Resident Assistant - Environmental Science - Matthiessen Scholar Program na The Hotchkiss School

Department:   Instruction

FLSA:                 Exempt

Job Status:       Temporary

Reports to:      Director of Academic Research Programs

Schedule:         June 13th - June 28th, 2026 in residence at Yale’s field camp at Great Mountain Forest in Norfolk, CT

Designation:    Associate Faculty, non-benefit eligible

Travel:               Occasional

Housing:           Room and board provided, costs associated with travel may be provided.

Compensation:  $2,000

Our Program:

The Matthiessen Scholars Program offers selected rising Hotchkiss high school seniors the opportunity to complete research projects in environmental science. The summer portion of the Program takes place over the course of two weeks each June and is based at Yale University’s research camp at the Great Mountain Forest (GMF) in Norfolk, Connecticut.

Position Description:

The Hotchkiss School seeks a Resident Assistant to support student scholars in their residential and program needs. The Resident Assistant, alongside program faculty, is responsible for the physical and emotional well-being of students in the Program at meals, during breaks from scheduled study, at activities during the day and evenings, on field trips, as well as overnight in the dormitory. The Resident Assistant plays an important role in creating and maintaining an effective learning environment. The Resident Assistant is expected to create a welcoming, safe, and friendly environment for students, participate willingly and reliably in all aspects of the program, and uphold program guidelines for the enjoyment and safety of all students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Resident Assistant will monitor all aspects of the student experience while at the Yale Camp. The Resident Assistant will be charged with checking in students at night, monitoring study hall, and ensuring students are going to bed at a reasonable time. The Resident Assistant will also work with the cook to help arrange packed meals for excursions and will generally enforce and maintain a sense of order in camp life. The Resident Assistant will also accompany the group on most excursions and outdoor lessons and will help monitor student safety in a wilderness setting.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be prepared to assist the program faculty in their work with students on their research. Therefore, some general knowledge of ecology and climate change is preferred. Since this position entails direct pastoral care of high-school students in a dormitory setting, some experience working with teenagers in a boarding environment is strongly preferred. It would be a plus for candidates to have or obtain their Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification. A high school diploma with some college experience in the field of Environmental Science is required.

Application Information:

Through the online application, which can be found at hotchkiss.org/careers under “Summer Opportunities”, interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé/CV. The School is committed to building and supporting a diverse community where all feel safe, seen, and supported. Successful applicants will address their ability to contribute to a warm, inclusive, and exciting learning environment. APPLY NOW!

Additional Information:

The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination).

In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

About The Hotchkiss School

Located in the scenic Berkshire-Taconic landscape in the quiet northwest corner of Connecticut, The Hotchkiss School is a community in which faculty and staff members build careers and grow as professionals. We seek to identify, recruit, and develop faculty and staff members who bring a diversity of experiences, perspectives, talents, and backgrounds. Collectively, we are dedicated to supporting the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of over 600 students who come from around the country and the world.

In the 2024-2025 school year, our student body included 37% of students receiving financial aid, 14% international students, and 42% domestic students of color. Geographically diverse, our students represent 38 states, 34 countries, and span 6 continents. The School is eager to accept applications from individuals who are excited to support an inclusive and warm learning community for students from a wide array of backgrounds and experiences.