Department Assistant, Geology (Only Geology Alumni Considered)

The Department of Geology at Macalester College seeks a Department Assistant. 

The funding for this role is provided by the Rollie Oberg Grant which stipulates that its dollars be used to hire a Macalester Geology alum for this position for up to one year. 

This is an onsite position with a weekly schedule of Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. This position is planned to start August 1st, 2025 (somewhat flexible). 

About The Department: 

Our mission is to help Macalester students develop a scientific understanding of the Earth, its history, natural systems, resources, and recent global change. We take a diverse approach to teaching earth science in the liberal arts tradition, and we strive to inspire in our students a life-long passion for learning about the natural world. The geology major is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for further study and professional careers in earth science-related fields. Geology faculty, in collaboration with undergraduate majors, also endeavor to advance scientific knowledge of the Earth and to communicate this new understanding to the broader community.

• Assisting in Introductory Geology and some advanced laboratories; set-up of classes and labs.
• Coordinating field-trip logistics; assisting with field-trip instruction; driving vans; ordering supplies and some photocopying.
• Providing one-on-one tutoring of students and a resource for questions; grading tests, laboratory, and homework papers.
• Performing various ongoing departmental projects such as organizing and maintaining rock, mineral, map, and fossil collections; preparing thin and polished sections and specimens; general departmental maintenance and handy work.
• Working on professional development.
• Conducting and/or facilitating research in partnership with one or more Geology Department faculty. Leading efforts to build community among department students (majors, minors, and those in courses), including taking a leadership role in GeoClub.
• Providing training and support for users of Keck Laboratory Instrumentation including scanning electron microscope and EDS/WDS x-ray spectrometers, microXRF, x-ray diffractometer, and sample preparation equipment.
•  Actively supporting Macalester's culture and commitment to be an antiracist institution by understanding, engaging with, and promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in the college community. Encompassing individuals of any heritage, identity, status or orientation.
• Promoting a culture of safety and environmental protection by working in a safe manner; immediately reporting unsafe situations and accidents; following college procedures; and participating in appropriate safety training.
• Occasional travel required for field trips, some overnight and camping.
• Ability to lift weight or force to be exerted up to 25 pounds.
• Moderate physical activity performing somewhat strenuous daily activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required:

• A Macalester Bachelor's Degree with a Major or Minor in Geology. 
• Relevant Work Experience - 1 year or less.
• Ability to communicate effectively and develop positive relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is insurable by Macalester College’s motor vehicle insurance carrier.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Knowledge and Skills

• Geological concepts. Familiarity with local geology.
• Experience with SEM, XRD, µXRF a plus.
• Ability to drive a 12-passenger van on field trips.

Compensation:

The hourly wage for this position will be $22.40-23.42, depending on experience.

Benefits:

At Macalester, we are proud to offer excellent comprehensive employee benefits. Here are some highlights:

• 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan. 
• Outstanding vacation and sick time packages, plus an additional 10 holidays.
• Generous employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• Tuition assistance which pays between 75% - 100% of eligible tuition for employee dependents at select institutions.
• Free primary care for most services through Nice Healthcare when enrolled in a Macalester health plan.
• Access to the athletics fitness facility, wellness coaching, and activities.

These are just some of the great benefits Macalester has to offer! To see our full benefits packages and options, please visit our Benefits Page.

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment.

Application Guidelines:

For best consideration, all Macalester Alumni interested should please submit your cover letter and resume through the Macalester Employment Opportunities webpage by March 7th, 2025.  No resumes will be accepted after this date and the interview process will start after this date. 

Jaclyn Howard

Talent Acquisition Manager 

jhoward3@Macalester.edu

Founded in 1874, Macalester College provides students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in flourishing St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls over 2,000 students from across the country and around the world. Macalester is a preeminent liberal arts college recognized for its student service and celebration of internationalism.

At Macalester, we look at our employees through a whole-person, holistic lens. With comprehensive benefits and well-being programs, we provide and enable our community members to grow and care for themselves, their families, and one another. Our whole-hearted fidelity to community-building and social justice exemplify these ideals.  Macalester College continuously prioritizes a culturally diverse and pluralistic community. We value individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

Our rich blend of people holding varied identities enhances our strong commitment to multiculturalism and global citizenship. We seek candidates who reflect and strengthen our campus environment. Macalester invites and encourages everyone to apply who would add depth to our community including those from all sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, religions, abilities, and ages.