MS/MEng Student Services Advisor (5156C) - Civil & Environmental Engineering

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at UC Berkeley is a worldwide leader in developing engineering solutions to societal-scale challenges. Berkeley CEE conducts cutting-edge research in evolving and vital areas that address societal needs for well-designed and well-operated buildings, energy, transportation, and water systems. These critical systems must be reliable and resilient in the face of hazards such as earthquakes and flooding. Extensive efforts will be needed to adapt civil infrastructure to withstand adverse changes in weather and climate. Our research and teaching serve the needs of a growing and increasingly urban world population that requires sustainable improvements in standards of living.

Berkeley CEE research establishes and advances the intellectual foundations of new fields of study. We develop theory and improve understanding, and provide tools and techniques for solving important new problems. The educational activities of Berkeley CEE focus on developing future leaders in the engineering profession, in academia, and in the broader societal context. Through individual and collective efforts, Berkeley CEE serves the needs of our College and University and provides technical expertise and service to other public, private, and professional entities.

Berkeley CEE is a place of intellectual vitality and diversity in which all students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity and the impetus to achieve their highest potential. Signs of this vitality and diversity are seen in innovative research conducted by students and faculty; creative, flexible, adaptable, and forward looking curricula; outstanding classroom teaching; attentive academic mentoring; and a shared sense of a community that is inclusive and respectful of all members. We are proud of our contributions to the public mission of the University of California, as demonstrated, for example, by our role in providing technical expertise and service to other public, private, and professional entities.

The MS/MEng Student Services Advisor provides comprehensive support for all master's-level students within the department, serving as a primary point of contact from admission through graduation. The role oversees student advising, admissions coordination, recruitment, and career development, ensuring a cohesive and student-centered experience. A key component of the position is supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts through targeted recruitment and retention initiatives that promote access, belonging, and student success. The advisor manages student records and administers the graduate curriculum across seven MS programs and three CEE MEng programs, monitoring degree progress and ensuring compliance with academic policies and requirements. Working closely with students, faculty, and staff, the advisor coordinates program processes, provides guidance on academic planning and career pathways, and connects students with resources that support both academic achievement and professional development.

The First Review Date for this job is: April 27, 2026 - Open Until Filled

40% Academic Advising:

• Provides independent guidance to students and faculty on degree and program requirements, tracks student progress, and assists those facing academic challenges.
• Develops and implements strategies to support student success and enrich the overall graduate experience. Serves as the primary student services advisor for all CEE Master's students.
• Acts as a trusted resource and consultant to students, including many underrepresented minorities and international students, providing guidance, support, and mentorship.
• Makes independent, proactive decisions and recommendations, collaborating closely with the department team, Graduate Division, and other campus units such as the Registrar and Financial Aid.
• Interprets and communicates campus policies to faculty and students regarding conduct, grievances, disputes, and issues of discrimination.
• Supports student career development and academic success initiatives, particularly for at-risk students, leveraging mentorship, in-depth knowledge of graduate policies, and individualized guidance.
• Prepares exception memos as needed. Serves as a liaison between the department and students, facilitating communication between student leadership, faculty, and the Chair.
• Coordinates with student groups to build community, mentorship opportunities, and connections with alumni and professional organizations for career development.
• Collaborates closely with Berkeley's International Office to ensure that international students comply with visa regulations and fellowship requirements, supporting their ability to enroll, remain, and succeed at Berkeley.

25% Graduate Admissions:

• Supports advanced functions of the graduate admissions process, including advising faculty on policies and procedures, evaluating applicant admissibility, and managing admission decisions. Develops and updates procedures as needed to align with changes at the campus and College levels.
• Prepares and issues funding offer letters to admitted Master's students with funding package details.
• Advises prospective applicants on program suitability, preparation requirements, and alignment with career and academic goals.
• Plans and executes high-visibility student events, such as Visit Day, orientation, and informational workshops for admitted students.
• Serves as a liaison with other academic departments and programs, including the Fung Institute, Haas School of Business, Public Policy, Architecture, and City and Regional Planning, to coordinate Master's admissions and policies for MEng, MS, and joint-degree Master's applicants.
• Ensures compliance with College and campus policies across department communications and the website. Responds to complex admissions inquiries and recommends updates to admissions practices and funding packages to maintain alignment with campus and College regulations.

15% Financial Aid and Fellowships:

• Processes the awarding of both university and department-restricted financial awards for incoming and continuing graduate students.
• Manages the documentation required to initiate, maintain, and administer all financial awards, including validation of international fellowships.
• Reconciles awards with the Graduate Division, Department, and College Development Office to ensure accuracy.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of Graduate Division, College of Engineering, and departmental policies and procedures related to student financial awards, including scholarships, fellowships, and block grants. Assists students in resolving billing issues using CalCentral and SIS, addressing unapplied payments, outstanding debits, and fee remission concerns.

15% Professional Development and Engagement:

• Support the planning and delivery of focused professional development programs, including workshops, seminars, and skill-building sessions, to enhance master's students' career readiness.
• Engage alumni and faculty in mentoring initiatives, networking events, and professional panels, creating valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and relationship-building. Contribute to activities that facilitate career exploration, internship placements, and sustained professional growth.

5% Website Management and other:

• Ensure admissions, advising, and career-related information is accurately maintained and updated in a timely manner on the department's website.
• Coordinate updates to the Berkeley Academic Guide, grant proposals, surveys, and other departmental publications.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support department operations.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of University-specific computer application programs and knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of complex U.S. visa and immigration procedures, compliance issues, and employment eligibility / authorization for international students and scholars.
• Ability in problem identification and reasoning; ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving, identifying measures of system performance and the actions to improve performance.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $61,200 to $83,200 yearly ($5,100 to $6,933.34 monthly); the full salary range for this title (STDT SVC ADVISOR 3 SV) is $61,200 to $105,200.00 yearly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Exempt and paid monthly.

This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for RP or SV

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.