Sustainability Policy at Home and Abroad Course Assistant/Grader Fall 2026 (Student Wage)

University of Virginia; United States; On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Part time

Job summary

The University of Virginia Global Studies program seeks an energetic graduate or fourth‑year UVA student to assist with grading and student advising in this core course for the Global Sustainability major. The course surveys the main currents of U.S.

and international sustainability policy, covering energy and ecosystems, land management, ocean plastics, climate change, and Indigenous rights. Responsibilities include attending class Tue/Thu 14:00–15:15, delivering a guest lecture (optional),

Qualifications

• Student in good standing and a current fourth-year UVA undergraduate or graduate student.
• Federal Work Study approval preferred.
• Interest in collective action to improve ecological, economic, and ethical outcomes.
• Ability to provide thoughtful feedback and grade written assignments.
• Commitment to complete job duties on time.

Responsibilities

• Attend class Tue/Thu 14:00–15:15; facilitate small-group discussions and assist the instructor.
• Deliver one guest lecture on a topic of interest to the course (optional).
• Share assignment grading with the instructor; course enrollment is capped at 60 students.
• Provide guidance to students on assignments as needed.

Skills

Feedback and grading

Work-Study eligible

Policy interest

Time management

Academic advising

Education

Fourth-year undergraduate or graduate UVA student

Job description

Position Overview

The Global Studies program seeks an energetic graduate or fourth‑year student to assist with grading and student advising in this core course for students in the Global Sustainability major. In the course, students survey the main currents of U.S. and international sustainability policy, covering air and water quality, endangered species protection, public land management, private land conservation, ocean plastic pollution, sustainable development, Indigenous people’s rights, and others. The curriculum considers the origins of these policies in broader streams of conservation thought (utilitarian, romantic, progressive) and teaches students to evaluate and assess these policies using examples from current natural resource and environmental challenges (energy independence, biodiversity loss, recreational access, climate change). Students also gain familiarity with the actors and processes by which environmental policy decisions are made (Congress, agencies, interest groups, appropriations, oversight, rulemaking, and environmental assessments). Principal assignments are themed around live/current natural resource policymaking. Guest speakers provide a chance to hear from environmental policymakers, analysts, and advocates. This is an excellent opportunity for students from any discipline to broaden their subject‑matter knowledge; it may be particularly valuable to students in policy‑related disciplines such as politics, foreign affairs, leadership & public policy, economics, etc.

Responsibilities

• Attend class each Tuesday and Thursday from 14:00–15:15 to hear lectures, facilitate small‑group discussions, and assist the instructor with classroom logistics as needed.
• Deliver one guest lecture on a topic of interest to the course (optional).
• Share assignment grading with the instructor. The course enrollment is capped at 60 students.
• Provide guidance to students on assignments as needed.

Qualifications

• Student in “Good Standing” and a current fourth‑year undergraduate or graduate UVA student.
• Federal Work Study approval (strongly preferred).
• Interest in (and ideally passion for) collective action to improve ecological, economic, and ethical outcomes in the face of various sustainability challenges.
• Ability to provide thoughtful feedback and grade written assignments.
• Commitment to complete job duties on time.

Compensation

$18 per hour.

Hours

10–15 per week.

Location

Gibson Hall, Room211.

Apply

Complete the online application and upload a resume and cover letter. Resume and cover letter are required. Contact: Spencer Phillips, Associate Professor, Global Studies, Gibson S162, 202‑556‑1269, [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.