Graduate Assistant - Natural Resources

Overview

Status: Part time, 20 hrs/week, Fall and Spring semesters only

Reports to: Assistant Dean of Faculty

Compensation: $5,000 per semester, Fall and Spring semesters ($10,000 total); 73% tuition scholarship, all four semesters; and optional on-campus housing, discounted rent of $100/month, Fall and Spring semesters.

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Dean of Faculty, the Natural Resources Program Graduate Assistant will assist faculty in Natural Resources, Forestry, Recreation, and Environmental Science programs in delivering experiential programming to undergraduate students. Support may include preparing and teaching labs, providing instructional support on field trips, and assisting with logistics, supervision, and student support.

• Provide academic instructional support as appropriate, based on applicant qualifications, in Natural Resource content areas.
• Drive students to labs in 11-passenger vans.
• Assist with Canvas learning management system (LMS) as needed.
• Provide occasional instructional and/or supervisory support on overnight academic field trips.
• Work occasional weekends as needed.
• Assist with other duties as assigned in Academic Affairs.

• Bachelor’s degree in a Natural Resources or Environmental content area from a four-year institution and enrollment in Paul Smith’s College Master’s degree programs.
• Should be highly motivated, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and a passion for teaching and learning.
• Effective planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with students, faculty, staff, and the community.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to support a safe and inclusive campus community.
• Must live on campus or within a short commute.
• Able to work evenings and weekends.
• Driver’s license and driving record acceptable to PSC insurance carrier.
• Prior teaching or tutoring experience preferred but not required.
• Ability to effectively use and/or learn Microsoft 365 software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and student support software in the academic setting.

Environmental Conditions

• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in a wooded, mountainous setting.
• Anticipate a variety of weather conditions including rain and snow.
• Anticipate a shared or dedicated office setting when on campus.

Lifting and Carrying

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Frequent lifting and carrying of light to moderate office equipment (laptop or meeting materials, etc.).

Mobility

• Sitting and computer work as needed.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and kneel to pick up items, as necessary.
• Climbing various staircases across the campus to engage in meetings and/or presentations.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain when assisting field trips.
• Possible canoeing and hiking to support experiential education.

Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination

• Manual dexterity for handling small office-related objects.
• Fine motor skills for work performed on laptop.
• Infrequent need to reach overhead or below shoulder level to perform work duties.

Sensory Requirements

• Good vision, including color vision, with corrective lenses, as necessary.
• Good hearing with assistive devices, as necessary.

Paul Smith’s College is an equal opportunity employer. Position descriptions are created that focus on essential functions, using inclusive language, and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory requirements.