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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Big Rapids, MI (NOW HIRING)

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How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Big Rapids, MI is $16.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.03 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Job of a Graduate Assistant?

The job of a graduate assistant is to perform research, teach, or work at a university as part of their academic education. Graduate assistants are typically doctoral candidates, but some master’s students may also qualify to work in this position. Your duties in this career differ depending on your role and the level of class at which you assist. For example, many large lecture classes need graders, readers, and teaching assistants, all with separate responsibilities. On the other hand, if you work in labs or departmental offices, you may work as a full-time researcher.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Assistant, you generally need strong academic credentials in your field, research and analytical skills, and enrollment in a graduate program. Familiarity with educational technology platforms, data analysis tools, or laboratory equipment (depending on the discipline) is often required. Excellent communication, time management, and teamwork skills help you effectively support faculty and collaborate with students. These skills are vital for balancing multiple responsibilities while contributing to academic and research excellence.

What are some common challenges Graduate Assistants face when balancing academic work with assistantship responsibilities?

Graduate Assistants often juggle coursework, research, and their assistantship duties, which can include teaching, grading, or administrative tasks. Time management is a frequent challenge, as deadlines for academic work and assistantship responsibilities can sometimes overlap. Setting clear expectations with supervisors, prioritizing tasks, and using organizational tools can help maintain a healthy balance. Open communication with faculty and peers also plays a crucial role in managing workload and reducing stress.

What are Graduate Assistants?

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are graduate students who work part-time at a college or university, typically assisting faculty or departments with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. These positions often provide a stipend and/or tuition waiver in exchange for their work. Graduate Assistants gain valuable professional experience while pursuing their advanced degrees, and their responsibilities can vary widely depending on the department and the specific assistantship. Common duties include helping with classroom instruction, grading assignments, conducting research, or supporting university operations.

What is the difference between Graduate Assistant vs Research Assistant?

AspectGraduate AssistantResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, often with a relevant degreeUndergraduate or graduate student, sometimes with specific research experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic settings, assisting in teaching or administrative tasksResearch labs, projects, or fieldwork within academic or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, academic departmentsResearch institutions, universities, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsClarifying research duties and experience needed

While both roles support academic and research activities, a Graduate Assistant typically assists with teaching or administrative tasks while pursuing a graduate degree. A Research Assistant focuses primarily on conducting research projects, often requiring specific research skills. The roles often overlap in academic settings, but their main focus and responsibilities differ.

More about Graduate Assistant jobs
What cities near Big Rapids, MI are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities near Big Rapids, MI with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Big Rapids, MI as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,946 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Strength and Conditioning Graduate Assistant

Strength and Conditioning Graduate Assistant

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI • On-site

$11.92K/mo

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 6 days ago

Ferris State University rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

495th of 528 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Strength and Conditioning Graduate Assistant
Job no: 497802
Work type: Staff
Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307
Categories: Staff
Position Title: Strength and Conditioning Graduate Assistant
Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:
51626 - Strength and Conditioning
Advertised Salary: $11,918.00 stipend, housing (which is taxable) and upon admittance to graduate school the student will be eligible to receive a scholarship covering up to 9 credits per semester.)
FLSA: Exempt
Temporary/Continuing: Temporary
Part-Time/Full-Time: Part-Time
Union Group: N/A
Term of Position: 10 Month
At Will/Just Cause: At Will
Summary of Position: Assist the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Ferris State University Division II athletic programs. Assist Head Strength and Conditioning Coach in department wide administration of strength and conditioning, including but not limited to weight room scheduling and oversight and management of student employees.
Pursuant to FSU-HRPP 2005:44, "Students currently admitted on a full-time basis, defined as carrying at least 9 credits per semester, to a Ferris State University graduate program and earning credits toward a graduate degree, may qualify for a Graduate Project Assistant (GPA) position". This is a 20 hour per week position. Work Year is August 1 - May 31 The selected candidate for this position must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without employer assistance or sponsorship now or in the future.
Position Type: Staff
Required Education: Bachelor's Degree, preferably in exercise science, sports fitness, kinesiology or related field.
Must be enrolled in a Ferris State University Graduate program for Fall 2025 semester, carrying at least 9 credits per semester
Required Work Experience: Previous work experience developing and maintaining strength and conditioning programs for student athletes.
Required Licenses and Certifications: Must be working towards or already obtained Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification.
Must become certified in CPR, AED and First Aid
Physical Demands:
  • Bending
  • Carrying
  • Moving
  • Reaching
  • Sitting
  • Twisting
  • Balancing
  • Climbing
  • Driving
  • Heights
  • Lifting
  • Pulling/Pushing
  • Repetitive movement
  • Standing

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: Sports nutrition experience
Management of weight room facilities
Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Assist in implementing individual and team strength and conditioning programs for student athletes participating in men's and women's Division II athletic programs at Ferris State University.
Manage athletics weight room in conjunction with the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and the Coordinator of Athletic Performance.
Assist in counseling and advising coaches and student athletes on various components of strength and conditioning program, including weight room safety, proper exercise technique, sports nutrition and injury reduction.
Assist in reviewing and approving conditioning sessions submitted by individuals, head or assistant coaches.
Assist Head Strength and Conditioning Coach while working with coaching and sports med staff to integrate student athlete injury reduction and rehabilitation into strength and conditioning programs.
Drive the equipment truck to away games.
Work in conjunction with athletic department personnel to minimize spread of communicable disease and pathogens within athletic weight room.
Work with Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Coordinator of Athletic Performance to help enforce all fitness, health, nutrition and safety measures and policies.
Assist in selecting and monitoring any student workers assigned to your area.
Reports to Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
Operates a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities. Will authorize, pursuant to university policies and procedures, a driving record check, and will meet the driving authorization requirements through the course of employment in a position where you are authorized to drive a vehicle as part of our duties.
Support, promote, and develop University student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:
Skills and Abilities: Communicate effectively both in written and verbal manner
Perform detailed work with accuracy
Work a variety of hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays if needed.
Work with a diverse group of University staff and students.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences
Required Documents:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Unofficial Transcript 1

Optional Documents: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification, if held.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Initial Application Review Date:
June 8, 2026
Open Until Position is Filled?: Yes
Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.
Advertised: 22 May 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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