Work Study Student: Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 | Business Operations Administrative Assistant

This position is only open to students with a Fall 2026 and/or Spring 2027 Work-Study award from Texas State University.

The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University is dedicated to inspiring research, leadership and innovation that ensures clean, abundant water for the environment and all humanity. The Meadows Center fulfills its mission by integrating activities across four pillars of action in powerful ways. Our work in each of these pillars begins at Spring Lake – one of the largest artesian springs in the world – and ripples outward across Texas and beyond.

Our Business Operations team supports all Meadows Center programs (education and tours, research, conservation/restoration, communications/outreach) through management of facilities, HR, purchasing, accounting, budgeting, and stewardship functions.

This academic year 26-27 work-study position is a front‑line role that combines customer service with behind‑the‑scenes business operations. It is a strong opportunity to apply what you are learning in business administration, public administration, accounting/finance, sustainability, environmental studies, or related fields to real hands‑on work in a mission‑driven organization.

Schedule

Approximately 10–25 hours per week during standard business hours (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.), with at least 3‑hour blocks per shift.

What You'll Do

• Greet and assist visitors, staff, and students at the front desk; answer and route phone calls; provide basic information and excellent customer service.
• Take ownership of keeping front office and common areas clean, welcoming, and functional (lobby setup, conference room reset, coffee/water stations, simple plant and space care).
• Receive, log, and distribute mail and deliveries; assist with simple mail outs and check payments as directed.
• Restock and track office supplies; monitor inventory and report needs.
• Update calendars, checklists, and basic documentation (front desk schedule, room reservations, simple SOPs and forms).
• Support small administrative projects across facilities, HR, purchasing, accounting/budgeting, and stewardship (data entry, spreadsheets, records, research, simple reports).
• Complete opening/closing routines so the office starts and ends each day ready for visitors
• Learn about Spring Lake and The Meadows Center’s mission and goals
• Complete required training as assigned
• All other duties as assigned

Energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm are key. We are looking for students who bring a positive presence to the front desk, demonstrate passion for our mission, notice patterns in everyday processes, and are willing to share ideas for improvements.

Job Requirements

• Able to work 10-25 hours during business hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. with a minimum of 3-hour blocks per scheduled shift.
• Dependable and able to self-motivate.
• Energetic self-starter who can work independently and also take direction.
• Good people skills, show confidence, and enjoy working with others in this team-oriented friendly environment.
• Texas State Parking Pass is required if you plan to drive to work.
• Reliable method of getting to work.
   

Minimum Qualifications

• Texas State undergraduate or graduate student with a current work‑study award for Fall 26 - Spring 27 Academic Year.
• Strong interpersonal skills; welcoming, service‑oriented, and dependable.
• Visible energy and enthusiasm for learning, helping others, and supporting a mission‑driven team.
• Ability to stay organized, follow procedures, and complete routine tasks on time.
• Proficient in Outlook, Word, Teams, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to work independently and provide timely responses to requests
• Passion for environmental issues is a plus!
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Major or interest in Business Administration, Accounting/Finance, Management, Public Administration, Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Non‑Profit Management, or related fields.
• Anticipated eligibility for work-study beyond Fall 26 - Spring 27 Academic Year to continue with us through the following semesters (including Summers) of their academic career. 
• Interest in process improvement, documentation, or basic data/Excel work
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365, specifically SharePoint, Forms, and Power Automate; familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and/or Canva. Comfort learning new systems is a plus!
   

Location

Please note our location:  http://www.meadowscenter.txstate.edu/About/Contact-Us.html. Students driving their vehicles to work must have a Texas State parking permit. Students without a vehicle must have a reliable method of getting to work. Students may utilize the Bobcat Shuttle Route 23 - Post Road. The bus stop is located at the main entrance of The Meadows Center. 
 

Employee Evaluation Process

Employees will be evaluated on their work output and ethics. Employees will be required to attend all scheduled shifts unless prior communication has been made with their direct supervisor. All employees are required to follow university policy and procedures.
 

Pay Rate Determination 

The pay rate for this position begins at $11+. Experience and amount result in a higher rate if deemed appropriate by the Business Operations team. 
 

Direct Supervisor 

The Administrative Assistant II for the Business Operations team directly supervises this position.
 

How to Apply

Submit ALL items listed below via Handshake. Incomplete applications cannot be considered:

• Resume and transcript
• Fall class schedule and general availability PLUS screenshot of Fall 26 - Spring 27 Academic Year work-study award
• Short cover letter (max 1 page) describing:
  • Why you’re interested in business operations, environmental issues, or sustainability/non‑profits
  • Relevant experience in front‑line service or administrative work
  • A brief example of a time you noticed a pattern in a process and helped improve it