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The Department of Human Ecology is for three different hourly graduate student positions in February 2026. See below for details for a graduate student assistant in Sustainability Governance, a graduate student assistant in Experiential Learning and a Grader for Environmental Policy and Environmental Justice Classes.
Graduate Student Assistant – Sustainability Governance (Part-Time, hourly, 5-10 hours per week)
Drs. Pam McElwee and Rachael Shwom of the Department of Human Ecology and Center for Sustainability Governance are seeking a motivated Masters or PhD student to join our team in a part-time role (5–10 hours per week). This position will be a split between administrative support for program and event planning and research support focused on sustainability governance. The role is ideal for a master’s or doctoral student interested in gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of research, coordination, and applied sustainability work. Hourly pay of $22-25 per hour. The ideal candidate would be available to work across the summer 2026.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with planning, organizing, and coordinating programs, workshops, seminars, and summer school in sustainability governance
- Support event logistics, including room scheduling, communication with participants, and preparation of materials
- Help manage timelines, task lists, and basic administrative documentation
- Assist with outreach and coordination with internal and external stakeholders
- Conduct literature reviews related to sustainability governance, environmental policy, or related areas
- Support qualitative and/or quantitative research activities as needed
- Assist with data collection, organization, and preliminary analysis
- Contribute to research summaries, briefs, or article publications
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled Rutgers Masters or PhD student in any discipline and is studying relevant environmental or sustainability governance issues
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks with limited supervision
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with event or program coordination at Rutgers
- Familiarity with sustainability governance frameworks, environmental policy, or institutional analysis
- Experience with academic research methods (qualitative and/or quantitative)
What We Offer
- Flexible, part-time work compatible with graduate studies
- Opportunities to deepen research experience in sustainability governance
- Exposure to program development and event planning
- Collaborative and intellectually engaging work environment
To apply please send an email letter of interest together with a CV reflecting experience related to qualifications as outlined to pamela.mcelwee@rutgers.edu and shwomrac@sebs.rutgers.edu by February 20th. Selected candidates will be interviewed online. Our preference is for the selected applicant to be available to start work no later than March 1.
Graduate Experiential Learning Assistant, Sustainability Practicum, 5-10 Hours per Week
Interested in community engaged teaching and research? We are looking for a Masters or PHD student with good management skills to support the Spring 2026 Sustainability Practicum in the Department of Human Ecology. Practicum is the required collaborative applied problem-solving and implementation course that all Sustainability Minors are required to take. This semester we are working with community partners in Asbury Park, Atlantic City, and Phillipsburg to help review and assess a pilot farm to community program partially funded by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. 15 undergraduate students are enrolled this semester, primarily seniors graduating in May. The Graduate Experiential Learning Assistant will help with class management and communication, assist with coordinating community and field site visits, and communication with community partners. The graduate experiential learning assistant may also support students and the professor with developing reports and presentations towards the end of the semester and assist students in maintaining the project timeline and calendar.
Skills needed: interest in experiential learning, good organization and class management skills, familiarity with productivity tools, excellent verbal and written communication skills, comfortable with both text and voice communication (phone calls, face to face Zoom as well as emails and chat groups) facility with the Microsoft Office Suite of Products, Google Workspaces, and similar tools. Specific classroom-based experiences a plus. Hourly pay rate of $21.00.
By February 20th, send Current CV and short letter of interest to:
Dr. Jack L. Harris Department of Human Ecology at jackharr@sebs.rutgers.edu
Graduate Student Grader – US Environmental Policy & Environmental Justice Classes (hourly, 5-10 hours per week)
Position Title: Graduate Student Grader
Course(s): US Environmental Policy; Environmental Justice
Term: Spring 2026
Hours: Approximately 5-10 hours per week (varies by enrollment and assignment schedule)
Compensation: $21.00 per hour
Position Description:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable graduate student to serve as a grader for undergraduate courses in US Environmental Policy and Environmental Justice. The grader will support the instructor in evaluating written assignments, exams, and other coursework, and may assist with basic administrative tasks related to course management.
Responsibilities:
- Grade essays, policy memos, short responses, and exams using established rubrics
- Provide clear, constructive, and timely written feedback to students
- Maintain accurate grading records in coordination with class instructor
- Meet regularly with the instructor to ensure grading consistency
- Uphold FERPA standards and maintain student confidentiality
Qualifications:
- Current enrollment in a graduate program (Master’s or PhD)
- Familiarity with US environmental policy and/or environmental justice frameworks
- Strong analytical writing and critical thinking skills
- Careful attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
- Prior grading or teaching experience preferred but not required
Preferred Skills:
- Experience evaluating academic writing
- Familiarity with policy analysis and social equity frameworks
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
How to Apply:
Please submit a brief cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience, along with a CV, to Meishka Mitchell meishka.mitchell@rutgers.edu by February 20th, 2026