Undergraduate Student Assistant (Lab/Field)

Overview

• This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place after December 2, 2024. 
• This position has been budgeted for $20.00 per hour and is non-negotiable.
• This position is open to currently enrolled students of San Diego State University.

Three internships are available for Spring 2025, focusing on Child and Youth Rights in La Mesa. The internship also satisfies GEOG 595 for 3 units of credit. The internships are research intensive, and may also enable interaction with various government actors in La Mesa, as well as the La Mesa/Spring Valley school board members and students at local schools. In addition, interns will interact with UNICEF officials locally and in New York. Although a program of work is already in place for Spring 2025, each of these internships requires flexibility, time management and initiative from students. The three interns are expected to work with each other, coordinating efforts on each other’s projects while being responsible for the scope of work in their designated internship.

The Child Rights in La Mesa/Spring Valley program is supervised by Professor Stuart Aitken, with input from the La Mesa’s mayor, police chief, the county sheriff and various business and faith based leaders. The GEOG 595 internship program is supervised by Professor Jessica Barlow.

All three internships require students to study the literature on child rights and UNICEF’s. Interns will meet regularly with Prof Aitken to discuss their plan of work and initiatives.

Responsibilities

General Duties – Internship 1 – 90%

• Connect with local high schools and interview students (individually and in focus groups)
• Create and maintain your schedule for interviews and focus groups.
• Manage your appointments in a timely manner (this includes canceling and rescheduling)
• Maintain records of sessions and records of sessions using the appropriate forms/software.
• Study literature on child rights and UNICEF’s.
• Share skills or resources when necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

General Duties - Internship 2 – 90%

• Connect with local government officials and UNICEF about the Child Friendly City Initiative (CFCi).
• Prepare to implement CFCi in La Mesa and Spring Valley.
• Document the issues and problems of implementing the initiative in the two communities.
• Manage your appointments in a timely manner (this includes canceling and rescheduling).
• Maintain records of sessions and records of sessions using the appropriate forms/software.
• Study literature on child rights and UNICEF’s.
• Share skills or resources when necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

General Duties – Internship 3 – 90%

• Update the La Mesa/Spring Valley resource map for children youth and families
• Basic GIS skills.
• Knowledge of ESRI’s software, including ArcGIS and StoryMaps.
• Manage your appointments in a timely manner (this includes canceling and rescheduling).
• Maintain records using the appropriate forms/software.
• Study literature on child rights and UNICEF’s.
• Share skills or resources when necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Clerical - 10%

• Accurately input and update data into computer systems or databases. Maintain records and files as needed.
• Sort and file documents, records, and correspondence. Maintain a well-organized filing system for easy retrieval.
• Manage and respond to emails promptly.
• Handle sensitive information and documents with discretion and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to check SDSU student email on a daily basis.
• Thorough written and oral communication skills, including English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Outstanding customer service skills and a high expectation for quality.
• Well organized, ability to meet deadlines and detail oriented.
• Possess good judgment and common sense.
• Ability to handle multiple projects at one time while exhibiting strong attention to detail.
• Highly motivated individual who can foresee and complete projects with little supervision.
• Establish and maintain professional, cooperative working relationships with faculty, administrators, staff, community members, and student organizations.
• Knowledge of basic office procedures and the ability to operate standard office equipment, including PC & iOS based office applications and platforms including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe reader, Google Suite. 

Minimum Education & Experience

• Current enrollment as an undergraduate student at SDSU.

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Maintain a 2.50 cumulative GPA
• Be in good judicial standing with the university.
• Thorough written and oral communication skills, including English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Well organized, ability to meet deadlines and detail oriented.
• Ability to handle multiple projects at one time while exhibiting strong attention to detail.
• Customer service experience.
• Bilingual speaking both English and Spanish.

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live in a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer/Title IX employer.

Salary : $20