Biology Academic Advisor

Overview

The Academic Advisor will advise for the Biology programs within the College of Arts and Sciences. The position will help build a total ArtSci experience, including the development of a culture of empowering student success, engagement through inside and outside-the-classroom opportunities, and the transition to meaningful careers. The selected candidate will work closely with the Biology Department and its programs.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with creating and managing a program of study that maximizes their 1) potential for success while in school, 2) timely graduation, and 3) opportunities to reach academic and career goals after graduation.
• Provide students with correct up-to-date academic information about university graduation requirements.
• Track students' academic progress and inform them of their status.
• Work closely with the assigned department to recruit and retain high quality students.
• Participate in assessment activities.
• Develop expertise in academic advising tools such as: DegreeWorks, Banner, etc.
• Assist students in the exploration of their educational goals, including possible areas of study, class selection, connecting students to curricular and extracurricular opportunities, and exploring career and graduate school opportunities.
• Help students to understand the expected standards of achievement and likelihood of success in areas of study, as well as providing them information about alternatives, limitations, and possible consequences of academic decisions.
• Maintain familiarity with available campus resources and effectively connect students to campus resources when appropriate.
• Recommend students for a variety of awards and scholarships.
• Maintain and update student files to effectively track student progress.
• Assist in other areas as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• Up to 1 year of relebant work experience.
• Excellent computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Educational background in the life sciences or experience or educational background in education or counseling.
• Understanding of developmental academic advising processes.
• Experience with the software programs DegreeWorks, Banner, and/or Aggie Handshake.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of student development and the ability to serve and assist the students in developing effective academic plans and career and life goals in order to promote student retention and academic success.
• Knowledge of student advising and graduation requirements for academic degrees, and the ability to anticipate department and/or student needs.
• Ability to creatively and independently problem-solve by prioritizing and multitasking while under pressure.
• Ability to serve individuals with diverse personalities through the use of effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to understand and form a commitment to USU's mission, strategic initiatives, and communities of engaged learners.
• Knowledge of university course schedules and degree requirements.
• Knowledge of student advisement methods and techniques (monitoring students' classes, scheduling, academic progress, and registration).
• Ability to keep student information confidential and abide by FERPA laws.
• Ability to always maintain professionalism even in high stress situations.
• Understanding of, or ability to learn University IT systems including DegreeWorks, Banner, Aggie Handshake, and other academic and office productivity software.
• Ability to work on one's own with minimal supervision.

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”

Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

Names and contact information of at least three references to be typed at the beginning of the application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

$47,500, plus excellent benefits

ADA

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

College/Department Highlights

https://artsci.usu.edu/

University Highlights

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or [email protected]. 

*updated 07/2026

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[email protected]

(435) 797-1266

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [email protected]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  [email protected]

*updated 08/2026