ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Graduate Assistant Jobs in Waconia, MN (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsGraduate Assistant JobsGraduate Assistant Jobs in Waconia, MN

Graduate Assistant information

See Waconia, MN salary details

$6

$20

$34

How much do graduate assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate assistant in Waconia, MN is $20.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $22.07 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 Waconia, MN are hiring for Graduate Assistant jobs? Cities near Waconia, MN with the most Graduate Assistant job openings:
Graduate Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Assistant job openings in Waconia, MN as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,941 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Graduate Assistant Family Scholars

Graduate Assistant Family Scholars

Augsburg University

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Description

Summary of Position

Augsburg Family Scholars (AFS) is the only college-based program in the state of Minnesota designed to narrow the opportunity gap for students with foster care backgrounds. The program is open to any Augsburg student who has spent time in the U.S. foster care system. Many AFS members are also eligible for Minnesota's Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant, a state financial aid program that covers tuition, room and board, textbooks, some supplies, and fees at participating institutions, including Augsburg.

Augsburg Family Scholars adds to this foundation by providing comprehensive support that reflects the unique strengths and challenges shared by students with foster care backgrounds. The program is designed to reduce students' financial vulnerabilities, nurture their academic progress, and build community throughout their college journey.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Be available to AFS students on campus for approximately ten hours per week during the academic year.
  • Advise and mentor AFS students in life and academic skills.
  • Monitor and support the academic progress of AFS students; intervening with appropriate support as needed.
  • Assist with budget management and purchasing of supplies.
  • Assist with organizing and participating in AFS academic and social events.
  • All other duties as apparent or assigned by the Executive Director.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

  • Regular phone and computer use.
  • The typical work environment is a private office and student lounge.
  • At times, the work environment can be intense when students are in crisis.

Qualifications:
Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Accepted and enrolled into one of the following Augsburg graduate programs: Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL), Master of Arts in Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Arts in Social Work (MSW), at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Applicants with experience in the Foster Care system strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

  • Demonstration of being positive and student-centered.
  • Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work environment.
  • Ability to empathize with students who are struggling personally and academically.
  • Strong listening skills.
  • Ability to guide students as they craft solutions to the problems they are experiencing.
  • Demonstrated integrity and trustworthiness.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Integrity and ability to work in a confidential environment.

Additional Information

Application Requirements

To be considered for this position please include the following in your application:

  • Cover Letter (required)
  • Resume (required)

Terms of the Graduate Assistantship

  • Must be enrolled in an approved Augsburg graduate program for a minimum of two (2) courses per term (6 credits).
  • The duration of the assistantship is two years.
  • If the graduate assistant withdraws prior to the conclusion of the two-year term, or is not able to maintain satisfactory academic standing, all tuition costs/benefits will be assumed by the graduate assistant.
  • The graduate assistant will receive full tuition benefits.
  • Graduate assistants are responsible for payment of all non-tuition costs, including student fees, parking fees, finance charges on unpaid balances, books/supplies, etc.
  • In addition to full tuition benefits, the graduate assistant will receive a $6,000 annual stipend.
  • The graduate assistantship will work 10 hours a week.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: hr@augsburg.edu.

Apply