Instructional Assistant (Part-Time), Professional and Continuing Education – Specialization in GIS Spatial Analysis with Python & R
Position Overview
Organization: Continuum College
Title: Instructional Assistant (Part-Time), Professional and Continuing Education – Specialization in GIS Spatial Analysis with Python & R
Position Details
Position Description
UW Continuum College expands the reach of the University of Washington by delivering educational programs that meet the needs of learners at all phases of their lives. We’re focused on removing obstacles to relevant educational opportunities by addressing geographic, financial, length of commitment, and time constraints, increasing access to knowledge for more people. By looking ahead and experimenting with new approaches, we’re creating new educational opportunities to help people thrive in a world of change.
UW Continuum College (UWC2) has an outstanding opportunity for a part-time instructional assistant in Professional & Continuing Education (PCE), GIS Spatial Analysis with Python & R non-credit Specialization. Instructional assistants serve in a key role in Certificate programs, engaging with students, collaborating with the instructor, grading student work, and monitoring student progress.
The pay range for this position is $25-35 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Length of assignments and shifts vary depending on specific staffing needs of individual courses and programs.
Professional and Continuing Education Instructional Assistants…
- Support instructor in facilitating remote class sessions, if relevant (e.g., helping to manage Zoom).
- Serve as the primary responder to student inquiries such as content questions, assignment questions, policies, etc. Use discretion on when to escalate questions to the instructor or the appropriate administrative staff. Timely response is 24 hours for email and discussion board posts and 72 hours to grade assignments.
- Monitor student engagement with the online course materials and with peers, including online discussion forums.
- Check in with students as needed to support their progress in the course.
- Coordinate with the course instructor to ensure curriculum continuity.
- Provide grading support as directed by the instructor.
- Collaborate with program manager, instructor, and the rest of the instructional team to address student course evaluation feedback.
- Work collaboratively with the course instructor, adapting an approach based on feedback and sound pedagogical practices.
- Maintain high standards of professionalism, timeliness, and content relevance for adult students from different backgrounds.
- Complete instructor onboarding process and relevant learning technology training.
- Observe FERPA, HIPAA, and other privacy laws and policies.
PCE Specializations are generally 12 weeks in duration and align with the UW academic quarter calendar. PCE offers courses in a variety of formats – see the course webpage to find out about the format. Information on this PCE Specialization may be found at https://www.pce.uw.edu/specializations/gis-spatial-analysis-with-python-r.
UWC2 Extension Lecturers / Instructional Assistants are Academic Staff, not faculty. These are part-time, temporary positions.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in GIS, geography, environmental science, data science, or a related field.
- Minimum one year professional experience applying GIS in a work setting (public sector, environmental science, conservation, or similar industry context matching the target audience).
- Working proficiency in both Python and R for spatial analysis, including hands-on experience with ArcPy and core open-source spatial libraries (e.g., GeoPandas, Shapely for Python; sf, terra for R).
- Experience with Esri ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, including using Python within the ArcGIS environment for geoprocessing and automation.
- Experience troubleshooting Python/R environment and package setup issues (e.g. conda environments, RStudio, ArcGIS's bundled Python install, Positron).
- Comfort supporting or co-facilitating live, synchronous instruction for adult professional learners over Zoom — including monitoring breakout rooms, debugging student code live, and pacing support during guided labs.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability and desire to successfully work with individuals from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Legal authorization to work and receive compensation in the United States. These positions are not eligible for visa sponsorship.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with the R-ArcGIS Bridge (arcgisbinding) and/or the ArcGIS API for Python and Esri's spatially enabled dataframes.
- Exposure to raster and statistical spatial modeling workflows (e.g., Rasterio, GDAL, Xarray) or suitability/prediction modeling applications.
- Familiarity with statistical and machine learning libraries in both Python and R (e.g., scikit-learn, statsmodels in Python; caret, tidymodels, or randomForest in R).
- Prior teaching or mentoring experience, particularly with adult learners.
- Prior experience with online learning.
Instructions
To apply to be an instructional assistant for the PCE, Specialization in GIS Spatial Analysis with Python & R, please submit the following:
- A cover letter describing your areas of interest and expertise in Esri ArcGIS Applications and associated spatial analysis and modeling. Applications that do not contain this information, called out clearly at the top of the cover letter, will not be considered.
- Resume or CV
- Names and contact information of three references. [optional]
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and review of applications will occur intermittently dependent on program needs. Applications received by August 30, 2026, will receive priority consideration.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Equal Opportunity
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Benefits Information
The University is committed to providing excellent benefits to our faculty. For a summary of available benefits, please see UWHR benefits information.
Privacy Notice
Your application materials may be used for employment consideration and shared in accordance with UW’s Privacy Policy.
Disability Services
The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.