Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)
Position Title
Graduate Teaching Assistant – Geography and Geospatial Science
Position Summary
The Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) in Geography and Geospatial Science supports faculty in the instruction of undergraduate and graduate courses and laboratory sessions related to physical and human geography, geographic information systems (GIS), cartography, and remote sensing. The GTA assists with teaching, grading, technical support, and student engagement while gaining valuable academic and professional experience in geography and the geospatial sciences.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist instructors in developing, preparing, and organizing course materials for classes such as Climate Justice, World Geography, Dynamic Planet, Geospatial Science and GIS, Sustainability for the Common Good, Cartography, and Remote Sensing.
- Lead or co-lead lab and discussion sections focused on topics such as GIS, spatial analysis, cartographic design, remote sensing, and field data collection.
- Provide instruction and technical support for GIS and remote sensing software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, ENVI, ERDAS Imagine, Google Earth Engine).
- Grade laboratory assignments and exams accurately and provide constructive feedback.
- Maintain and manage geospatial laboratory facilities.
- Hold office hours to support students’ learning and troubleshoot technical challenges.
- Assist with geospatial data processing, analysis, and visualization for class exercises.
- Help organize and supervise fieldwork and activities, ensuring adherence to safety and data integrity protocols.
- Support OSU-approved learning management platforms.
- Participate in GTA orientation, program and college meetings and training sessions as required.
- Perform other administrative duties as assigned by supervising faculty or the program.
Qualifications
- Enrollment in a graduate program at Oregon State University.
- Relevant academic background or professional experiences in the subject.
- Written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to explain complex concepts clearly and patiently.
- Organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Academic background in geographic principles, spatial data analysis, and data visualization technologies.
- Proficiency in GIS and remote sensing applications and familiarity with spatial databases and visualization tools.
Relevant Health and Safety Information
- Public Safety: Dial 9-1-1 or call 541-737-7000
- 24/7 Dispatch/Non-Emergency: 541-737-3010
- University Environmental Health and Safety: 541-737-2273
- Non-Emergency Hotline : 541-713-7233
- Online Training Portal
Learning Outcomes
- Develop teaching, leadership, and communication skills in both traditional and technology-enhanced learning environments.
- Strengthen technical expertise in geography, GIS, spatial analysis, and remote sensing.
- Gain hands-on experience in geographic and geospatial data management and visualization.
- Receive professional mentorship from faculty and exposure to academic instruction.
Questions or Concerns
If you have any questions about your GTA assignment or have concerns regarding your
current position, please contact Robert Allan.