Essential Job Duties

This position will provide academic advising for undergraduates in the Department of Forestry and Environmental resources (DFER) undergraduate programs, initially specializing in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology. The position reports directly to the Director of Undergraduate Programs, but must work closely with academic program coordinators, and college and student services personnel. Specifically:

Direct Academic & Career Advising (60% of Effort)

• Provide high-quality, developmental academic advising to undergraduate students through one-on-one and group appointments (both in-person and virtual).
• Support students in the selection and development of a sequence of courses aligned with their area of interest; cross-train in advising for other majors within DFER to ensure departmental coverage.
• Provide career advising to help students transition into their chosen profession, identifying and encouraging participation in relevant extracurricular and professional development opportunities.
• Communication: Maintain active, responsive communication with prospective and current students through email, virtual platforms, and in-person meetings.

Academic Programming (20% of Effort)

• Provide student support programming from the time students transition into the major until they graduate.
• Plan and execute orientation programming for new, Change of Degree Objective (CODA), and transfer students.
• Contribute to the development of a strong sense of community among students in the major and the department; organize and staff key events such as recruitment fairs, Parents Weekend, and graduation.
• Highlight DFER student accomplishments at the department, college, and university levels.

Strategic Coordination (15% of Effort)

• Coordinate with other professional advisors, the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs (ADUP), and faculty program coordinators to plan and implement group advising sessions.
• Facilitate and maintain connections with complementary academic programs across campus; connect students as appropriate with courses and high-impact experiences such as study abroad.
• Support student participation in professional development activities, such as the departmental Job Fair, and encourage students and alumni to participate in job placement surveys.

Administration & Record Keeping (5% of Effort)

• Maintain appropriate, confidential student records regarding academic progress, degree audits, and advising notes in compliance with university standards.