​Graduate Assistantships

Available positions are listed below, or contact a graduate faculty member directly for opportunities.

‭(Hidden)‬ Graduate Research Assistantship -Outdoor Ethics in School Forests

Graduate Research Assistantship - Outdoor Ethics in School Forests


Graduate Assistant - Environmental Education
Position Description: The College of Natural Resources (CNR) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point invites applications for an M.S.-level assistantship beginning in summer 2026. This is a two-year commitment including a teaching assistantship and summer responsibilities in the summers of 2026 and 2027 in conjunction with the pursuit of an M.S. in Natural Resources with an emphasis in Environmental Education and Interpretation.

Key Responsibilities: During the summer of 2026, the graduate assistant acts as a Summer Camp Assistant Director. During the summer of 2027, the graduate assistant takes on the role of Summer Camp Director.  Graduate students are involved in the hiring and supervision of summer camp staff, as well as the planning, marketing, delivery and evaluation of summer camp programs.
During the two nine-month academic years, graduate assistants will aid in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of the 4-credit NRES 376/576 Practicum in Environmental Education, taught at the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station with about 20 hours of work per week. Graduate students mentor undergraduate students, provide programming, and support the various user groups on site. 

Research: The graduate student will work with a graduate advisor to complete a research thesis focused on environmental education that supports the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station while meeting the interests and research pursuits of the student and the advisor. 

Detailed Responsibilities: 

Academic Year Program Support (Average 20 hours/week)
  • Help undergraduate students develop confidence in their teaching and leadership abilities; help students reflect on their own teaching/leadership skills and offer suggestions for growth.
  • Provide leadership of daily practicum and/or evening teaching team as needed.
  • Act as liaison between visiting teachers and the CWES practicum students on daily/evening teaching teams. This includes providing teacher/chaperone orientations to help facilitate seamless field trip experiences for K-12 students.
  • Manage special projects that support NR 376/576 and NRES 379 advancement.
  • Guide undergraduate students in lesson preparation by grading weekly lesson preps and facilitating debriefing sessions several days a week.
  • Teach environmental education programs weekly to visiting school groups.
  • Model environmental education teaching methods for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the practicum in an effort to assist the students in improving their own teaching abilities.
  • Be an ambassador of the CWES and the UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources at conferences and job fairs.
  • Be an active member of the CWES Team by participating in staff meetings when available, assist in creation of publications, help coordinate special events, and other duties as assigned.
Summer Camp Director – Summary of Responsibilities (40 hours +/week)

  • Provide overall leadership, coordination, and vision for summer camp operations.
  • Recruit, interview, hire, and supervise seasonal staff, including the Assistant Director, Health Care Counselor, and Counselor/Naturalists.
  • Oversee camper registration, scheduling, logistics, and communication with parents and guardians.
  • Ensure compliance with state health codes, ACA standards, and organizational policies.
  • Lead staff training, observation, and evaluation throughout the summer.
  • Manage day-to-day camp operations, including programming, meals, facilities, and off-site trip logistics.
  • Facilitate emergency procedures and promote camper health and safety.
  • Coordinate with office, food service, and maintenance staff to ensure smooth operations.
  • Support program promotion through outreach materials and social media.
  • Foster a positive camp culture built on teamwork, respect, and inclusion.
  • Lead key camp traditions and ceremonies, ensuring meaningful camper and staff experiences.
  • Maintain accurate records, oversee inventory and supplies, and ensure operational readiness each week.
Assistant Summer Camp Director – Summary of Responsibilities (40 hours +/week)
  • Support the Summer Camp Director in all aspects of camp leadership and operations.
  • Serve as acting director when the Camp Director is off-site or on break.
  • Provide administrative and logistical support to camp programming, staff, and campers.
  • Assist in maintaining health and safety standards; must hold at least Wilderness First Aid certification.
  • Manage the Trading Post, including camper transactions, inventory, and financial reconciliation.
  • Create and share weekly camp videos, photos, and end-of-summer media for families and staff.
  • Coordinate camp photography, group photos, and visual recordkeeping throughout the season.
  • Oversee scholarship documentation and camper thank-you cards for sponsoring organizations.
  • Organize and distribute camp t-shirts; maintain accurate inventory.
  • Contribute to a positive, supportive, and well-organized camp environment through clear communication and teamwork.
Required Qualifications
  • Undergraduate degree in Environmental Education, Natural Sciences, Education, or related field
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Minimum 1 year experience working full-time in a related field and/or multiple summer internships/experiences in a related field
  • Must meet all minimum graduate student requirements of UWSP and the College of Natural Resources
Supervisor: CWES Program Manager 
Secondary Supervisor: CWES Director

Compensation
  • $13,250 for 9 months (each academic year)
  • $6600 summer stipend (Summer 1), $7040 summer stipend (Summer 2)
  • Health insurance with required student paid premiums. Out of state residents pay Wisconsin tuition. Minnesota residents pay a separate tuition that is higher than Wisconsin students, but lower than the normal out of state tuition cost.
  • Free lodging on site (required June-August); meals provided when groups are on site
Application Process
If interested, please email the following application materials to tquinn@uwsp.edu 
  • CV/Resume
  • Cover letter stating your interest in this topic and position
The remaining application procedures can be found here. Applications will be reviewed in the order that they are received. The position is open until filled. If you have any questions about the position, please reach out to Tom Quinn (contact information below). 
  • For full acceptance of the assistantship you must:
  • Be admitted to a graduate program at UW-Stevens Point
  • Be in good standing in the degree program (maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher)
  • Be enrolled in at least 4 graduate credit per semester (we suggest 9) and 3 credits during the summer
Contact Information
Tom Quinn, Ed.D. (he/him/his) 
Central Wisconsin Environmental Station
10186 County Road MM
Amherst Junction, WI 54407
715-346-2705 (direct)
715-346-2937 (general)
www.uwsp.edu/cwes

Graduate Assistantship in Environmental Education/Interpretation at Schmeeckle Reserve

Graduate Assistantship in Environmental Education/Interpretation at Schmeeckle Reserve

Position Description
Schmeeckle Reserve, a field station of the College of Natural Resources (CNR) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, invites applications for an M.S.-level assistantship beginning in fall 2026. The Schmeeckle Reserve Graduate Assistantship provides opportunities to teach and mentor undergraduate students and gain experience managing a visitor center and natural area, while pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Natural Resources with an emphasis in Environmental Education and Interpretation. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr. Kendra Liddicoat, Professor of Environmental Education, and Jim Buchholz, Director of Schmeeckle Reserve.

About Schmeeckle Reserve
Schmeeckle Reserve is a 280-acre conservancy area on campus. The Reserve is managed by the CNR to protect and restore ecosystems, serve as an outdoor classroom for learning, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. It is open to the public and serves as a unique gathering place for area residents and the university community. For more information, visit www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle. 

Key Responsibilities
The assistantship runs from August 24, 2026, to May 26, 2028, and includes the summer of 2027. The position requires 20 hours per week during the academic year and 20-40 hours per week during the summer. The graduate assistantship has both academic and administrative duties. 

Academic (60%): The graduate student will assist instructors by teaching and mentoring students in the following courses: 
  • NRES 368: Oral Interpretation Methods (3 credits)
  • NRES 369: Interpretive Media (4 credits)
  • NRES 374: Environmental Interpretation Practicum (3 credits)
Administrative (40%): The graduate student will assist with the daily operation and management of Schmeeckle Reserve, including: 
  • Assist full-time staff and student supervisors in recruiting, training, scheduling, and supervising student staff and volunteers in visitor center operations, trail maintenance, ecological restoration, and revenue-generating operations.
  • Plan and execute community events, including public nature programs and Candlelight Hike Festivals.
  • Assist in event promotions through email marketing, social media, posters, and brochures.
  • Coordinate university course use and research projects in the natural area, including scheduling and issuing permits and collecting bat monitoring data.
  • Manage the Interpreter’s Handbook Series sales operation, communicating with customers and fulfilling orders for interpretation textbooks that are sold nationally and internationally.
  • Cover information desk/gift shop shifts in the visitor center when needed.
  • Attend weekly supervisor meetings and provide reports on programming and events. 
Thesis Research Project
The graduate student will work with a graduate advisor to complete a master’s thesis research project that supports Schmeeckle Reserve while meeting the interests and research pursuits of the student and the advisor.

Required Qualifications
  • Undergraduate degree in environmental education or interpretation, natural sciences, natural resources management, parks and recreation, social sciences, or a related field. 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Minimum 1-year experience working in a related field and/or multiple summer internships/experiences in a related field.
  • Ability to plan and work both independently and as part of a team. 
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and abilities. 
  • Ability to exhibit professionalism, a positive attitude, flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and a desire to learn.
  • Availability on evenings, weekends, and during semester breaks for events and visitor center staffing.
  • Availability to work during the summer of 2027.
  • Must meet all minimum graduate student admission requirements of UWSP and the College of Natural Resources (see To Apply below).
Compensation and Benefits
  • Stipend: $13,124 for 9 months (each academic year); additional stipend during summer 2027. Additional paid hours are available for students who qualify for the Federal Work-Study program.
  • Out-of-state tuition waiver: Graduate assistants taking at least a part-time course load (4 or more credits) are eligible for in-state tuition rates, regardless of residency. Minnesota residents must first apply for MN-WI reciprocity; then tuition will be reduced to Wisconsin tuition rates.
  • Health insurance: Graduate assistants may be eligible for health insurance with required student paid premiums.
  • Financial aid: Graduate assistants may be eligible for state or federal assistance. For more information, visit https://www.uwsp.edu/finaid/Pages/graduateStudents.aspx
  • Shared office space: The graduate assistant is provided with a desk in the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, which includes a PC computer, high-speed Internet, and Adobe design software. 
  • Professional development: Schmeeckle offers various paid professional development opportunities, including attendance at the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) annual conference.
To Apply
Please e-mail the following items to jbuchhol@uwsp.edu (Jim Buchholz, Schmeeckle Reserve Director):
  • A cover letter that highlights your interest in the position, experiences that make you a good candidate, and your future career goals.
  • A current resume.
  • A copy of your undergraduate transcript (unofficial is fine).
Applications will be reviewed as received. Position is open until filled.

Selected candidates will be asked to advance in the process, which will include: 
  • Completing the College of Natural Resources graduate application process at: https://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/graduateProgram/Pages/applicationProcedure.aspx 
  • Completing the UWSP graduate application process at: https://www.uwsp.edu/admissions-aid/how-to-apply/graduate-students/ 
For More Information
For more information about the assistantship, including profiles of past graduate assistants and their thesis research, visit https://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/schmeeckle/Pages/about/grad_assistants.aspx

If you have questions about this graduate assistantship or the application process, please contact Jim Buchholz, Director of Schmeeckle Reserve, at jbuchhol@uwsp.edu or Dr. Kendra Liddicoat, Professor of Environmental Education, at kliddico@uwsp.edu.  



The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. UW-Stevens Point values diversity and inclusion as supported by our mission, “Through the discovery, dissemination and application of knowledge, UW-Stevens Point fosters intellectual growth, provides a broad-based education, models community engagement and prepares students for success in a diverse and sustainable world.”

Individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources and Affirmative Action at 715-346-2606 or hr@uwsp.edu.

An offer of employment will require a criminal background check and authorization to work within the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.


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