UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute
Smallwood Graduate Assistantship
Academic Year 2025-2026
Join the UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute (TESI) in helping inspire the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards!
TESI is hiring a 12-month graduate assistant (GA) for the 2025-2026 academic year. The GA will receive a 12-month, half-time (0.5 FTE) stipend of $30,000, in-state tuition, as well as medical and other benefits afforded to UF graduate assistants. This position is funded by a grant from the Smallwood Foundation and the Thompson Earth Systems Institute.
Duties:
The Smallwood Graduate Assistant (GA) will support TESI’s mission of advancing education in Earth systems science by providing coordination support for TESI’s Scientist in Every Florida School and Environmental Leaders programs. This role requires strong organization, communication, and content creation skills, as well as a passion for environmental topics.
Key responsibilities include:
- Advancing the Scientist in Every Florida School (SEFS) program by recruiting participating scientists and facilitating matches between scientists and teachers
- Providing planning and coordination support for SEFS livestream programming
- Maintaining databases for SEFS and TESI Environmental Leaders (EL) programs
- Providing recruitment, planning, and implementation support for SEFS teacher professional development workshops
- Writing, editing, and curating content for the SEFS Spotlight Newsletter and EL Network Newsletter
- Planning and coordinating events, including EL Network professional development events
- Promoting SEFS and Environmental Leaders programs through social media and blog posts
Additional responsibilities may include:
- Promoting SEFS/TESI and educating about Earth systems-related topics at outreach events on campus and in the greater Gainesville community
- Contributing to TESI’s digital outreach efforts through web, email, and social media content creation
- Assisting with other TESI initiatives as needed
Required Qualifications:
- Graduate student (Master’s or Doctoral) at the University of Florida
- Strong interest in environmental and other science topics
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills
- Proficient in using social media platforms and email marketing tools
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience working with K-12 students and/or teachers
- Experience in event planning and/or community organizing
- Experience in education and outreach
Location:
TESI Office Suite
McGuire Hall, Florida Museum of Natural History
3215 Hull Rd Gainesville, FL 32611
Note: this position will require occasional evening and weekend work.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their application via Qualtrics by the specified deadline. A complete application will include:
- A cover letter (no more than 2 pages)
- A CV
- Contact information for 2 professional references
- A support letter (no more than one page) from the applicant’s advisor in support of the student’s desire to participate and briefly describing why they are suitable for this opportunity. If you do not have an advisor, a letter from your UF department indicating support for your participation may be submitted instead.
Application Deadline: June 29, 2025 at 11:59 pm
Please send inquiries about this position to Dr. Megan Ennes at mennes@floridamuseum.ufl.edu.
This position is funded by a grant from the Smallwood Foundation.
