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Hourly Gopher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Competitive hourly pay or salary (based on experience) * Paid training * Opportunities for advancement Why Join Us? * Fast-paced, team-oriented environment * Essential role in daily operations

Hourly Gopher information

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$12

$20

$28

How much do hourly gopher jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for hourly gopher in the United States is $20.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Hourly Gophers?

Hourly Gophers are employees or workers hired on an hourly basis to perform a variety of basic support tasks, often in office, construction, or event settings. Their responsibilities typically include running errands, fetching items, assisting with setup or cleanup, and performing miscellaneous duties as needed by supervisors or team members. The term 'gopher' comes from 'go for,' reflecting their role in going for supplies or completing errands quickly. These positions are usually entry-level and require flexibility, reliability, and a willingness to take on diverse tasks. Hourly Gophers play an important role in keeping operations running smoothly by handling routine but essential jobs.

What are some common challenges faced by an Hourly Gopher, and how can they be managed effectively?

Hourly Gophers often juggle multiple tasks for various departments, requiring excellent organizational skills and adaptability. A common challenge is managing shifting priorities throughout the day, which can be addressed by maintaining clear communication with supervisors and staying proactive in checking for new assignments. Additionally, the fast-paced environment may require quick learning and flexibility, so being open to feedback and asking clarifying questions can help ensure tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.

What is the difference between Hourly Gopher vs Hourly Runner?

AspectHourly GopherHourly Runner
CredentialsNo formal certifications requiredNo formal certifications required
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, warehouses, event setupsFilm sets, event venues, production locations
Employer & IndustryConstruction, logistics, event managementFilm, television, live events
Common TasksCarrying materials, setting up equipmentTransporting gear, assisting crew

Both Hourly Gophers and Hourly Runners perform support roles in their respective industries, often handling physical tasks and assisting teams. While their work environments differ—construction sites versus entertainment venues—their roles are similar in providing essential support without requiring formal certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Hourly Gopher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Hourly Gopher, you need strong organizational skills, a basic understanding of workplace operations, and reliability, with a high school diploma often sufficient. Familiarity with office equipment, scheduling tools, and basic computer applications is typically required. Strong communication, flexibility, and a positive attitude help you handle varied tasks and interact effectively with team members. These skills ensure that you can efficiently support the workflow and meet the diverse needs of the organization.
More about Hourly Gopher jobs
What cities are hiring for Hourly Gopher jobs? Cities with the most Hourly Gopher job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Gopher jobs? The most popular types of Gopher jobs are:
What states have the most Hourly Gopher jobs? States with the most job openings for Hourly Gopher jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hourly Gopher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,957 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Research Assistant #T00544

$12 - $20/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Western Carolina University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 541 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number temp hourly774P Quick Link for Internal Postings https://wcu-sb.peopleadmin.com/postings/18102 Classification Title Working Title Research Assistant #T00544 Department Biology Salary Range $12-20/hour Posting Information
Employees will assist with research on the federally endangered dusky gopher frog, Rana sevosa. Duties include:
1. Capturing and caring for gopher frogs and species that interact with gopher frogs (including other amphibians, tortoises, snakes, rodents, fishes, insects, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and plants) in the field and in outdoor and indoor research facilities.
2. Measuring, weighing, marking, and identifying (by species and marking codes) frogs and other experimental animals.
3. Conducting field and laboratory experiments with gopher frogs and other species under the direction of WCU faculty and graduate students.
4. Accurately recording data onto data sheets and subsequently entering the data into computer spread sheets.
5. Constructing and maintaining experimental facilities in the field and laboratory, including field enclosures for frogs, artificial ponds (in cattle watering tanks), aquaria, laboratory cages, and specialized experimental apparatuses.
6. Operating U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, WCU, and private vehicles for travel to research sites.
7. Summarizing research data into tables, figures, and narratives, and conducting statistical analyses of these data.
8. Writing reports and giving oral presentations summarizing research activities, results, and data for use by funding and permitting agencies and other interested parties. Contribute to writing publications on research results for scientific journals.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
Employees must be able to work independently with minimal supervision at a remote field site in the DeSoto National Forest in southern Mississippi, be extremely meticulous, careful, and responsible, be good with animals, and be willing to work under hot, cold, humid, rainy, or buggy conditions during daytime, nighttime, weekdays, and weekends.
Minimum Qualifications Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate has at least a B. S. degree in biological sciences and a strong interest and experience in conservation biology, ecology, and herpetology.
Posting Text
Open Date 12/03/2021 Close Date 12/31/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must apply online.
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
Qualified applicants will be contacted by the department directly if selected for interview.
Please Note: Temporary employees are paid bi-weekly on an hourly basis and do not receive benefits.
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program.
Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

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