EHHD Graduate Assistantships

The Graduate Assistant (GA) supports all aspects of academic support operations, including but not limited to: Academic Advising, ACTV 105, Life Skills programming, Study Hall, SAAC, tutoring program, Learning Strategies, Textbook distribution/return, AC Communication, and special department projects. 

Duties & Responsibilities: 

•     Academic Center Programming:  40%
•     Student Support: 40%
•     General and Administrative: 20%

The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience that extends beyond the classroom in the following areas: 

•     Academic counseling and college athletics
•     Networking events
•     Campus programming
•     Academic planning and tutoring college courses
•     NAVMSU
•     Tutor recruitment/training

Applicants must meet the following qualifications: 

•     Desire to work in college athletics
•     Undergraduate degree completion and/or graduate study, in an appropriate field
•     Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
•     Available to work evenings and weekends

Funding: 

• 10-month appointment.  
• Tuition waiver for the number of credits they are taking. And cash stipend is $1500 per month paid on biweekly payroll. ($750 per paycheck).  
• There is an additional payment of $150-$175 per month, amount depends on their progress in graduate school.  
• They can count on an additional $1500 minimum for the appointment.

To apply, please send your resume to Payton Stoner at [email protected].

The Storytelling project is interdisciplinary research endeavor that develops lesson plans for middle school students that incorporates Indian Education for All, Computer Science, and other content standards.  The Storytelling project is especially interested in developing lesson plans that connect with students in rural and tribal communities. The team is looking for a graduate student in Education in order to help develop, implement, and test both lesson plans for middle school students and teacher training materials to help the teachers prepare to deliver the lesson plans.  No computer science experience is necessary to join the team.

For more information, please contact Brittany Fasy at [email protected].

The Graduate School - The positions below are unavailable for AY 23-24

• Wellbeing Initiative Graduate Assistant
• Graduate Student Affairs Assistant
• Graduate Admissions & Recruitment Assistant
• Graduate Student Success Assistant
• Graduate Leadership Assistant

Learn more about this assistantship by clicking the following link: https://app.joinhandshake.com/stu/jobs/7356741 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  To be eligible for this opportunity, you must be accepted into a MSU graduate program.  You may apply before you are accepted, however, securing a position is contingent on successful admission for Fall 2023. 

Department Name:  Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Position:  Graduate Assistant (GA)
Number of Positions Open:  1

Department Description
The Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship (Jabs) is an academic college at Montana State University. The Mission of the College is to provide excellence in undergraduate and select graduate business education. We inspire creativity, innovation, and growth. More information about Jabs can be found here: http://www.montana.edu/business/index.html

Description of Opportunity

Position duration

• This position is for 19 hours/week for 10 months (AY), August 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024.

Roles and responsibilities
This positions’ main responsibilities are to support the vision, planning, implementation, and assessment of programing related to employer relations, internship and job tracking, and co-curricular event planning. The GA role will also be involved in supporting college retention, efforts, and building and maintaining relationships with Jabs students, faculty and staff, alumni, and local businesses. This is a dynamic role with opportunity for innovation and new ideas within the college. 

A. Career Engagement:

1. Assist with the tracking and dissemination of internship and job opportunities and events.
2. Support related events (e.g. Meet the Business Recruiters, info sessions, professional development workshops).
3. Work with Director of Bracken Center to streamline internship and job tracking processes.
4. Assist with employer, alumni, and club relations.
5. Assist with creative educational content (event posters, flyers, web content, etc)
6. Conduct internship and career-related presentations for select classrooms.

B. Academic Engagement/Event Planning:

1. Assist with the planning and implementation of all Jabs events
2. College-wide events such as student pop-up events, guest lecturers, career and networking events, homecoming events, fundraising events, conferences, and more.
3. Bracken Center programming such as weekly professional development and educational events and local career crawls.

C. Retention & Student Engagement:

1. Assist with the planning and implementation of the Jabs retention program including CABLE.
2. Assist with development of the Jabs Ambassador & Mentor Programs.
3. Continue to research and propose new ideas for retention & student engagement outside of the classroom including ways to promote student involvement and sense of belonging within the Jabs.

D. Program Evaluation and Assessment:

1. Assist in data collection and evaluation for all duties listed above.
2. Disseminate findings with College Leadership Team.

E. Other Duties:

1. As time/interest allows, there could be opportunities to assist with other Jabs programs and events, such as assistance in the Dean’s Suite, meeting with prospective students and their families, front office assistance in the Office of Student Services, and more.

Field-based skill description

The GA will gain hands-on experience supporting the vision, planning, implementation, and assessment of College programs and events. This will involve planning several large-scale college events and weekly small-scale events. Through this experience, the GA will develop a deeper understanding of event planning at the institutional level, relationship management with internal and external partners, and program evaluation and assessment. This opportunity will allow the GA to put research and knowledge into practice to support academic student involvement at MSU. 

Transferrable/portable skill description

This position will help the GA develop facilitation skills for program development and management, event planning, leadership, presentations and trainings, interpersonal skills, problem solving, critical thinking, communication (verbal and written) skills, data collection and analyzation, and understanding best practices in the field of student affairs. 

Preferred skills/qualifications

• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• High attention to detail with document creation/editing
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google)
• Ability to work independently and as a team
• Past event or program planning experience
• Self- starter, goal-oriented and strong sense of initiative
• Willingness to work some evening and weekend events
• In addition, you will be expected to meet all of the Graduate School Qualifications:
  • Full-time, degree-seeking graduate student accepted into a graduate program at MSU
  • Maintaining term enrollment of 6 credits
  • Cumulative and program of study GPA of 3.0 or better
  • Making progress toward the achievement of their degree
  • Meet academic requirements of a GTA position:

Education

• This position was developed in partnership with the Adult & Higher Education program.
• Students who are enrolled in another department or graduate program at MSU are also eligible and encouraged to apply.

Performance and Feedback

• The general philosophy of Jabs is to provide feedback on an ongoing basis.
• Formal feedback also will be provided on an annual basis using the standard Graduate School GTA Annual Review form.

Compensation

• Stipend: $1,550 per month over a 10-month period, August to May.
• The appointment is for an average of 19 hours/week.
• Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, an additional payment of $175/month if you are a graduate student in your first 5 academic semesters and $225/month after that, during the Academic Year (Fall and Spring) only, to defray costs including, but not limited to, living and healthcare costs.
• Tuition waivers for up to 12 credits/term are available for successful candidates but is not guaranteed.
• The student is responsible for all university fees.
• This GTA appointment is a part of a Collective Bargaining unit represented by Graduate Employee Organization (GEO), and the Montana Education Association‐Montana Federation of Teachers, MEA‐MFT. The Collective Bargaining Agreement can be found at http://mus.edu/hr/cba/collbarg.asp. You will be bound by the terms and conditions in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, applicable policies of the University and Board of Regents, and applicable state and federal laws.
• If non-academic issues arise, the GTA may take concerns to their supervisor or the University’s Human Resource Department.

Questions?

Mariah Stopplecamp
Director of the Bracken Center
Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship
406-994-1995
[email protected]

Graduate Assistant Position: MSU LIFE Scholars

IMPORTANT NOTE: To be eligible for this opportunity, you must be accepted into an MSU graduate program. You may apply before you are accepted, however, securing a position is contingent on successful admission for Fall.

Position Duration

August 15 – May 15

Position Description

The MSU LIFE Scholars program is seeking a GA to serve as a Program Assistant.  The program assistant will work as an integral part of the team to meet the needs of the students and the overall program.  Duties may include helping scholars with academics, supporting them in getting involved with campus activities, scheduling regular student check-in’s to provide both emotional and organizational support, and completing administrative tasks, as needed. The GA will foster an inclusive community among scholars, peer partners and the larger MSU campus community.

Field-based skill development description

The GA will work closely with LIFE Scholars program staff, students, and peer partners. The GA will strengthen their foundational knowledge of student learning development, culture, demographics, and sub-populations which inform current educational practice.  This position will offer opportunities to put educational research into practice.

Questions? Please contact Christy Sofianek at [email protected].

Graduate Teaching Assistantship - Hiring for Spring 2023 begins November 2022

Position: Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)

Department: Undergraduate Office of Admissions

Position Duration – This position is no more than 19 hours/week for 10 months (AY), with the option of a 2-month summer position. Position dates: August 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024. 

Position Description –

1. Assist the Associate Director - New Student Programs who manages Orientation and MSU Friday campus preview days.
2. Assist the Associate Director - Recruitment who manages prospective student recruitment efforts.
3. Assist the Campus Visit Coordinators in the scheduling and management of daily campus visits.
4. Assist in the development of student staff including Advocat Student Tour Guides, Orientation Leaders, and Student Representatives.
5. Assist in the overall administrative and management of the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

 

Field-based skill development description –

This Graduate Assistant (GA) will work for the Undergraduate Office of Admissions to support the success of prospective student recruitment and incoming student enrollment. This GA will have the opportunity to experience working with other units across campus, build relationships with various university officials, and develop a strong understanding of how the Undergraduate Admissions Office fits within the institutions structure, landscape, and overall function. Furthermore, this GA will be able to learn and practice leadership and mentorship skills with Undergraduate Office of Admissions student workers.

 

Transferable/portable skill development description –

In this role, the GA will:

• Develop facilitation skills for understanding a working unit in higher education
• Acquire leadership, management, and business skills transferrable to any industry
• Actively practice written and verbal communication skills
• Engage in large-scale outreach and marketing efforts
• Assist in the planning and execution of large-scale events and programs on campus

 

This position will challenge the GA to: 

• Critically think and problem solve when presented with a barrier
• Work in a fast-paced environment
• Work as a member of a dynamic team to achieve outcomes and goals

 

Preferred skills/qualifications –

• Personal experience or previous work with college students
• Professionalism and maturity (especially in email communication)
• Strong attention to detail
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word (tricks, formatting, margins)
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Oral, written, and/or nonverbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Meet academic requirements of a GTA position:
  • Degree-seeking graduate student
  • Maintain term enrollment of a minimum of 6 credits
  • Cumulative, term, and program of study GPA must be 3.00 or better
  • Make satisfactory annual progress toward degree achievement

 

GTA Supervisor and Leadership Philosophy -

• Supervisor: Associate Director – New Student Programs (Shannon Bangen, [email protected])
• Though this position will assist with all aspects of the office, the GTA will report to the Associate Director – New Student Programs for daily instruction and guidance.
• If workplace issues arise, the GA will express concerns to their supervisor or the University’s Human Resources department.
• The general philosophy the Undergraduate Admissions Office is to provide feedback on an ongoing basis. Furthermore, the GA will receive a formal evaluation each semester.

 

GTA Conduct -

• Exercise a sense of responsibility, judgement, and integrity on and off campus. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with all Undergraduate Office of Admissions and MSU policies; the Student Conduct Code; local, state, and federal laws.
• Know, understand, and adhere to University policies. Be well versed in the rationale behind them so that you can inform students and visitors of this information properly.

 

Position Tasks and Assignments -

• Assist in the overall administrative and management of the Undergraduate Admissions Office. This may include, but is not limited to:
  • Conducting campus visits with prospective students and family
  • Conducting and participating in virtual visits/college fairs/webinars
  • Assisting in the management of campus Preview Days such as MSU Friday
  • Processing Orientation and MSU Friday registrations
  • Assisting in the management of student workers
  • Building email and texting outreach using the CRM and texting platform
  • Participating in regular meetings with staff and campus partners for planning and collaboration purposes
  • Supporting Admissions website maintenance
  • Supporting data entry efforts
  • Managing email inquiry and phone calls
• Assist in the planning, organizing and execution of specialized projects which may include, but is not limited to:
  • Recruitment webinars
  • Presenting topics at Orientation Leader/Advocat Training classes
  • Annual Student Appreciation Banquet
  • Student worker training and management
• Other duties as assigned

 

Compensation -

• Stipend: $1,430/month for an appointment requiring 19 hours/week.
• Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the GA will also receive an additional payment during the academic year of either $175 per month for living expenses or $225 per month if the student is in their sixth or greater AY semester.
• Each term that the GA is a 19-hr/week GTA they are entitled to a maximum of 12 credits of tuition waivers for coursework needed for their graduate degree.
• The student is responsible for all university fees.

 

Application -

To apply for a position, please submit the following:

1. Current Resume or CV
2. Contact information for two professional references
3. Letter of interest for this position (Limit responses to no more than 500 words per question)
   1. Why are you interested in the position?
   2. What can you contribute to the Undergraduate Office of Admissions?
   3. What recruitment or enrollment ideas have you seen other schools employ that you’d like to challenge MSU to implement

Materials may be submitted through email to:

Shannon Bangen
Office of Admission
201 Strand Union Building
P.O. Box 172190
Bozeman, MT 59717
[email protected]

Deadline: Applications must be received by Friday, May 19, 2023. (We will continue to accept applications until the GA position has been filled)

Primary Contact with Questions -  

Shannon Bangen
Office of Admission
201 Strand Union Building
P.O. Box 172190
Bozeman, MT 59717
[email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTE:  To be eligible for this opportunity, potential candidates must be accepted into a MSU graduate program. Since many of the learning outcomes associated with this Graduate Assistantship align with the student development theories taught in the Adult and Higher Education program, hiring preference is offered to graduate students in that program. You may apply for this Graduate Assistant position before you are accepted into a graduate degree program at MSU, however, securing a position is contingent on successful admission for Fall 2023. 

Department Name: MSU Office of the Dean of Students (DOS)

Position:  Graduate Assistant (GA)

Number of Positions Open:  1

Department Description: Our staff works with individual students, student groups, and other campus offices to ensure student success and adherence to community and academic standards. Our goal in working with students, faculty, and staff is to foster a campus environment that is conducive to academic inquiry, productive campus life, and thoughtful study and discourse. Assistance is available for the campus community by appointment and on a "drop-in" basis. More information about the Office of the Dean of Students can be found by following this link.. 

Position duration: This position is for an average of 19 hours/week for 10 months (AY), August 21, 2023-May 31, 2025

Roles and responsibilities: This Graduate Assistant (GA) works throughout the academic year to support, enhance, and assess existing student life programs in the Office of the Dean of Students. The GA has the opportunity to link student development theory being taught in their academic courses to the practices and programs in the DOS office. Specific DOS programs include: the Bobcat Parent and Family Program, Fraternity and Sorority Life and Student Conduct. 

1. Bobcat Parent and Family Program:
   1. Coordinate and manage the parent and family database in partnership with the alumni foundation.
   2. Assist in planning and implementation of annual parent and family weekend in the fall.
   3. Assist with planning and implementation of informational webinars for parents and families.
   4. Oversee annual program assessment to ensure that the program is reaching first-generation and underrepresented student populations.
   5. Provide guidance and content for the Parent and Family website.
2. Fraternity and Sorority Life
   1. Provide guidance and content for the FSL website.
   2. Coordinate and ensure accuracy for academic achievement reports each semester.
   3. Act as consultant and guide to IFC/Panhellenic and FSL chapters who need assistance planning their events/programs, which includes connecting to resources and potential collaborations.
   4. Coordinate FSL representation during MSU Fridays and fall orientation (Catapalooza).
3. University Student Conduct
   1. Attend Monday meetings with DOS, UPD, USH.
   2. Once trained, serve as a University Conduct Officer and adjudicate a variety of student conduct cases.
   3. Will begin adjudication of student conduct cases after 15+ observations and approval from the Associate Dean of Students.
   4. Identify appropriate student development theory to challenge and support students.
   5. Follow-up with students after conduct meetings to ensure their learning and success with community sanctions.
   6. Attend conduct officer meetings with DOS and USH.
   7. Work with the Associate Dean of Students to regularly evaluate the partnership and assist with the development of ongoing training for conduct officers across the institution.
   8. Develop an understanding of appropriate university policies and regulations for student conduct and university legal issues.
   9. Assist with the development of creative sanctions, focused on best-practices and the mission of the office.
   10. Evaluate the efficacy of the conduct process.
   11. Inputting, updating, and managing student records in database.
   12. Assisting in sanction management and communication of outstanding sanctions to students.
   13. Appropriately manage confidential records, conversations, and documents.

Field-based skill description: The GA in the Office of the Dean of Students will gain hands-on experience working one-on-one with college students. Working in the DOS office will allow the GA to interact with students from a variety of backgrounds.  They will also develop a deeper understanding of university policies and procedures and how to relay often complex information to students in a relatable way. 

Transferrable/portable skill description: This position will help the GA develop facilitation skills for presentations and trainings, program development and management, interpersonal skills, problem solving, communication (verbal and written) skills and understanding best practices in the field of student affairs. 

Preferred skills/qualifications

• Strong organizational skills.
• Oral, written, and/or nonverbal communication skills.
• Professionalism and maturity.
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• Ability to learn and utilize online tools with ease.
• Past experience in a student organization (member or leader) during undergraduate career OR experience working with college students.
• In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to meet all requirements and expectations of the Graduate School

Qualifications:

• Full-time, degree-seeking graduate student accepted into a graduate program at MSU
• Maintaining a minimum of enrollment of 6 credits
• Cumulative and program of study GPA of 3.0 or better
• Making progress toward the achievement of their degree

Education

• This position was developed in partnership with the Adult & Higher Education program.
• Students who are enrolled in another department or graduate program at MSU are also eligible to apply.

Performance and Feedback

• The general philosophy of the DOS is to provide feedback on an ongoing basis.
• Formal feedback also will be provided on an annual basis using the standard Graduate School GTA Annual Review form.

Compensation

• Stipend: $1,400 per month over a 10-month period, August to May.
• The appointment is for no more than 19 hours/week.
• Per the Collective Bargaining Agreement, an additional payment of $130 per payment, during the Academic Year (Fall and Spring) only, to defray costs including, but not limited to, living and healthcare costs.
• In-state tuition remission up to 10 credits/term are available for successful candidates but is not guaranteed (pending approval from the MSU Graduate School).
• The student is responsible for all university fees.
• This GTA appointment is a part of a Collective Bargaining unit represented by Graduate Employee Organization (GEO), and the Montana Education Association‐Montana Federation of Teachers, MEA‐MFT. The Collective Bargaining Agreement can be found at http://mus.edu/hr/cba/collbarg.asp. You will be bound by the terms and conditions in the Collective Bargaining Agreement, applicable policies of the University and Board of Regents, and applicable state and federal laws.
• If non-academic issues arise, the GTA may take concerns to their supervisor or the University’s Human Resource Department.

To apply for a position, please submit the following to Erin Macdonald Peck, Senior Assistant Dean of Students [email protected] (electronic submissions only, please) by April 28rd, 2023.

1. Current resumé or CV
2. Contact information for two professional references
3. Letter of interest for this position

Questions?

Erin Macdonald Peck
Senior Assistant Dean of Students
Strand Union 174
406-994-2826
[email protected]  

Information not yet available for AY 23-24

Graduate Assistantship (GA) for Intramural Sports

Description of Opportunity: This Graduate Assistant will join a team of dedicated professionals at the Montana State University’s Recreational Sports Department and work closely with a second Graduate Assistant and undergraduate student staff. 

Position duration – This position is for no more than 19 hours/week for: 10 months (AY), with the GA’s option for a 2-month paid summer camp position. Position dates:  1- May 31.

Position Description - GA for Intramural Sports

• Assist in the overall administration and management of the Intramural Sports program including the planning, development, implementation, and marketing of a comprehensive intramural sports program including all individual/dual sport and team sport activities.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, scheduling, and evaluating of student employees for intramural sports officiating and supervisory positions.
• Attend and conduct weekly/monthly staff meetings for Intramural Sports.
• In second year, assist with the Club Sports program through the coordination of club travel, budget allocation, administration, and policy development.
• Support the overall operation of the Recreation Turf Complex and Support Building. Including plowing the turf field during the winter months.
• Help manage and operate the turf maintenance equipment and supervision of staff to effectively maintain facility safety, service excellence and function of equipment.
• Utilize Mazevo scheduling software to help schedule Lambert field complex and coordinate events at the turf complex.
• Provide leadership within RSF by providing support to student staff, the Rec Coordinator for Intramurals and Club Sports, and the other graduate and full-time staff.
• Participate in professional staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.
• All RSF GA’s must be accepted into the MSU Graduate School and enrolled in a masters or higher degree level program.
• The GA is intended to be a 2-year assistantship
  • The GA will be evaluated and reviewed each semester
  • RSF and/or the academic department may terminate the assistantship at any time with proper cause

Required skills/qualifications –

• Undergraduate degree (preferred course work in recreation, management, business, sports science, fitness and related fields)

• 1 year of experience working within an intramural sports or club sports program
• Experience officiating sports and/or being a club leader

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Competence in basic word processing and spreadsheets
• Current CPR/AED at the time of hiring (can be taken internally)

Preferred skills/qualifications –

• 2-4 years of experience working within an intramural sports or club sports program
• Experience with IM Leagues scheduling software
• Experience leading sport officials’ trainings
• Proven experience working as a team player
• Experience with Club Sports advising, marketing, scheduling, event management, and budgeting

In addition, you will be expected to meet all the Graduate School Qualifications:

• Enrolled in at least 6 credits at the graduate level in each semester at MSU
• Maintain, term, cumulative and program of study GPA of 3.00 or better
• Make progress toward the achievement of the degree (e.g., sit and pass comp exams)

*This assistantship is a union represented position under the Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) bargaining unit, represented by MEA-MFT. If workplace issues arise, the student in the position will need to take concerns to their supervisor or the University’s Human Resources department.

Transferable/portable skill description – Candidates will:

• Gain experience as both a staff and faculty member within the field of university administration
• Apply planning, scheduling and marketing skills
• Learn leadership and management strategies to work with a wide variety of college students
• Work with a variety of campus professionals
• Develop management and business skills transferable to any industry
• Learn how to be a team player on a very dynamic, visionary, and fast moving RSF team

Supervision:

• Direct Supervisor: Coordinator of Competitive Sports (position being searched currently)
• The GA will have the opportunity to interact closely with the entire team of professionals throughout RSF and campus wide

Works primarily with:

____x________    Undergraduate students

____x________    Graduate students

____________      Faculty

_____x_______    Staff

GA Focus:

• College students and their development
• Higher education leadership, administration, and organization
• Institutional and program evaluation, assessment, and accreditation

Performance and Feedback

• Each GA will receive a formal evaluation each semester. This is important to make sure both the assistant and the supervisor are achieving the goals set out at the beginning of the semester
• We believe that regular feedback is critical. This will come in the form of personal 1:1 meetings as well as staff meetings

Compensation

• Stipend: Minimum of $1,450/month for an appointment requiring no more than 19 hours a week
• RSF will cover the cost of 9 credits tuition/semester for GA’s accepted into this program. University fees and other fees are the responsibility of the student
• Additional payment by RSF: Mandatory additional payment of $170 per month for health insurance or other living expenses, as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
• Professional development is very important to us: RSF will provide compensation to attend professional development conferences and workshops as funds are available.

GA Conduct

• Exercise a sense of responsibility, judgment, and integrity on and off campus. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with all RSF and MSU policies; the Student Conduct Code; local, state, and federal laws. 
• Know, understand and adhere to University policies. Be well versed in the rationale behind them so that you can inform students of this information properly.

To apply for a position, please submit the following to Spencer Sorensen at [email protected] by Feb. 24, 2023: (We will continue to accept applications until the GA position has been filled).

1. Current resume or CV, to include cumulative GPA
2. Two professional letters of recommendation
3. Letter of interest for this position to address:

 (Please limit responses to no more than 500 words per question)

• Why you are interested in this position? What aspects of the position interest you the most?
• How will this position help you reach your personal and/or professional goals?
• How do you see yourself in this position contributing to the Intramural and Club Sports community?
• What do you feel like are the qualities that make a good mentor?
• How do you manage conflict and maintain healthy relationships with your colleagues? What makes you feel welcome and supported on a team?

Graduate Assistantship (GA) for Outdoor Instructional Programs

Description of Opportunity: This Graduate Assistant will join a team of four dedicated professionals at the Montana State University Outdoor Recreation Program and work closely with a second Graduate Assistant and undergraduate student staff. 

Position duration – This position requires a commitment of 19 hours/week, including office hours, for 10 months. Position dates: 1- May 31.

Position description – GA for Outdoor Instructional Programs

• Act as a lead instructor and mentor on a variety of outdoor skills-based courses under the activity classes for credit (ACT) rubric in the college of Health and Human Development alongside undergraduate student staff instructors
• Assist in the overall administration and management of the outdoor ACT program, including grading, marketing, logistics, curriculum development, assessment, risk management, and student staff supervision
• Assist in the planning, curriculum development, and delivery of a comprehensive student staff leadership development program, with a major focus on ongoing mentorship
• Assist in the overall administrative and management of the Outdoor Recreation Program through participation in weekly administration team meetings, monthly trip leader team meetings, and semesterly all-staff meetings
• Support other areas of the Outdoor Recreation Program including the rental shop, climbing wall, and promotion at on-campus events
• Assist in the overall administrative and management of the Recreational Sports and Fitness Department, including regular participation in committee work
• GA’s must enroll in and be accepted to an MSU Graduate program prior to formal acceptance of the assistantship
• The GA is intended to be a 2-year assistantship
  • The GA will be evaluated and reviewed each semester
  • RSF and/or the academic department may terminate the assistantship at any time with proper cause

Field-based skill description –

• Act as an instructor on American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) avalanche courses or AERIE Wilderness Medicine courses
• Act as a lead instructor in two or more additional disciplines, to include: avalanche education, bouldering, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, fly fishing, backcountry skiing/riding, backpacking, wilderness medicine (wilderness first aid/wilderness first responder), cross-country skiing, swiftwater rescue, ice climbing, mountaineering, paddle sports (canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding), orienteering, bike maintenance, Climbing Wall Instructor certification, and wilderness survival
• Ensure for high standards of programmatic risk management (physical and emotional risk) in a dynamic outdoor environment
• Role model a high standard of lesson planning and delivery utilizing a variety of teaching techniques
• Provide feedback to student instructors that aids in their individualized leadership progression
• Facilitate meaningful debriefs after the completion of each field experience to allow for personal and program growth

Required skills/qualifications –

• 2-5 years’ experience in experiential education and/or outdoor recreation programming
• Proven experience in a mentorship role
• Current credentials to teach AIARE avalanche courses OR AERIE Wilderness Medicine Courses (or the skills and experience necessary to gain certification during the first semester of assistantship)
• Certifications and/or equivalent experience that demonstrate a proven ability to act in a lead instructor role on two or more additional disciplines listed above
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Competence in basic word processing and spreadsheets
• Current CPR/AED at the time of hiring (can be taken internally)
• Current Wilderness First Responder at the time of hiring (can be taken internally)

In addition, you will be expected to meet all of the Graduate School Qualifications:

• Enroll in 6 or more credits at the 5xxx level each semester, be degree-seeking in a graduate program at MSU Bozeman
• Cumulative and program of study GPA of 3.00 or better
• Make progress toward the achievement of the graduate degree as judged by annual academic performance review

*This position is part of the Graduate Student Union. As such, the student must pay either monthly union dues or representation fees. If workplace issues arise, the student in the position will need to take concerns to their supervisor or the University’s Human Resources department.

Preferred skills/qualifications –

• Certifications and/or equivalent experience that demonstrate a proven ability to act in a lead instructor role on multiple disciplines listed above
• Two years working with a campus recreation department or other similar organization
• Experience working with university outdoor recreation programs
• Undergraduate degree (preferred course work in recreation management, business, natural resource management, education or related field)

Transferable/portable skill description – Candidates will:

• Gain experience as both a staff and faculty member within the field of university administration
• Apply planning, scheduling and marketing skills
• Learn leadership and management strategies to work with a wide variety of college students
• Work with a variety of campus professionals
• Develop management and business skills transferable to any industry
• Learn how to be a team player on a very dynamic, visionary, and fast moving student wellness team

Supervision:

• Direct Supervisor: Daniel Sandberg, [email protected]
• The GA will have the opportunity to interact closely with the entire team of professionals throughout ORP and RSF

 

Performance and Feedback:

• Each GA will receive a formal evaluation each semester. This is important to make sure both the assistant and the supervisor are achieving the goals set out at the beginning of the semester
• We believe that systematic feedback is critical. This will come in the form of regular 1:1 meetings

Compensation:

• Stipend: Minimum of $1,450/month for an appointment requiring no more than 19 hours a week
• RSF will cover the cost of 12 credits tuition/semester for GA’s accepted into this program. University fees and other fees are the responsibility of the student
• Additional payment by RSF: Mandatory additional payment of $170 per month for health insurance or other living expenses, as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
• Professional development is very important to us: RSF will provide compensation to attend a limited number of regional professional development conferences and workshops. There are also funds available to attend national or international conferences, but the Assistant must apply for these funds as they are available

GA Conduct:

• Exercise a sense of responsibility, judgment, and integrity on and off campus. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with all RSF and MSU policies; the Student Conduct Code; local, state, and federal laws
• Know, understand and adhere to University policies. Be well versed in the rationale behind them so that you can inform students of this information properly

To apply:

• To apply for a position, please submit the following to [email protected], Outdoor Program Senior Coordinator, by February 24, 2023: (We will continue to accept applications until the GA position has been filled)
  • Cover letter
  • Current resume or CV
  • List of three professional references

Works primarily with:

____x________    Undergraduate students

_____________     Graduate students

_____________     Faculty

_____x_______    Staff

GA Focus:

• College students and their development
• Higher education leadership, administration, and organization
• Institutional and program evaluation, assessment, and accreditation

Graduate Assistantship (GA) for Rental Shop:  Bike, Ski, and Repair Shop

Description of Opportunity: This Graduate Assistant will join a team of four dedicated professionals at the Montana State University Outdoor Recreation Program and work closely with a second Graduate Assistant and undergraduate student staff. 

Position duration – This position requires a commitment of 19 hours/week, including office hours, for 10 months. Position dates: 1- May 31.

Position description – GA for Rental Shop: Bike, Ski, and Repair Shop Focus

• This position serves to grow and support a team of student staff that coordinate the Outdoor Recreation Program bike shop, ski/board shop, and repair shops. These program areas will be expanding into a brand-new dedicated space within the Student Wellness Center (estimated opening date: Spring 2024)
• Oversight over public drop-in hours for bike, ski/board, and general gear repair
• Facilitate the timely repair and maintenance of program equipment, including both rental and trip leading equipment
• Act as a lead instructor and mentor on bike maintenance, ski/board maintenance, and repair clinics and courses alongside undergraduate student staff instructors
• Assist in the overall administration and management of the Rental Shop, including student staff supervision
• Assist in the planning, curriculum development, and delivery of a comprehensive student staff leadership development program, with a major focus on ongoing mentorship
• Support other areas of the Outdoor Recreation Program including the climbing wall, day trips and promotion at on-campus events
• Assist in the overall administrative and management of the Outdoor Recreation Program through participation in weekly administration team meetings, monthly rental shop team meetings, and semesterly all-staff meetings
• Assist in the overall administrative and management of the Recreational Sports and Fitness Department, including regular participation in committee work
• GA’s must enroll in and be accepted to an MSU Graduate program prior to formal acceptance of the assistantship
• The GA is intended to be a 2-year assistantship
  • The GA will be evaluated and reviewed each semester
  • RSF and/or the academic department may terminate the assistantship at any time with proper cause

Required skills/qualifications –

• 2-5 years’ experience in education and/or recreation programming

• Proven experience in a mentorship role
• Experience that demonstrates a proven ability to act in a lead instructor role on bike 0R ski/board maintenance clinics and classes
• Personal experience repairing a variety of outdoor gear
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Competence in basic word processing and spreadsheets
• Current CPR/AED at the time of hiring (can be taken internally)

In addition, you will be expected to meet all of the Graduate School Qualifications:

• Enroll in 6 or more credits at the 5xxx level each semester, be degree-seeking in a graduate program at MSU Bozeman
• Cumulative and program of study GPA of 3.00 or better
• Make progress toward the achievement of the graduate degree as judged by annual academic performance review

*This position is part of the Graduate Student Union. As such, the student must pay either monthly union dues or representation fees. If workplace issues arise, the student in the position will need to take concerns to their supervisor or the University’s Human Resources department.

Preferred skills/qualifications –

• Experience that demonstrates a proven ability to act in a lead instructor role on bike AND ski repair clinics and classes
• Experience teaching the repair of a variety of outdoor gear
• Two years working with a campus recreation department or other similar organization
• Experience working with university outdoor recreation programs
• Undergraduate degree (preferred course work in recreation management, business, natural resource management, education or related field)

Transferable/portable skill description – Candidates will:

• Gain experience as both a staff and faculty member within the field of university administration
• Apply planning, scheduling and marketing skills
• Learn leadership and management strategies to work with a wide variety of college students
• Work with a variety of campus professionals
• Develop management and business skills transferable to any industry
• Learn how to be a team player on a very dynamic, visionary, and fast moving student wellness team

Supervision:

• Direct Supervisor: Oakley Wurzweiler, [email protected]
• The GA will have the opportunity to interact closely with the entire team of professionals throughout ORP and RSF

Performance and Feedback:

• Each GA will receive a formal evaluation each semester. This is important to make sure both the assistant and the supervisor are achieving the goals set out at the beginning of the semester
• We believe that systematic feedback is critical. This will come in the form of regular 1:1 meetings

Compensation:

• Stipend: Minimum of $1,450/month for an appointment requiring no more than 19 hours a week
• RSF will cover the cost of 12 credits tuition/semester for GA’s accepted into this program. University fees and other fees are the responsibility of the student
• Additional payment by RSF: Mandatory additional payment of $170 per month for health insurance or other living expenses, as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
• Professional development is very important to us: RSF will provide compensation to attend a limited number of regional professional development conferences and workshops. There are also funds available to attend national or international conferences, but the Assistant must apply for these funds as they are available

GA Conduct:

• Exercise a sense of responsibility, judgment, and integrity on and off campus. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with all RSF and MSU policies; the Student Conduct Code; local, state, and federal laws
• Know, understand and adhere to University policies. Be well versed in the rationale behind them so that you can inform students of this information properly

To apply:

• To apply for a position, please submit the following to [email protected], Outdoor Program Senior Coordinator, by February 24, 2023: (We will continue to accept applications until the GA position has been filled)
  • Cover letter
  • Current resume or CV
  • List of three professional references

Works primarily with:

____x________    Undergraduate students

_____________     Graduate students

_____________     Faculty

_____x_______    Staff

GA Focus:

• College students and their development
• Higher education leadership, administration, and organization
• Institutional and program evaluation, assessment, and accreditation

Graduate Assistantship (GA) for Recreational Sports and Fitness Operations

Position duration – This position is for no more than 19 hours/week for: 10 months (AY), with the GA’s option for a 2-month summer position. Position dates:  1, 2023- May 31, 2024.

Brief Position Description – GA for RSF Operations

• Assist in the overall administrative and management of the Recreational Sports and Fitness program.
• Assist the Assistant Director for Facility Operations.
• Assist in the scheduling, planning, supervising and leading student staff in the development of the facility operations and memberships area.
• All RSF GA’s must be accepted into the MSU Graduate School and enrolled in a masters or higher degree level program.

This position will be evaluated and reviewed each semester by an RSF supervisor using the GA review form provided by The Graduate School. This is intended to be a 2-year assistantship.

Field-based skill description –

• To learn leadership and management strategies that will aid in supervision and management of student positions.
• To work with various campus recreation professionals that will guide each GA to learn the job responsibilities and develop their own management style.

Transferable/portable skill description –

• To acquire management and business skills transferable to any industry.
• Will learn planning, scheduling and marketing skills.
• Will learn how to be a team player on a very dynamic, visionary, and fast moving RSF team.
• How to apply passion for our industry to move into a career.
• Managing, projecting, interpreting fiscal budgets.

Required skills/qualifications-

1. Undergraduate degree (preferred course work in recreation, management,, business, sports science, fitness and related fields)
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
3. Competence in basic word processing spreadsheets
4. Current CPR/AED at the time of hiring (can be taken internally)

Preferred skills/qualifications –

• Proven experience working as a team player
• Experience working with Fusion facility management software
• Experience working on a facility operations team
• 1-2 years working with a campus recreation department or other similar organization

To apply for a position, please submit the following to Abbey Holm [email protected] by Feb. 24^th, 2023. (We will continue to accept applications until the GA position have been filled).

1. Current resume or CV
2. Two professional letters of recommendation.
3. Letter of interest for this position to address:

 (Please limit responses to no more than 500 words per question)

1. a) Why you are interested in the position and any special areas of interest you may have in the position?
2. b) What can you contribute to RSF and the MSU students as a whole?
3. c) How you will use your area of study to not only better the RSF Department and MSU students, but also the Graduate School and the MSU community?
4. d) What do you see as the greatest challenge for students to participate in campus recreation programs and facilities?

As a degree-seeking graduate student, you will be expected to meet all the Graduate School’s requirements:

• Enrolled in at least 6 credits at the graduate level in each semester at MSU
• Maintain term, cumulative and program of study GPA of 3.00 or better
• Make progress toward the achievement of the degree (e.g., sit and pass comp exams)

*This assistantship is a union represented position under the Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) bargaining unit, represented by MEA-MFT. If workplace issues arise, the student in the position will need to take concerns to their supervisor or the University’s Human Resources department.

GA Supervisor:

Abbey Holm [email protected]

Position Description: RSF Operations

• Support the overall operation of the north dome temporary Fitness Center that includes multipurpose gymnasiums, climbing wall, cardio equipment and weight equipment areas, fitness studios, and a separate gym/locker room in Shroyer.
• Assist in the review and development of all risk management policies, procedures, and training of student staff.
• Supervise the operations desk, reception desk, multi-purpose domes and operations to include Fusion software, and troubleshooting.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, scheduling, and evaluating of student staff members (around 30 student staff).
• Provide leadership within the Fitness Center by providing support to student staff, the Assistant Director for Fitness and Operations, and the other GA’s and full-time staff.
• Participate in professional staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned

Works primarily with:

____  X_____       Undergraduate students

_____X_____       Graduate students

_____X_____       Faculty

_____X_____       Staff

GA Focus:

• College students and their development
• Higher education leadership, administration, and organization
• Institutional and program evaluation, assessment, and accreditation

Aligning with the graduate programs:

• The GAs will be mentored by professional RSF staff members in their own leadership development but also to learn how to train student leaders. RSF has a structured training program with clear job descriptions to help students succeed.
• The GAs will have the opportunity to interface with departments across campus on a regular basis; i.e. Office of Student Engagement, Residence Life, Student Success, Sports Facilities, Health and Human Development and more.
• Each program unit is required to turn in a “year-end report”. The GA will help with this report by documenting participation numbers and changes to the program.   They will help evaluate the success of each activity and make recommendations to improve, cancel or change the activity to guide resources to increase participation and engagement in line with the mission and goals of MSU and RSF.

Structure

• While we have a very engaging and flexible assistantship, there will be more supervision in the first few months and it is our hope that as the GA learns the duties and responsibilities, they will be able to function more autonomously. The supervisor will be there as needed and work with the intern to help the intern work towards their career goals. 

Supervision

• It is important that the GA interact closely with our team of professionals. There are several members on the RSF Team that can offer great advice and will work with the intern to match their experience with their career goals.

Performance and Feedback

• Each GA will receive a formal evaluation each semester. This is important to make sure both the assistant and the supervisor are achieving the goals set out at the beginning of the term.  
• We believe that regular feedback is critical to keep everyone on track and focused on the duties and charges for the term. This usually comes in the form of goal setting, personal meetings and staff meetings where we often provide Kudos to those staff members that go above and beyond.

Compensation

• Stipend: Minimum of $1,450/month for an appointment requiring no more than 19 hours a week.
• RSF will cover the cost of 9 credits tuition/semester for GA’s accepted into this program. University fees and other fees are the responsibility of the student.
• Additional payment by RSF: Mandatory additional payment of $170 per month for living expenses, as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Professional development is very important to us: RSF will provide compensation to attend a limited number of regional professional development conferences and workshops. There are also funds available to attend national or world conferences, but the assistant must apply for these funds.

GA Conduct

• Exercise a sense of responsibility, judgment, and integrity on and off campus. This includes, but is not limited to, compliance with all RSF and MSU policies; the Student Conduct Code; local, state, and federal laws. 
• Know, understand and adhere to University policies. Be well versed in the rationale behind them so that you can inform students of this information properly.

Information not yet available for AY 23-24