Schmeeckle Reserve, a field station of the College of Natural Resources (CNR) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, invites applications for an M.S.-level assistantship beginning in fall 2026. The Schmeeckle Reserve Graduate Assistantship provides opportunities to teach and mentor undergraduate students and gain experience managing a visitor center and natural area, while pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Natural Resources with an emphasis in Environmental Education and Interpretation. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr. Kendra Liddicoat, Professor of Environmental Education, and Jim Buchholz, Director of Schmeeckle Reserve.

About Schmeeckle Reserve

Schmeeckle Reserve is a 280-acre conservancy area on campus. The Reserve is managed by the CNR to protect and restore ecosystems, serve as an outdoor classroom for learning, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. It is open to the public and serves as a unique gathering place for area residents and the university community. For more information, visit www.uwsp.edu/schmeeckle.

Key Responsibilities

The assistantship runs from August 24, 2026, to May 26, 2028, and includes the summer of 2027. The position requires 20 hours per week during the academic year and 20-40 hours per week during the summer. The graduate assistantship has both academic and administrative duties.

Academic (60%): The graduate student will assist instructors by teaching and mentoring students in the following courses:

• NRES 368: Oral Interpretation Methods (3 credits)
• NRES 369: Interpretive Media (4 credits)
• NRES 374: Environmental Interpretation Practicum (3 credits)

Administrative (40%): The graduate student will assist with the daily operation and management of Schmeeckle Reserve, including:

• Assist full-time staff and student supervisors in recruiting, training, scheduling, and supervising student staff and volunteers in visitor center operations, trail maintenance, ecological restoration, and revenue-generating operations.
• Plan and execute community events, including public nature programs and Candlelight Hike Festivals.
• Assist in event promotions through email marketing, social media, posters, and brochures.
• Coordinate university course use and research projects in the natural area, including scheduling and issuing permits and collecting bat monitoring data.
• Manage the Interpreter’s Handbook Series sales operation, communicating with customers and fulfilling orders for interpretation textbooks that are sold nationally and internationally.
• Cover information desk/gift shop shifts in the visitor center when needed.
• Attend weekly supervisor meetings and provide reports on programming and events.

Thesis Research Project

The graduate student will work with a graduate advisor to complete a master’s thesis research project that supports Schmeeckle Reserve while meeting the interests and research pursuits of the student and the advisor.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in environmental education or interpretation, natural sciences, natural resources management, parks and recreation, social sciences, or a related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Minimum 1-year experience working in a related field and/or multiple summer internships/experiences in a related field.
• Ability to plan and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and abilities.
• Ability to exhibit professionalism, a positive attitude, flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and a desire to learn.
• Availability on evenings, weekends, and during semester breaks for events and visitor center staffing.
• Availability to work during the summer of 2027.
• Must meet all minimum graduate student admission requirements of UWSP and the College of Natural Resources (see To Apply below).

Compensation and Benefits

• Stipend: $13,124 for 9 months (each academic year); additional stipend during summer 2027. Additional paid hours are available for students who qualify for the Federal Work-Study program.
• Out-of-state tuition waiver: Graduate assistants taking at least a part-time course load (4 or more credits) are eligible for in-state tuition rates, regardless of residency. Minnesota residents must first apply for MN-WI reciprocity; then tuition will be reduced to Wisconsin tuition rates.
• Health insurance: Graduate assistants may be eligible for health insurance with required student paid premiums.
• Financial aid: Graduate assistants may be eligible for state or federal assistance. For more information, visit https://www.uwsp.edu/finaid/Pages/graduateStudents.aspx
• Shared office space: The graduate assistant is provided with a desk in the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, which includes a PC computer, high-speed Internet, and Adobe design software.
• Professional development: Schmeeckle offers various paid professional development opportunities, including attendance at the National Association for Interpretation (NAI) annual conference.