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Graduate Assistant Jobs in Ridgefield, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Assistant information

See Ridgefield, WA salary details

$6

$20

$35

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Ridgefield, WA is $20.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $22.69 per hour, 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in Ridgefield, WA? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in Ridgefield, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Assistant jobs in Ridgefield, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Assistant jobs in Ridgefield, WA are:
What cities near Ridgefield, WA are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities near Ridgefield, WA with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Ridgefield, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,156 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

PNCA Student Affairs Office Assistant

Willamette University

Portland, OR

$18.95/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Willamette University rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

ABOUT WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY:

Willamette University, founded in 1842, is a nationally-renowned private university enrolling 2800 students across five colleges. Our historic campus, adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, hosts a distinguished undergraduate liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon. Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a wide range of professional graduate programs, including Oregon's top-ranked MBA program, the Northwest's oldest law school, as well as MA/MFA programs at PNCA and master's degrees in data science and computer science.

Willamette University provides a high-value and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our Benefits Summary includes options for health, dental, life insurance, retirement, substantial paid time off, tuition and more. If you need assistance applying for a job or have any questions on recruitment at Willamette, please contact our HR Department, hr@willamette.edu or call us at 503-370-6210.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Dean of Students for Community Care & Inclusion at PNCA, the Student Affairs Office Assistant plays a critical role in providing comprehensive administrative support and operational coordination for the PNCA Office of Student Affairs. This role assists student clubs and organizations, provides support for key campus events, office coverage, marketing, and promotion for departmental events. This position will participate in major university-wide events, including admitted student days, orientation, move-in, and admissions events.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Engagement and Leadership Support

  • Act as the primary point of contact for active undergraduate and graduate student clubs and organizations, helping them navigate university processes.

  • Assist active student clubs and organizations with purchasing items approved by the Student Council (graduate and undergraduate)

  • Supervise the work of student office assistants

Administrative Support & Office Operations

  • Manage email and communication requests from active clubs and organizations at PNCA and the general pnca-student-life@willamette.edu account, routing to the appropriate staff member or responding accordingly.

  • Assist with reconciliation of monthly expenditures of the PNCA Student Affairs Team (DOS, Director, & Assistant Director)

  • Provide coverage for the Office of Student Affairs, PNCA

  • Provide Office support, including tracking and monitoring of supplies, general office organization, and maintenance (watering plants, tidying the office, organizing student affairs supplies)

  • Assist the Office with scheduling and coordinating meetings with external constituents and campus partners.

  • Manage Student Life marketing and promotions.


Event Coordination & Marketing

  • Provide general support for key campus activities and events, which can include assistance with purchasing, set-up, breakdown, and other duties.

  • Assist with flyer and poster design for the Office of Student Affairs

  • Actively participate in major University events such as Orientation, Move-in, Move-out, Admitted Students Day, and Admissions events.


Professionalism & Compliance

  • Respect and maintain confidentiality, parameters of operation, professional protocols, and individual privacy as required by law.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or their designee.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum

  • High School Diploma.

  • Ability to cultivate relationships with campus constituents.

  • Ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.

  • Understanding of event planning processes and ability to support student groups in executing successful events.

  • Ability to provide administrative support to functional areas in a timely manner.

Preferred

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited higher education institution

  • Familiarity with an art and design college environment

  • Previous experience working with college students

  • Previous experience working in an office environment

  • Experience using Google Applications, Canva, Adobe, or other products to design flyers.

Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Occasional Fridays and evenings.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions: Typical work is performed indoors in a normal office environment.

Salary: $18.95/hr for an average of 20 hours a week.

You will need to upload the following two documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled Resume:

  • Cover letter addressing qualifications

  • Current resume

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT:
All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:

Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process. To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachments -- listed at the bottom of the page -- must be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.


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