Item 9.C-February 10, 2012
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 Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/vpaf/hr/compensation/placement.html for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name (if applicable): Vacant
Position #(s): 16138
Current Title: Mechanical Engineer
Current Range: 4
(JCC:77625;3F;CM3605;CC146;E)
Department: Facilities Services Department
College/Division: Vice President,
Administration and Finance
Account #(s): 1101-104-1410
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
( ) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
( X ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
Range:
JCC (Current
or new HR
assigned):
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 Lyle Woodward
Director of Construction Management
____________________________________________________________
Director/Chair/Dean Sean McGoldrick, Assoc. V.P. Facilities Services
__________________
Date
__________________
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Ron Zurek
Date
Vice President, Administration & Finance
Action Approved by the President (Completed by Faculty HR):
Position #: 16138
EEO Code: 3F
CUPA Code: CM9504
Exempt: Yes or No Census Code: 146
Job Class Code: 77625
Range: 4
Effective Date: 2/1/2012
Approved Title:
MECHANICAL ENGINEER (FSRV)
____________________________________________________________
__________________
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 – Mechanical Engineer
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.)
Under the supervision of the Director of Construction Management, the Mechanical Engineer is
responsible for the University of Nevada, Reno’s (UNR) mechanical systems. The Mechanical
Engineer is responsible for the design, update and remodel of existing systems, energy conservation
projects and plan checks for outside consultants. The incumbent must interpret and enforce
applicable codes, design standards and departmental criteria as well as meet with faculty and staff to
define scope of projects, code restraints, and budget estimates. The Mechanical Engineer also
supervises and directs assigned staff.
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% - Design/Review New or Remodeled Mechanical Systems

Responsible for new and remodel mechanical system designs. Included within the
incumbent’s purview are energy conservation projects; teaching, computer and research
laboratories; classroom and office space; dining and food service areas; dormitories and
housing; athletic and recreational facilities, and large capital improvement/replacement of
existing mechanical systems
20% - Code Enforcement

Makes, interprets and/or enforces applicable codes, design standards and departmental
criteria which have the potential for injury, loss of life, loss of property, and loss of program
productivity and accreditation
15% - Supervision

Must supervise and direct consultants, contractors, and facilities staff necessary to complete
multiple on-going projects
10% - Communications

Meets with university community, federal, state and local agencies, as well as the general
public
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 Mechanical Engineer must be self-motivated and is required to make independent decisions with
minimal instruction and supervision. The decisions and judgments made affect the department and
the University directly with respect to operation and maintenance budgets, Capital Improvement
Programs, and the support of faculty and staff needs related to facility improvement and research
support. The incumbent is required to provide economic and innovative solutions to a wide range of
facility-related problems. Quality system design and construction improves the educational
environment. The incumbent assumes responsibility for accurately identifying problems and
Position Description – Mechanical Engineer
Page 3
deficiencies in new and old facility design, construction and operation. The position assumes
responsibility for problems and deficiencies in new and old facility design, construction and operation.
Mechanical engineering expertise provides economic and innovative solutions to a wide range of
faculty and facility related problems.
Impact:
The decisions and judgments made affect the department and university directly with respect to the
operation and maintenance budgets, Capital Improvement Programs, and the support of faculty and
staff needs related to facility improvement and research support. Quality system design and
construction improves the educational environment. The consequences for errors or misjudgments
could undermine the University’s current and future system design and construction efforts by bringing
the department’s professional credibility into question.
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:
 Mechanical engineering principles, practices and methods, particularly related to system
designs
 Project management/supervisory principles, practices and methods
 Cost estimates, plans, specifications, report preparation, budget preparation and system
economy
 Environmental policies and issues as well as local and national sustainability initiatives and
best practices
 U.S. Green Building Commission guidelines as well as understanding of general policies and
procedure in the areas of design and construction, purchasing, contracts, and grants
Skills:





Demonstrated analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills
Experience in coordinating, organizing and implementing project solutions
Attention to detail and accuracy
Strong interpersonal skills to include working with diverse groups of individuals and building
partnerships
Exceptional oral and written communication skills
Ability to:
 Work independently and as a team member
 Write clear and concise reports and correspondence
 Interact effectively with many levels of staff throughout the department and university
 Develop new projects within an academic setting with an understanding of how to
institutionalize new sustainability efforts
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
Facilities Personnel
Faculty, Students, Staff and
Administrators
Reason for Contact
Determine campus standards, review, approve mechanical plans,
consult with HVAC staff on existing building mechanical/plumbing
issues
Consult to solve mechanical/plumbing building issues and answer
questions
Position Description – Mechanical Engineer
Page 4
Deans, Directors, Faculty and
Staff
Consult and apply mechanical engineering expertise in the
adaptation of new technologies and research demands to existing
facilities
External
Contractors, Engineers and
Consultants
Reason for Contact
Consult with, direct consultants to establish system designs as
they apply to new and existing buildings; review/check/approve
system designs; administer design and construction contracts to
consultants and contractors
Develop construction criteria for new campus buildings including
HVAC, plumbing, gas, and steam, to provide for faculty and staff
facility needs and coordination of construction and utility services
State Public Works Division, City
and State Agencies
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 with major in Mechanical
Engineering
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 eight years or a Master’s Degree and six years of experience in
mechanical design, administration, and project management, including four years in a
supervisory or responsible project charge capacity directly related to institutional facility
construction.
Incumbent must be proficient in the area of building HVAC systems, high temperature,
high pressure hot water systems, energy conservation, building plumbing systems,
laboratory design, and chilled water systems. Experience in commercial and
institutional facility designs required.
Preferred Licenses and Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
Registration as a Professional Engineer at the time of appointment. Reciprocity is
acceptable if Nevada license is received within six months of employment at the
Facilities Services Department.