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Program Assistant Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

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Program Assistant information

See State College, PA salary details

$21K

$44.7K

$61.6K

How much do program assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for program assistant in State College, PA is $44,715.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,700.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a program assistant do?

A program assistant provides administrative support for a program office, such as an academic department or a unit of a non-profit. As a program assistant, your job duties may include scheduling travel, coordinating logistical issues for executives or other team members, filing, and performing other clerical tasks as needed. To become a program assistant, you typically need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate and administrative work experience. Some employers may also require a college degree. Additional qualifications include strong multi-tasking, organizational, and communication skills, along with computer proficiency.

What does a program assistant do?

A Program Assistant provides administrative and organizational support to program managers and teams within an organization. Their responsibilities often include scheduling meetings, maintaining records, coordinating events, handling correspondence, and assisting with project logistics. Program Assistants play a vital role in ensuring that programs run smoothly by managing day-to-day tasks and supporting communication among team members. They may also help with data entry, preparing reports, and liaising with clients or participants. The specific duties can vary depending on the organization and the type of program they support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in administrative tasks, typically supported by a high school diploma or associate degree. Familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office Suite, database management, and scheduling systems is commonly required. Excellent communication, multitasking, and problem-solving abilities help you effectively support program operations and interact with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure smooth program administration, efficient workflow, and high-quality support for team goals.

What are some typical challenges a program assistant might face when supporting multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Assistants often juggle multiple responsibilities across various projects, which can make prioritization and time management challenging. Balancing competing deadlines, handling last-minute changes, and coordinating with diverse team members require strong organizational skills and adaptability. Successful Program Assistants proactively communicate with supervisors and colleagues, use digital tools to track tasks, and remain flexible to shifting priorities. Developing these habits helps ensure projects run smoothly and supports overall team effectiveness.

What skills do you need to be a program assistant?

A program assistant needs strong organizational and communication skills to manage tasks and coordinate activities effectively. Attention to detail, proficiency with office software, and the ability to multitask are also important for success in this role.
More about Program Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in State College, PA?

The most popular types of Program jobs in State College, PA are:

What job categories do people searching Program Assistant jobs in State College, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Assistant jobs in State College, PA are:

What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Program Assistant jobs?

Cities near State College, PA with the most Program Assistant job openings:

Program Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Assistant job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,715 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Part Time Wildlife Program Assistant

Penn State University

Petersburg, PA • On-site

$32K - $40K/yr

Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

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.

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
Position Summary:
Wildlife Program Assistants support essential operations of the Wildlife Program within the Klingsberg Aviary and Litzinger Herpetarium at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center of Penn State University. This includes completing daily tasks like diet preparation, husbandry, enrichment, water tests, facility maintenance and record keeping. Assistants also work alongside and support students and other emerging professionals in comprehension, comfort, and completion of designated daily tasks.
This is an emerging professional's position - the selected candidate can expect to be trained on the job and is expected to gain comfort and competence in higher level responsibilities over time. The candidate will be supported with career development and guidance from full-time staff.
Primary Duties:
  • Support and ensure completion of daily tasks within the Aviary and Herpetarium
  • Support students in completion of daily tasks of Wildlife Career Development Program
  • Develop new skills in wildlife care and conservation under support of full-time staff

Position Scope:
Assistants are entry-level positions for Emerging Professionals with an interest in working with wildlife under human care. Assistants work with continuing full and part-time staff to support daily operations of the Wildlife Program.
Competencies Required:
  • Effective Knowledge - no experience is required. Assistants will be trained in all aspects of the position, including animal behavior, husbandry, training, enrichment, and facility maintenance.
  • Accountability and Self Management - the varying daily tasks require Assistants to manage their time effectively to accomplish time sensitive assigned tasks and support daily operations flow.
  • Teamwork and Leadership - Assistants must work with a variety of staff and educational operations. Assistants must be timely and clear communicators and follow through on their obligations.
  • Communication - Assistants are expected to communicate with full-time staff to prioritize a diverse portfolio of needs. They are expected to communicate workload balance and distribution, if they need support accomplishing their work, or if assistance is otherwise needed.
  • Innovation and Problem Solving - Welfare and husbandry concerns, frequent changes in weather, and other unforeseen events require Assistants to engage in basic problem solving to address new situations.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
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 814-865-1473.
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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