POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY
ALL INFORMATION MUST BE PROVIDED. INCOMPLETE FORMS WILL BE RETURNED TO DEPARTMENT.
QUESTIONS? CALL UNR Faculty Human Resources at 784-6082.
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INSTRUCTIONS: PDQ and Org Chart must be sent to marshag@unr.edu for initial review BEFORE routing.
1. Complete form, sign, and submit to immediate supervisor;
2. Supervisor (chair/director/dean)– review, approve, sign, forward to vice president or vice provost;
3. Pres/Vice Pres/Vice Prov - approve, sign, forward to Placement Committee (c/o UNR HR, M/S 238);
4. Placement Committee recommends administrative salary range and title & forwards to Provost.
5. Approval letters are then sent from HR with final stamped PDQ to Vice President, Dean or Director and
supervisor for PAF/Terms preparation.
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Incumbents’ Name (if applicable): Donald Emerson
Position #: CL40742
Current Title: IT Professional III (07.925;NE;None;5A)
Current Range: CL 39/8
Department: Southern Area Extension (SEXT)
College/Division: Cooperative Extension
Action Proposed: (check all that apply) RECLASSIFICATION FROM CLASSIFIED TO ADMIN
( ) New position : Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
(X) Title Change, Proposed Title: Specialist, Information Systems
(X ) Proposed Reassignment from Range CL 39/8 to Range
3
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
Employee’s Signature
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature Jill Ukeiley
Date
Interim Area Director, Southern Area
Director/Chair/Dean Karen Hinton
Dean, Cooperative Extension
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
Date
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Jannet Vreeland
Date
Interim Executive Vice President & Provost
Action Approved by the President (Completed by Faculty HR):
Position #:
EEO Code:
CUPA Code:
Job Class Code:
Exempt: Yes or No
Range:
Effective Date:
Title Approved:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature (Sign & send to HR for personnel file)
Revised: 8/1/2007
Date
Position Description – Specialist, Information Systems
Page 2
1. Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the
university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division
which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The Specialist, Information Systems, is responsible for planning, implementing, managing, and
evaluating all aspects of the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Cooperative Extension (UNCE)
Southern Area (Clark, Lincoln, and Southern Nye Counties) Information Systems. Position is the
primary area-wide resource for the daily technical operations of the Southern Area Cooperative
Extension and is responsible for procuring equipment identified in the research and planning process,
integrating or activating the new equipment, and training staff and faculty on its effective use.
Individual evaluates all application software requested or purchased by faculty in order to provide
implementation and utilization support. Individual tracks the utilization of all domain and file servers
and maintains oversight of computer and associated peripheral equipment requirements. Incumbent
has overall responsibility for local area network infrastructure (LAN) and remote site connectivity
issues, network switches and associated data drops, telephone drops, and printing systems (local and
network based).
Questions:
What kind of technical support: for computers? Hands on? Tech Spt?
Like Jerry McGraw in CABNR? – Manager, CABNR Info Technology?
Range 2 of 3?
What kind of relationship with IT?
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide
enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
55% - Systems Planning and Management
 Plan, manage, support, improve, and secure the Southern Area Cooperative Extension’s
Information Systems to include network servers, individual PC workstations, interactive video
conferencing systems, statewide office document tracking system, LAN and remote networks,
network switches, and data drops
 Continuously research technology trends to ensure the Southern Area stays abreast of the
latest technology advancements as they relate to the education mission
 Maintain oversight of Southern Area computer and associated peripheral equipment
requirements to ensure that faculty is kept advised of upgrade and replacement issues
 Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain all technical equipment
 Regularly evaluate the technology requirements associated with all Southern Area programs
and faculty efforts in order to provide the best possible advice, assistance and resources
 Work jointly with and as an integral participant in the Southern Area’s administrative team and
with faculty as appropriate in designing, developing and implementing policies and procedures
affecting the overall operation of the Southern Area
 Conduct continuous planning in order to take advantage of advancements in technology, with
a focus on preparing in advance for new unique requirements generated as a result of the ever
expanding/evolving Cooperative Extension mandate
 Evaluate all application software requested or purchased by faculty in order to provide
implementation and utilization support
30% - Graphic Imaging and Audio and Video Equipment Technical Support
Position Description – Specialist, Information Systems
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Provide faculty and staff with graphics support for image creation/manipulation and large
format printing
Maintain, operate and upgrade as appropriate all Southern Area audio and video related
equipment to include web-based and television-based systems
Coordinate with agencies and individuals as necessary to ensure timely and effective technical
support for all events within or sponsored by Cooperative Extension
10% - Training and Supervision
 Supervise classified staff to include hiring, training, coaching, evaluating, and disciplining in
accordance with Nevada State Classified Personnel rules and regulations.
5% - Budget Management
 Manages a budget of approximately $10,000.00 to include monitoring and approving
expenditures
3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without
supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
This position has delegated authority regarding the Southern Area’s technological needs. Decisions
and judgments could have a significant impact on the effectiveness and technological condition of
Southern Area Cooperative Extension. Poor judgment could jeopardize programming and research
efforts with serious consequences to continued Clark County funding.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity &
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
 Technical systems to include data, video, and audio related equipment
 Current state of the art hardware and software
Skills:
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Budget management
Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with
administration, faculty and staff at various levels of responsibility
Strong organizational skills involving a department of 80 or more employees in multiple
locations
Teaching and training skills
Proficiency in use of a personal computer and current software applications including wordprocessing, database management/collection, internet/communications activities (i.e.,
Microsoft Office Suite)
Human resources supervision/management
Time management and task management skills
Ability to:
 Utilize systematic management techniques and creative management strategies
 Assess training needs and design and implement instructional programs for individuals with
varying levels of technical knowledge
 Design, install and integrate a variety of technical systems
Position Description – Specialist, Information Systems
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Be flexible and work independently under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for
initiative and independent judgment
Travel as needed
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
As the primary information technology personnel resource, this person deals regularly with area
director, team leaders, faculty, principal investigators, initiative teams and Extension secretaries to
provide advice, answer questions and solve problems related to all technical aspects of the
organization.
Individual also acts as a liaison with System Computing Services, statewide IT administrator, UNR
facilities, and various vendors/contractors. These contacts involve the exchange of information,
development, and interpretation of policies and procedures, and the resolution of problems often
unique to the Southern Area Cooperative Extension.
The Specialist works collaboratively with the Southern Area administrative team, statewide
administration, UNCE and UNR faculty and staff. These contacts involve exchange of information,
development, and interpretation of policies and procedures and the resolution of problems often
unique to Nevada Cooperative Extension Southern Area.
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it
become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent.
a.
Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution
b.
Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
Bachelor’s Degree and two years of experience in information systems management
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
None