the Work-Study Program at Helena College, please review the Student Employment Handbook. If you are a supervisor looking for information here is the Work-Study Supervisor Handbook.
Work Study Positions for 2025-2026 Academic Year!
Admissions & Records Work-Study
Department: Admissions & Records
Date Posted: 7/1/2026
Semester/Year: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Location: Donaldson Campus
Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
Hourly Pay Rate: Starting at $14.00
Position(s) Available: 2
Supervisor: Marika Adamek , Assistant Registrar—406-447-6910
The Work Study position is key in supplementing coverage in the Welcome
Center and record management. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Filing and record management,
• Answer and manage calls on a multiline phone,
• Accept and process documentation from current and prospective students
• Make phone calls on behalf of the Admissions Counselors and Assistant Registrar,
• Address inquiries from students and the public in the Welcome Center,
• The Work Study may assist students with registration on our computers,
• Assist in mailings generated by both Admissions and Records,
• Aid Recruitment efforts through data entry, assembling packets, and answering questions about the admissions process and Helena College programs.
Other requirements: knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, and Canvas recommended, but not required.
America Reads Work-Study
Department: Financial Aid Office
Date Posted: 7/1/2025
Semester/Year: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Location: Local Elementary Schools
Hourly pay rate: Starting at $13.00
Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
Position(s) Available: 2
Supervisor: Valerie Curtin , Executive Director of Compliance & Financial Aid—406-447-6913
Duties: Are you passionate about helping kids learn and grow? The America Reads work-study program offers an exciting opportunity for students who want to make a real difference in the lives of young learners. As a tutor, you’ll work with children from K through 5th grade, helping them build essential reading or math skills. Whether you're guiding a kindergartener through their first storybook or helping a 5th grader tackle tricky math problems, your support will empower students to grow in confidence and succeed academically.
America Reads Tutors may work one-on-one or in small groups, at any of the local Helena Public schools. This role is perfect for students who love working with children, are considering careers in education, or simply want to give back to the community. It’s a rewarding, hands-on experience—and it’s paid through work-study. If you're ready to inspire young minds and make a lasting impact, America Reads is the place to start!
Art Studio Aide/ Media Arts Studio Aide
Department: General Education- Fine Arts
Date Posted: 7/1/2025
Semester/Year: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Location: Donaldson Welcome Center
Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
Hourly Pay Rate: Starting at $13.00
Position(s) Available: 1
Supervisor: Seth Roby , Fine Arts Instructor, 406-447-6992
Duties: This is a work-study position designed to support the daily operations and upkeep of the art/media arts studio at the Donaldson campus. This role primarily involves monitoring the art room during non-instructional hours (typically Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) to ensure a safe, accessible, and organized working environment for students. Responsibilities include overseeing the use of tools and studio space, checking tools in and out to students, assisting with tool access and return, prepping materials for lessons, and ensuring the room is clean and orderly. The aide may also help set up the room, refill cleaning supplies, wipe down surfaces, and support the display of student artwork, including helping with the HC Showcase art show.
This position is essential due to the growing demands of the art program and the need for students to have extended access to studio space outside of class time. With specialized tools and materials provided by the college, it is crucial that these resources are properly monitored to prevent loss or damage. The studio aide serves as a point of contact for the instructor when they are not present, ensuring both the safety of the space and that student needs are met. This role offers valuable hands-on experience for students familiar with art materials and studio environments, providing 1–3 hours of work per assigned day while fostering responsibility, organization, and communication skills.
Aviation
Department: Aviation
Date Posted: 7/1/2025
Semester/Year: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Location: Airport Campus
Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
Hourly pay rate: $15.00
Position(s) Available: 1
Supervisor: Tod Dumas , Aviation Instructor —406-447-6360
Duties: Cleaning of hanger areas for setup and cataloging parts and training aids. Building and repair of training demonstrators. Performing aircraft maintenance projects on school aircraft.
Business Office Work-Study
Department: Business Services
Date Posted: 7/1/2025
Semester/Year: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Location: Donaldson Campus
Hourly pay rate: Starting at $14.00
Hours: up to 20 hours per week
Position(s) Available: 2
Supervisor: Cari Schwen, Executive Director of Fiscal Services—406-447-6920
Duties: Include but are not limited to: answering customer questions, providing information on procedures or policies; counting money in cash drawers at the beginning of shifts to ensure the amounts are correct and that there is adequate change; issuing receipts, refunds, credits, or change due to customers; maintain clean and orderly working areas; receive payment by cash, check, credit cards, vouchers, or automatic debits; direct customer complaints; calculate total payments received during a time period and reconcile this with total database transactions; perform general office duties including sorting mail, copying, faxing and filing; and handing confidential information. To be able to perform the duties specified above, the cashier assistant must be computer literate, have a good knowledge of Microsoft Office, have an accounting/math background, and have exceptional communication skills. Attention to detail is required as well as reliability, punctuality, and willingness to learn.
Financial Aid Work-Study
Department: Financial Aid Office
Date Posted: 7/1/2025
Semester/Year: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Location: Donaldson Welcome Center
Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
Hourly Pay Rate: Starting at $14.00
Position(s) Available: 2
Supervisor: Valerie Curtin, Executive Director of Compliance & Financial Aid—406-447-6913
Duties: Help new and returning students file FAFSAs, assist with completing financial aid paperwork, answer questions regarding financial aid, update databases, do mailings, records management, and assist the financial aid staff with other projects. Organize publications and events for financial literacy.
Other requirements: Excellent customer service and phone etiquette skills, attention to detail, filing and computer skills, as well as critical thinking. Must maintain a HIGH level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of any and all information regarding students and personnel.
Facilities & Maintenance Work-Study
Department: Facilities & Maintenance Department
Date Posted: 7/1/2025
Semester/Year: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Location: Donaldson Campus/Airport Campus on occasion
Hours: Flexible, up to 20 hours per week
Hourly Pay Rate: Starting at $13.00
Position(s) Available: 2
Contact: Tommi Haikka, Assistant Director of Facilities and Maintenance – office 406-447-6936
Duties: Responsible for event venue set-up of furniture and fixtures to include cleaning before
and after event. Greeting and interacting with college staff, faculty, and guests to satisfy their
needs including last minute changes. Perform general routine custodial work such as sweeping,
mopping, vacuuming, emptying trash and recycling, cleaning windows, shoveling snow;
cleaning, sanitizing and resupplying restrooms as well as special custodial work. Maintenance
work includes fixing and repairing and general maintenance.
Other requirements: Must possess good customer service skills. Maintain a HIGH level of ethical
behavior. Able to work with a team and independently, as well as have time management skills.
Fire & Emergency Services Work Study Assistant Position
Department: Fire and Emergency Services
Date Posted: 7/1/2025
Semester/Year: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Location: Airport Campus
Hourly Rate: $15.00
Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
Position(s) Available: 1
Contact: Nolan Eggen email: Nolan.eggen@helenacollege.edu phone: (406)447-6982
Duties: Responsible for cleaning of the fire and emergency bays, as well as all equipment needed for regular operations of courses or hands one activities. Performing regular maintenance on all vehicles in the fire and emergency center bay areas. Assisting with set up and tear down of course activities or projects needed as determined by position supervisor.
Other Requirements: (if applicable) This position will occasionally require lifting equipment roughly 25lbs - 50lbs crawling under/over various emergency equipment, climbing ladders, working in enclose areas, as well as standing for long periods of time while performing duties.
Library Learning Hub Work-Study
Department: Library Learning Hub
Date Posted: 7/1/2025
Semester/Year: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Location: Donaldson Campus
Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
Hourly Pay Rate: Starting at $13.00
Position(s) Available: 2
Supervisor: Kris Goss, Director of Library Services—406-447-6942
Duties: This position at Helena College provides courteous assistance to students, faculty, staff, and others who use the Library Learning Hub, supporting the smooth operation of library services. The position works under the supervision of the Librarian and the Director of the Library Learning Hub and requires a professional, dependable attitude.
Key responsibilities include helping patrons with library materials and services such as circulation, computer logins, the research self-help area, copier and color printer use, study room reservations, and general library policies and procedures. Employees are expected to check their work basket each day for assignments and updates, communicate any equipment or procedural issues promptly to library staff, and maintain detailed notes when needed. If late or absent, employees must notify the library staff immediately.
Additional duties include checking and refilling paper in copiers and printers, disinfecting public surfaces and equipment, retrieving and sorting mail, processing new library materials (stamping, labeling, assembling covers, attaching spine labels), handling Independent Records and magazine routing, preparing outgoing packages, and caring for library plants. Other tasks may be assigned as needed to support daily operations.
Marketing & Communications Assistant
Department: Marketing & Communication
Date Posted: 7/1/2025
Semester/Year: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Location: Donaldson Campus/Airport Campus on occasion
Hourly pay rate: $15.00
Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
Position(s) Available: 1
Contact: Abigail Rausch, Director of Marketing, Communication, & Alumni Relations - 406-447-6954
Duties: Are you outgoing, creative, and interested in being more involved on campus? The Helena College Marketing & Communications Department is looking for a student worker to help us tell the story of our campus community!
What you’ll do:
•Attend events on campus and in the community
•Take photos and gather content for social media
•Help write fun and engaging captions
•Share ideas for social media posts and student-focused campaigns
•Help with email newsletters, flyers, and other materials
•Support planning for events like First Thursday
•Keep an eye out for outdated signs or things that need updating around campus
•Assist with alumni programming and other projects as needed
Depending on your interests, you may also get to help with video projects or design materials.
What we’re looking for:
•Someone who enjoys writing or storytelling
•Comfortable using (or learning to use) social media like Instagram or Facebook
•A positive attitude and willingness to learn
•Able to work independently and meet deadlines
•No formal experience needed—just bring your energy, ideas, and interest!
Bonus if you have (but not required):
•Experience with photography, video, or graphic design
•Interest in marketing or communications
•Experience working with different kinds of people or groups
Parking Monitor Work-Study
Department: Facilities & Maintenance
Date Posted: 7/1/2025
Semester/Year: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Location: Donaldson Campus/ Airport Campus
Hourly pay rate: Starting at $13.00
Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
Position(s) Available: 1
Supervisor: Tommi Haikka , Assistance Director of Facilities & Maintenance—406-447-6936
Duties: the applicant needs to be able to perform several duties, such as parking lot patrol, administering parking permit program, issuing parking ticketing recommendations to the Executive Director of Operations and/or Facilities Director. The work study may be under the instruction of the Personnel Officer and the Facilities Director, or his designated representative.
Expectations: the successful candidate will be expected to maintain a regular schedule of work always arriving at the designated times. The work study maybe at times, given responsibilities of access to sensitive areas of staff, employees and classrooms. However, they will not be allowed to enter the Faculty area without express approval from the Facilities Director.
The Salon at Helena College Work Study
Department: Cosmetology
Date Posted: 7/1/2025
Semester/Year: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Location: Donaldson Campus
Hours: 15-19 hours per week (some Saturdays)
Hourly Pay Rate: $15.00
Position(s) Available: 2
Supervisor: Dawn Anderson, Director of Cosmetology- 406-447-6937
Duties and Responsibilities: We are looking for an experienced professional who excels at organization, is customer service orientated, and who loves to help students pursue their cosmetology career!
As the front desk receptionist, you will have the opportunity to support educational aspects of the school by presenting a professional, knowledgeable "face" of the student salon. You will be working with students and the public to ensure smooth day to day operations, while being part of the educational and professional growth of our students! You will also support student retail sales of product used on clients.
Some day-to-day responsibilities included but are not limited to: Dependability and reliability are a must in this position with an excellent attendance record with minimal late arrival or leaving early. Answering phone lines while assisting customers, students, and staff being a role model for students and embodying professionalism, maturity and exceptional organizational skills. Balance and reconcile daily cash and make safe drops each night. Maintain and update booking software program to coordinate student and client schedules as well as assisting with documenting and tracking student services lists. Respond to all inquiries regarding services, admissions, and general school information from clients, students, staff, and delivery companies. As well as maintain a high level of cleanliness and organization to the Salon lobby while assisting students with selling retail products to their clients as well as rebooking them.
Student Wellbeing & Engagement Work Study Position
Department: Student Wellbeing and Engagement
Date Posted: 7/1/2025
Semester/Year: Fall 2025 & Spring 2026
Location: Donaldson Campus/Airport Campus on occasion
Hourly pay rate: Starting at $13.00
Hours: Up to 20 hours per week
Position(s) Available: 1
Contact: Katelynn Eberhardt, Director of Student Wellbeing and Engagement - 406-447-6962
Duties: Assist the Director of Student Wellbeing and Engagement with: prize distribution and record keeping, supervising student events and activities, marketing and promotion of events, creating and posting flyers, administrative duties for the office of student Wellbeing and engagement, and other duties assigned.
This position will gain experience coordinating events, advertising and promoting activities s, project
planning and administrative skills. Interpersonal skills and communication skills are essential; this
position will require social engagement.
The student will be expected to participate in occasional staff meetings and trainings offered by the
Director of Student Wellbeing and Engagement.
New Tiered Payscale for Work-Study
The three tiers have been determined by
- The range and complexity of job duties,
- The knowledge and skills requirements necessary to perform the job, and
- Equity (wage relationships with other student employees doing similar work).
Student Earning Ceiling
The chart below reflects the estimated number of hours a student may work per week to fully utilize his/her employment eligibility during the academic year. These figures are based on a possible 30 weeks of work for the academic year (excluding breaks).
Work Study Student Appreciation Week!
Work Study Student Appreciation Week is April 13-17, 2026.
Why We Celebrate:
Helena College employs a wide variety of Work Study Students who perform invaluable services with passion, commitment, and initiative. All while developing important skills and experience they will carry with them into their future careers upon graduation. Our work study students contribute so much to the campus community and provide access and support to our students’ success.
In addition, through the Federal Work Study Program, several local nonprofit agencies hire Helena College students to work in community service positions for their organizations.
We encourage all departments within Helena College to recognize them for all their hard work not only during Work Study Student Appreciation Week, but all throughout the year to let them know that their efforts are valued.
Work Study Supervisors nominate their student workers for the Work Study Student of the Year Award!
Purpose:
The Helena College Work Study Student of the Year Award was established to recognize and help promote the outstanding contributions and achievements of Helena College students who effectively combine campus work with their academic commitments. We look to supervisors within the college to nominate student employees who they feel are especially worthy of recognition based on their performance.
Nominee Criteria:
Nomination forms should be completed by the Work Study Supervisor each year and submitted to the Scholarship & Work Study Officer.
To be eligible for consideration, the nominee must be:
- Currently enrolled in at least 6 credits as a Helena College student;
- Working at least 10 hours a week on- or off-campus as a Work Study student;
- Employed with the same department/office for at least 6 months during the selection period which is the academic year July 1 st to June 30th; and
- Must be maintaining good academic standing.
Past Work Study Student of the Year Awards!
2024-2025 Work Study Student of the Year:
Amanda Moulton - Admissions & Records
2018-2019 Work Study Student of the Year:
Lakota Lawson- Admissions & Records
2017-2018 Work Study Student of the Year:
Stanley Munson- Financial Aid Office
2015-2016 Work Study Student of the Year:
Gregory Matteucci- Machine Shop
2014-2015 Work Study Student of the Year:
Lori Cooper- Student Support Center
Notice to all Helena College Work Study Students:
All payroll information/changes may be made at Cyberbear.
Instructions: Login to Cyberbear using the above link. Below the sign in boxes under the Need Help With Your Account? heading click What's My NetID? Enter the requested information to retrieve your NetID and then click the Forgot Password link to obtain password to login.
To obtain calendars of time periods and time sheets go to HR Forms page under Payroll.
Please contact the Helena College Financial Aid Department at 406-447-6916 with any questions.
Helena College provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, or political beliefs.
