Desk Assistants (DA) are staff members of the Department of Residential Education and Housing at The College of New Jersey. The Department of Residential Education and Housing believes that providing exceptional service to our residents through our four operational areas is core to providing the best experience possible for our residential population. The DA may work under the direction of various staff within the department, including but not limited to: the Student Manager of Residential Operations, Graduate Assistant, Residence Director, Program Assistant, and Operations Coordinator. DAs will be fulfilling a role extending into various aspects of Residential Operations (Housing Main Office, KeyOsk, Night Desk, and Residential Mailroom) according to that area’s specific responsibilities.
Requirements to become a Desk Assistant
- All applicants should have completed at least one semester full-time at TCNJ and be full-time undergraduates.
- Newly hired staff will need to have the ability to accept a full academic year appointment.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, a semester GPA of 2.0, and good disciplinary standing with the college. New hires will not be able to begin the position with a GPA below 2.0.
- Upon accepting a position, all staff members are required to review and sign a Student Employment Agreement outlining expected behavior as a staff member. If you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact your supervising Residence Director.
Positions Available
KeyOsk
- Staff the KeyOsk Office in varying shifts from 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM.
- Answer the telephone and respond to any and all inquiries efficiently and effectively.
- KeyOsk staff will provide and complete an accurate log of keys, equipment, and other items per working area.
- Sign spare keys in and out to residential students
- Navigate key management system
- Follow up with residents as required
- Log new keys as delivered
- Communicate issues or concerns to manager as needed
Night Desk
- Staff the Night Desk (front desk) at your assigned Residence Hall(s) in varying shifts from 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM.
- Night Desk staff will follow all procedures as outlined with signing in guests which includes, but is not limited to:
- Checking stickers
- Accepting proper forms of ID
- Swiping guests into the Guest Management System accurately.
Residential Mailroom
- Staff the Residential Mailroom in varying shifts from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
- Answer the telephone and respond to any and all inquiries efficiently and effectively.
- Residential Mailroom staff will distribute residential mail and packages, and will maintain records or mail-related items, which includes but is not limited to:
- Placing mail in mailboxes
- Logging packages in the Sendsuite system
- Perform mail runs to residence halls and Eickhoff 114
Click here to view the full Job Description
Steps to Apply:
STEP 1: Prepare your resume. Consider visiting the Career Center to have your resume reviewed and/or prep for your interview. If applicable, prepare your Paw Print record. (Optional, NOT required) Visit https://leadership.tcnj.edu/paw-print/ for assistance.
STEP 2: Share with your reference the Character Reference Form they will need to complete. Students are not able to serve as references. You should select references who can provide an objective and critical analysis of your skills and experiences. Family and friends are not recommended. It is in your best interest to explain the position(s) for which you are applying to your reference. Reference forms are due no later than Feb. 25th.
Link to Character Reference Form: https://forms.gle/oTswM6TWmLineFBw9
STEP 3: Submit your online application. You will be required to submit your resume, the name and contact information of one reference, and a completed application online by February 25th.
Apply Here!
January 28 – February 25, 2026
You must be logged into your TCNJ Google account in order to complete this application
Recruitment Timeline
- Emails will be sent out no later than Friday March 13th to notify all applicants on their status in our application process.
- This email will note if you meet our necessary qualifications and are invited to interview.
- This email will note if you meet our necessary qualifications and are invited to interview.
- Interviews will take place the week of Spring Break (Mon 3/16-3/27) via zoom.
- A member of our staff will reach out between the dates on March 11th and March 13th with instructions on how to sign up for an interview. If you are unable to interview during spring break, you will be able to note that in the application.
- Decision letters will be sent in early April via email.