Item 2.B-Nov. 20, 2009
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to
marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR-HR at 682-6114
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INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/vpaf/hr/compensation/placement.html for complete instructions.
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Incumbent(s) Name (if applicable):
Position #(s):
Current Title: Classified
Current Range:
(JCC: )
Department: Geography Department
College/Division: College of Science
Account #: 1201-121-1520; 1321-114-1887
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
2
(X) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title: Coordinator, Environmental Research
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
Range: JCC (HR assigned):
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
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.
____________________________________________________________
Franco Biondi, Principal Investigator/Associate Professor
__________________
Date
____________________________________________________________
Kate Berry, Chair, Geog / Jeff Thompson, Dean, Science
__________________
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Jannet Vreeland
Date
Vice Provost & Secretary of the University
Action Approved by the President (Completed by Faculty HR):
Position #:
EEO Code: 3B
CUPA Code: CM9509
Exempt: Yes or No Census Code: 196
Job Class Code: 86934
Range: 2
Effective Date:
Approved Title:
Coordinator, Environmental Research
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Employee Signature
Date
(Employee signs and sends to HR for personnel file after PDQ has been “final” stamped for approval)
Rev: 12/1/2008
Position Description – Coordinator, Environmental Research
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 Coordinator, Environmental Research, reporting to the principal investigator for EPSCOR, is
responsible for the installation and monitoring of equipment in the observational network supporting
ecological and water components of an environmental grant in collaboration with other agencies and
entities. Additionally, the incumbent manages the tree-ring laboratory and oversees field
methods/practices as well as technical work on environmental research or experimental projects in
physical geography, geographic information systems, dendrochronology, wood anatomy, forestry,
ecology and natural resources. This includes training and directing incoming graduate students and
laboratory assistants in the details of environmental data collection methods, as well as assisting in
the presentation of research results and supporting the development of peer-reviewed publications on
methodologies and findings with data collection and mapping.
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).
40% - Equipment Ordering, Maintenance & Deployment
 Design and create observational network of equipment and sensors for data collection
 Order, test and install equipment in a complex network supporting monitoring of ecological
change and using weather, soil, tree growth, atmospheric, hydrologic and other types of
sensors to gather and transmit data
 Monitor and maintain field equipment function
 Maintain lab equipment, computer servers and workstations
 Recommend equipment for acquisition and maintenance
 Calibrate equipment
 Manage electronic data storage
40% - Lab Management
 Manage tree lab analysis and processing activities
 Supervise undergraduate and graduate students
 Develop experimental methodology to support grant(s)
 Coordinate research and data analysis
 Establish lab protocols and goals
10% - Research and Publication Coordination
 Coordinate components of research projects in collaboration with outside agencies
 Establish research goals, experimental design, monitor experimental progress
 Conduct numerical data analysis in generating data records
 Facilitate research methods
 Generate maps for sampling, reporting and presentation
 Support the development of publications and presentations
10% - Training & Fieldwork
 Train graduate students in lab methodologies and scientific principles
 Supervise teams of researchers to ensure uniformity in the methodology, data collection,
accuracy, sample processing techniques, equipment care, and analysis procedures being
performed by graduate students and laboratory assistants
Position Description – Coordinator, Environmental Research
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Page 3
Provide administrative support
Select the location, logistics and procedures for gathering samples and data based on
operational knowledge and experience
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.
Level of Freedom:
The incumbent acts independently to create a one-of-a-kind research infrastructure to support the
project including network design, implementation and monitoring. The role exercises high decision
making authority for acquisition of highly specialized scientific equipment. Moderate direction is
provided by the supervisor in the lab management and equipment deployment but a high level of
regular interaction is required of the position to function as a key component of a research team. This
position receives direction in their efforts to support development of publications and presentations.
Impact:
Inaccurate information or failure to meet deadlines impacts existing and future projects funded by the
granting agencies. The overall impact of the position is positive to the success and reputation of the
department, college, and University as it provides service to support grants funding environmental
research.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
 Windows computer workstations and servers
 Network architecture to support transmitting data from remote installations of sensors, data
loggers and other types of equipment
 Higher education policies and procedures on allowable use of funding resources and grants,
contracts and sponsored projects
 Research methodologies – research design and data collection and analysis – both qualitative
and quantitative
Skills:
 GIS mapping and spatial analysis programs (ArcInfo Workstation, ArcView, etc)
 Proficiency in use of a personal computer and current software applications including but not
limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and email)
 Web site design, development, and maintenance utilizing Dreamweaver for Web-Design,
Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop), or similar application
 Cartographic/drawing programs
 Analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Ability to:
 Operate and maintain field sampling equipment including, but not limited to sensors, increment
borer, GPS receiver, clinometers, compass, measuring tapes, chainsaw, handsaw, digital
camera, laptop computer
 Operate optical, digital and video equipped microscopy
 Research issues/situations, develop and provide solutions, make appropriate decisions, and
implement solutions
 Coordinate activities and work collaboratively with other researchers and students
Position Description – Coordinator, Environmental Research
Page 4
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.
Internal
Faculty and Staff
Students
Administration and various
campus offices
Principal Investigators
External
Federal and State Agencies
Vendors
DRI/UNLV Faculty
Reason for Contact
To manage departmental and personnel issues, collaborate, and
provide visiting class instruction
To deliver scientific training, project and methods supervision
To resolve facilities maintenance issues, p-card and travel
expense issues; to secure approvals; to procure equipment and
work within purchasing procedures
To communicate regularly on research considerations
Reason for Contact
To collaborate on research and permitting
To gather information, make purchases, secure upgrades and
service, etc.
To collaborate on EPSCOR research project
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 three years or a Master’s Degree and two years of experience
in a research lab, with research equipment and/or in field experimental study
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
None or list (spell out any abbreviations)