Graduate Assistant for Environmental Science and Engineering Department (Teaching and Research)

Posting Summary

The Graduate Assistant will support the Environmental Science and Engineering Department through laboratory preparation, instructional support, departmental laboratory operations, outreach activities, and general program support. Responsibilities may include preparing laboratory spaces and materials for courses, maintaining and organizing field and laboratory equipment, assisting faculty with hands-on learning activities, supporting outreach and recruitment events, and helping with departmental operations related to student engagement and program visibility.
NACE Competencies:
Students in this position will demonstrate the following competencies:
1.Communication:  The Graduate Assistant will clearly and effectively communicate with faculty, staff, students, and external visitors when supporting laboratory activities, outreach events, field activities, and departmental operations. .

2.Professionalism:  The Graduate Assistant will demonstrate punctuality, reliability, respect, and accountability when working with faculty, staff, students, and department partners. The Graduate Assistant will prioritize and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner to support laboratory readiness, course activities, outreach events, and departmental goals.

Essential Functions: 
The position may involve some or all of the following.
1.       Prepare laboratory spaces, materials, supplies, and equipment for environmental science and engineering laboratory courses, ensuring all setups meet established safety standards and protocols.

2.       Set up and assist faculty with instructional laboratories, demonstrations, field activities, and hands-on learning experiences while adhering to safety guidelines.

3.       Maintain, organize, calibrate, and operate field and laboratory instruments used to measure environmental parameters in accordance with safety and operational procedures.

4.       Support department laboratory operations, including inventory tracking, equipment organization, supply checks, cleaning/resetting laboratory spaces, and basic troubleshooting, while maintaining a safe working environment.

5.       Prepare chemical solutions and perform wet chemistry tests as needed for instructional laboratories, demonstrations, or departmental activities, following proper chemical handling and safety procedures.

6.       Enter, clean, organize, and summarize data using Excel spreadsheets or other applicable software for course, laboratory, outreach, or departmental needs.

7.       Understand and practice laboratory safety protocols, chemical hygiene procedures, and safe handling of equipment and materials, and assist in promoting a culture of safety within the laboratory environment.

8.       Assist with outreach, recruitment, and student engagement activities, including open houses, high school visits, campus events, environmental demonstrations, summer programs, and department/program events.

9.       Support faculty and staff with departmental projects, communication materials, event preparation, and student engagement initiatives.

10.  Perform other duties as assigned within the scope, responsibility, and requirements of the position.

Education: Requires full-time enrollment in the M.S. Program in ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & MANAGEMENT or a similar graduate program and an undergraduate degree in appropriate science or engineering discipline.
Experience: General chemistry coursework or experience performing wet chemistry tests.
Licenses and/or Certifications: Must have a driver’s license.
University Mission: Must be able to support and promote the University’s Mission.

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Must be able to lift 25 lbs