Work Study
GEOGRAPHY WORK-STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
Each academic year, several dozen students provide valuable assistance for the Geography Department’s faculty and staff. Three types of job opportunities are available in the Department. For information on specific job requirements, current openings, and/or to apply for a position in Geography, please see the Student Employment website.
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Geography Department Office Assistant tasks include but are not limited to:
- Serve as department receptionist and answer phones; interact politely and knowledgeably with walk-in visitors;
- Pick up and deliver mail, Document Services projects, and other deliveries on campus;
- Assists staff with preparation for special events, e.g., department sponsored workshops and conference, department gatherings, etc.;
- Type letters, documents, spreadsheets, reports, labels as directed, using appropriate computer applications;
- Scan documents and creates pdfs;
- Assists with webpage updates;
- Perform general housekeeping tasks in the office area.
Knowledge, Skills and/or Perspectives Acquired or Developed on the Job:
Reinforcing Institution-wide Goals for Student Learning; Thinking Critically and Analyze Effectively; Communicate Effectively; and Make Informed Choices and Accept Responsibility.
WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT
The Geography Department social media assistant/digital storyteller duties may include:
– Working with the Department Coordinator to build and execute a social media strategy for the Geography Department via social media outlets
– Generating, editing, publishing and sharing content spotlighting department faculty, staff, students, alumni, courses, and social events. For example:
- 2 – 3 in-depth digital stories per semester
- a weekly post re-capping and looking forward to Geography related happenings
- digitally capture department events – speakers, field studies, career panels, etc.
- a Geography Department newsletter each semester to distribute to students and alumni
– Stay current with social media trends and best practices
Knowledge Skills and/or perspectives Acquired or Developed on the Job:
- Think Critically and Analyze Effectively
- Communicate Effectively
- Make Informed Choices and Accept Responsibility
Job Requirements
- Strong writing/editing skills
- Thorough knowledge of social media tools (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google photos, Flickr, etc.)
- Graphic design and visual communication knowledge preferred
- Creativity and enthusiasm
- Solid organizational skills
- Ability to work independently
- Attention to detail
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Geography Department teaching assistant duties may include, but are not limited to:
- organizing and facilitating review sessions for exams;
- correcting certain types of assignments and/or exam questions;
- facilitating discussions in break out groups;
- holding office hours and responding to student questions on course materials;
- providing feedback on drafts of selected writing assignments;
- assisting the faculty member in course related research and the preparation of course materials.
Knowledge Skills and/or perspectives Acquired or Developed on the Job:
Reinforcing Institution-wide Goals for Student Learning; Think Critically and Analyze Effectively; Communicate Effectively; Demonstrate Intercultural Knowledge and Competence; and Make Informed Choices and Accept Responsibility.
LAB ASSISTANT – Tier 2 & 3
A GIS Lab Assistant staffs the GIS Lab during assigned times throughout the week. The following is a list of typical duties performed by a GIS Lab Assistant:
- Working through all lecture exercises and laboratory assignments that will be taught during semester.
- Reading all materials assigned during the semester.
- Supervising assigned laboratory periods during both day and evening.
- Assisting students with questions about assignments and projects.
- Responsible for printing student map assignments.
- Preparing materials before class for use in lab, e.g. projector, maps, GPS units, etc.
- Responsible for straightening up lab (e.g. chairs, etc.) and locking up room at the end of the day.
- Completing GIS and mapping projects for Macalester faculty and outside community organizations.
Knowledge, Skills and/or Perspectives Acquired or Developed on the Job:
Demonstrate Intellectual Depth and Breadth (deepen your GIS and troubleshooting skills); Think Critically and Analyze Effectively (through GIS projects and data); Communicate Effectively (Interacting with students, and through Map Design); Engage Community (through GIS and mapping projects with community partners)