Geology Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vacancy Announcement

Position Type: Teaching Associate 

Term of Appointment: Academic Year 2026/2027 (Fall or Spring, or both)

Hours of Appointment: up to 0.27 time base (up to 10.67 hours/week)

Pay Rate: up to approx. $874.00/month

Positions Available: Multiple 

Department of Geology

Teaching Associates (TAs) typically are responsible for providing classroom and/or laboratory instruction, making assignments to students, preparing course materials, administering examinations, assessing student performance, tutoring students and determining course grades. Also, incumbents may assist faculty with field experience, supervision, simulation exercises and/or research projects. Students applying for TA positions must be currently enrolled in the graduate program of the department in which they are applying. Degree-seeking graduate students who are enrolled in interdisciplinary degree programs may be hired as TAs for departments that comprise their interdisciplinary programs. Academic Student Employees may not concurrently hold a faculty or staff position. Students with assignments in more than one student classification (i.e., Graduate Assistant, Instructional Student Assistant, and Student Assistant) are restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year. The 20 hour per week maximum includes hours worked in all positions.

See Classification Standards for more information: https://www.humboldt.edu/academic-personnel-services/employee-recruitment/academic-student-unit-11

Teaching Associates will provide Geology 109 (General Geology) or Geology 306 (General Geomorphology) laboratory instruction. Duties may include, but are not limited to: lab preparation, grading of lab exercises, administering laboratory examinations, conducting field trips, and holding office hours. 

Knowledge and Abilities: Knowledge of the subject matter of the discipline to which the individual is assigned. Ability to relate well to others within the academic environment and ability to instruct and evaluate students.

Education: Education equivalent to or completion of the requirements for a bachelor's degree and concurrent admission to or enrollment in a graduate degree program of the university in the discipline to which the individual is assigned.

Experience: Evidence of satisfactory achievement in previous academic work.

Note: Exceptions to the minimum eligibility qualifications may be granted at the sole discretion of Cal Poly Humboldt.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION: Applicants must have demonstrated knowledge of physical geology concepts, including tectonics, faulting, earthquakes, geomorphology, and rock cycle involving sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks and minerals. Applicants must have familiarity with the geologic setting in the vicinity of Cal Poly Humboldt; General knowledge of field trip sites, and willingness to learn important concepts related to the field trip sites. Applicants must have demonstrated ability in relating to undergraduate students, fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment in the lab and field, and experience explaining geologic concepts. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Previous classroom experience is desirable. 

Please submit the following required application materials via CHRS Recruiting (PageUp):

• Letter of Interest/Cover Letter (information regarding expectations can be found here);
• Resume/CV;
• Application for Employment (complete in CHRS Recruiting - PageUp); and
• Unofficial Transcripts.

Please direct any questions pertaining to this position, the Department of Geology or Cal Poly Humboldt to:

Department of Geology

Cal Poly Humboldt

Email: geology@humboldt.edu

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Availability of these positions are contingent upon departmental need, budget, and enrollment - Priority review date is April 1, 2026 - Early response is encouraged. 

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Notice: It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide complete and accurate employment information. A background check must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position that is designated as sensitive under CSU guidelines. The background check will include, at a minimum, a criminal records check. Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Adverse findings from a background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU student workers who apply for the position. All CSU employees are obligated to respond to and report incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence. The successful candidate for this position will be mandated to receive relevant training on an annual basis. The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Cal Poly Humboldt is a Title IX/Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. If accommodations need to be made during the recruitment and interview process, please contact Human Resources at (707) 826-3626 or hr@humboldt.edu