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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Kitchener, ON (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Assistant information

See Kitchener, ON salary details

$971

$3.5K

$4.8K

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average monthly pay for graduate assistant in Kitchener, ON is $3,452.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $2,760.00 and $4,042.92 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a graduate assistant worth it?

A graduate assistant position provides students with work experience, often includes tuition waivers or stipends, and helps develop skills such as time management and research. However, it typically involves a significant time commitment alongside academic responsibilities, so its value depends on individual career goals and financial needs.

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.

How much money do graduate assistants make?

Graduate assistants typically earn between $10 and $20 per hour, with annual stipends ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the institution, field, and whether they are teaching or research assistants. Compensation often includes tuition waivers and benefits, and hours usually range from 10 to 20 per week during the academic year.

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.

What are graduate assistant jobs?

Graduate assistant jobs are positions typically held by graduate students that involve assisting faculty with teaching, research, or administrative tasks. These roles often provide a stipend or tuition waiver and require skills relevant to the academic department or field of study.

What is a graduate assistant?

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 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 does a graduate assistant do?

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.

More about Graduate Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in Kitchener, ON? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Kitchener, ON are:
What cities near Kitchener, ON are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities near Kitchener, ON with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Kitchener, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,427 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Graduate Coordinator and Advisor

University of Waterloo

Waterloo, ON

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

At theUniversity of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.
Learn more about our recruitment process.

Job Requisition ID:

2026-01586


Time Type:

Full time

Employee Group:

Staff

Job Category:

Academic Advising

Employment Type:

Permanent

Department:

Faculty of Arts - School of Social, Political and Historical Research - Programs

Hiring Range:

$61,954.88 - $77,443.60

Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Internal posting deadline expires Thursday August 13th at 11:59 PM

Job Description:

Primary Purpose


The Graduate Advisor and Coordinator provides academic advising, program coordination, and administrative support for the graduate programs in the School. The position is responsible for managing graduate student applications, administering funding and awards, supporting course scheduling, and ensuring alignment with University and Faculty policies. This role serves as the primary point of contact for graduate students and supports the Program Manager, Associate Director, Graduate Studies, as well as the Director and faculty members.

Key AccountabilitiesGraduate Student Advising and Academic Support:
  • Advises prospective and current graduate students on admissions, program requirements, milestone completions, petitions, grievances, thesis submissions, and graduation.
  • Coordinates PhD progress reporting, thesis proposal approvals, comprehensive exams, and defenses.
  • Reviews transcripts for graduation clearance and confirms completion in Quest.
  • Issues letters for immigration, funding, and other official purposes.
  • Refers students to appropriate campus resources and supports academic appeals or petitions.
  • Maintains accurate and confidential student records and communications.
  • Coordinates work term report submissions, grading, monitoring and awards.
  • Maintains department records and database of current students and graduates, including confidential correspondence.
  • Conducts final review of students' transcripts to ensure all requirements have been met for program completion. Confirms final update for graduation on Quest.
  • Collaborate with Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) and other central services to ensure timely processing of student milestones and records.
  • Assists in developing graduate course schedules.
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Admissions Coordination:
  • Manages applications to MA and PhD programs, including transcript evaluation, average calculations, and confirming application materials.
  • Advises prospective students on eligibility, alternate preparation pathways, and admission requirements.
  • Prepares admission recommendations and offer letters in coordination with the Program Manager, Associate Director, Graduate Studies, and Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA).
  • Communicates with applicants and referees to resolve issues with submissions.
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Graduate Funding and TA/Proctor Assignments :

Monitor and manage student-related financial processes, including tracking and disbursement of scholarships, awards, bursaries, and graduate funding packages in compliance with university guidelines.

Assigns Teaching Assistants (TAs) and proctors for undergraduate courses, ensuring alignment with funding packages and course needs; including preparation of contracts, oversight of hours, and maintaining compliance with collective agreements.

  • Prepares TA, RA, and scholarship budgets; processes payroll submissions.
  • Issues funding statements and monitors funding status for graduate students.
  • Works with Program Manager and Associate Director(s) to provide conflict mediation between TAs and instructors when required.
Scholarships and Awards Coordination:
  • Advises on graduate awards and scholarship opportunities including OGS, SSHRC, UW bursaries and awards.
  • Reviews and compiles scholarship applications and calculates averages.
  • Prepares materials for committee reviews and maintains funding records.
  • Manages award tracking and reconciliation of departmental award accounts.
Graduate Student Engagement and Communication:
  • Organizes graduate orientation and promotes student engagement through department events and initiatives.
  • Maintains consistent communication with students using multiple modalities (email, web, social media).
  • Develops and implements marketing and recruitment plans for graduate programs.
  • Supports alumni relations and participates in government recruitment initiatives.
Administrative and Operational Support:
  • Provides administrative support to Program Manager, the Director and Associate Director, Graduate Studies, including meeting scheduling, preparation of agendas.
  • Coordinates internal and external reviews such as IQAP/OCGS graduate program review
  • Compiles data for reporting, self-studies, and planning processes.
  • Supports implementation of graduate policy and procedures across the department.
  • Supports the annual School budget process.

Other Duties

  • Supports special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by the Program Manager or Associate Director.
  • Serves as a backup to other advisors during absences or peak advising periods.
  • Attends venues/events when necessary, acting as part of the Arts recruitment team.
  • Continually build expertise through training and apply a clear understanding of both the breadth and boundaries of authority in relation to the job duties.

Required Qualifications

Education
  • A post-secondary degree or diploma, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
  • undefined
Experience
  • Proven administrative experience advising students within an academic environment.
  • A thorough understanding of UW policies and procedures related to graduate studies and scholarship requirements is essential.
  • Proficient with Quest, OnBase, ASIS, and LEARN
  • undefined
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a team member with a high level of initiative in a fast paced, deadline-driven work environment.
  • Well-developed organizational, analytical, interpersonal, customer service and communication skills (oral and written).
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact in a positive and supportive manner.
  • Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality.
  • Proven attention to detail, and accuracy while handling a high volume of work is required.
  • Skilled in engaging students through thoughtful questioning, anticipating their needs, and applying sound judgement in support and decision-making.
  • Well-versed in addressing a wide range of student concerns, including those related to mental health and personal challenges, with empathy and a strong commitment to student success and well-being.
  • Intermediate skill level using Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, Sharepoint, PowerBI and WCMS.
  • undefined

Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Metis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources athrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

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