Psychology and Environmental Sciences and Society Department Assistant

Position Summary:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is seeking a full-time Department Assistant to support the Psychology and Environmental Sciences and Society (ESS) Departments. This position plays a key role in maintaining departmental operations, providing administrative and clerical support, assisting faculty and students, and coordinating logistics for academic programming and events. The Department Assistant ensures smooth daily functioning by managing communications, maintaining records, tracking budgets, and supporting faculty and department initiatives.

This is a full-time position offering excellent benefits and paid leave with a salary of $20.50 per hour.

Responsibilities:

Administrative and Office Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for departmental inquiries (phone, email, visitors)
• Maintain department spaces, bulletin boards, and office supplies
• Collect, distribute, and track syllabi, office hours, class schedules, and event information
• Update committee lists and coordinate elections
• Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, and record minutes

Academic and Course Coordination

• Assist department chair with class scheduling and rotation planning
• Process course-related items (textbook orders, class permission overrides, catalog updates)
• Administer course and program evaluations (e.g., senior exit surveys, CFE feedback)
• Coordinate prospective student visits in collaboration with Admissions

Event and Program Coordination

• Arrange logistics for departmental events and field trips (rooms, catering, transportation)
• Support student programs (e.g., Psi Chi Honor Society, Psychology CFE placements)
• Assist with faculty and guest travel arrangements and reimbursement

Financial and Purchasing Oversight

• Track and monitor departmental budgets, including special course fees and Foundation funds
• Manage purchasing and payment of supplies, services, and contracts via ShopUW, WISER, and P-cards
• Reallocate expenses and reconcile financial transactions

Technology, Facilities, and Operations

• Submit IT and maintenance requests; coordinate equipment purchases
• Manage office devices (e.g., copier/printer)
• Assist with onboarding new employees (e.g., keys, supplies, business cards)

Supervision and Communication

• Hire, train, and supervise student workers as needed
• Support the creation and distribution of the annual Psychology Department newsletter

What You'll Need to Succeed:

• Two years of experience in an office administration role.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  
• Willingness to develop proficiency with specialized university software programs necessary to perform the duties required for this position.
  
• Strong organizational skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and confidentially with students, faculty, staff, administration, and external constituents.
  
• Attention to detail.
  
• Ability to troubleshoot administrative and technical issues.

Why It's Great to be a Pioneer:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers 47 baccalaureate and 10 master's programs. It possesses institutional strengths in middle level education, engineering, industrial technology, agriculture, criminal justice and business. The campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest and most historic community. The region offers excellent school systems, high quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville is a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Take a virtual tour of our campus!

Application Deadline:

To ensure full consideration applications must be submitted through our online applicant portal and received by June 24, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

How to Apply:

The following documents are required for applicant consideration:

• Letter of application addressing all required qualifications
• A current resume

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is committed to recruiting, supporting and fostering a diverse, inclusive and civil community of outstanding faculty, staff and students, and is an AA/EEO Employer. A criminal background check is required for employment. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the U.S. at time of hire.

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.