Graduate Assistantships

What is a Graduate Assistantship?

A graduate assistantship at the Macoskey Center is a unique opportunity for personal growth and development in the field of systems thinking. The graduate student will have the opportunity to bring classroom theory into a practical work application. Students can expect to build communication skills in the context of sustainability. Full-time assistantships may be awarded for up to two years with recipients working 17.5 hours per week (with some weekend and evening activity) during the regular academic year. In return, students will receive a $3,500 per academic year stipend and a full tuition waiver, up to 15 graduate credits per semester.

 

Assistantship Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a full-time assistantship, you must:

• Be admitted to graduate study

• Register and maintain at least nine (9) semester credits of graduate coursework

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• Demonstrate academic progress

 

How can I be awarded an Assistantship at the Macoskey Center?

Review the position descriptions below and note any openings available. Complete a graduate assistantship employment application and submit it along with a current resume to:

The Macoskey Center at SRU

attn: Thomas Reynolds, Director

247 Harmony Road

Slippery Rock, PA 16057

Applications for Fall term positions are due by March 31st

Applications for Spring term positions are due by November 4th

 

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Macoskey Center Graduate Assistantship Position Descriptions

Community Outreach

Environmental Educator

Market Garden Coordinator

Design Development

 

Community Outreach

Description

The graduate assistant will be responsible for assisting with event planning at the RAMC, as well as conceptualizing and implementing workshops for the general public concerning sustainability issues. The position requires an individual with an open, friendly, and enthusiastic personality to play a key role in building ties between the general public and the RAMC.

Job Functions/Responsibilities

• Coordinate and plan events/activities/programs at the Center including Cows on Campus, Good Food Lunch, Earth Festival, etc.

• Perform general maintenance activities including gardening and grounds work

Desired Qualifications

• Strong communication skills (listening, verbal, written)

• Ability to conceptualize new projects and to be able to work independently with the motivation to carry them to completion

• Experience in event planning and advertising

• Ability to work as part of the RAMC graduate assistant team

• Individual must be able to comport themselves in a professional manner

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Environmental Educator

Description

The graduate assistant will be responsible for implementing a variety of environmental education programs/activities sponsored by the Center. The position requires an individual with experience in developing and teaching in an Environmental Education setting.

Job Functions/Responsibilities

• Coordinate and plan events/activities/programs at the Center including Cows on Campus, Good Food Lunch, Earth Festival, etc.

• Develop and implement EE curriculum, including hands-on teaching opportunities, and media creation.

• Perform general maintenance activities including gardening and grounds work

Desired Qualifications

• Strong communication skills (listening, verbal, written)

• Ability to conceptualize new projects and to be able to work independently with the motivation to carry them to completion

• Good organization skills

• Ability to work as part of the RAMC graduate assistant team

• Individual must be able to comport themselves in a professional manner

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Market Garden Coordinator

Description

The graduate assistant will coordinate the operation of agricultual initiatives at the RAMC. This includes (but is not limited to) planning and working in the organic market garden and assisting with other Center projects. This position will also focus on developing the long-term "whole farm system" management plan.

Job Functions/Responsibilities

• Coordinate the operation of the organic Market Garden, including planning, planting, upkeep, harvesting, and record keeping

• Attend and coordinate the Slippery Rock Farmers' Market

• Perform general maintenance activities at the RAMC including gardening and grounds work

Desired Qualifications

• Strong communication skills (listening, verbal, written)

• Ability to conceptualize new projects and to be able to work independently with the motivation to carry them to completion

• Good organization skills

• Experience in organic gardening and/or farming

• Ability to work as part of the RAMC graduate assistant team

• Individual must be able to comport themselves in a professional manner

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Design Development

Description

The graduate assistant will be involved with project development, planning and construction of small-scale 'systems thinking' sensitive facilities at the RAMC. The position requires an individual with creativity, a passion for drawing, and a desire to research and implement appropriate construction techniques.

Job Functions/Responsibilities

• Research appropriate technologies and materials for developing projects

• Perform general construction activities

• Prepare design development drawings, models, and/or construction documents and specifications for small-scale "built-environment" projects

• Perform general maintenance activities at the RAMC including gardening and grounds work

Desired Qualifications

• Strong communication skills (listening, verbal, written)

• Ability to conceptualize new projects and to be able to work independently with the motivation to carry them to completion

• Experience in carpentry and general construction

• Experience in drawing

• Ability to work as part of the RAMC graduate assistant team

• Individual must be able to comport themselves in a professional manner