Item 2.B-June 14, 2013
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/hr/compensation-and-evaluation for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name
OR New/Vacant:
CURRENT POSITION INFORMATION
Pos
Range /
Current Title:
#(s):
Class.:
Replaces an LOA position and a Research
Scientist position
Department: Agriculture, Nutrition and
College/Division: College of Agriculture,
Veterinary Sciences (ANVS)
Biotechnology, and Natural Resources
Account #(s): 1320-153-07AB; 1320-153-07AD; 1320-153-53DP
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
( ) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
( ) Title Change, Proposed Title:
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
( ) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
(X) Line of Progression (show titles below)
Pos #:
Range:
JCC:
Rangeland Ecologist (ANVS)
1
67397
Senior Rangeland Ecologist (ANVS)
2
67398
JCC
EEO:
3C
3C
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 Tamzen Stringham, Professor, ANVS
__________________
Date
____________________________________________________________
Chris Pritsos, Chair, ANVS / Ron Pardini, Interim Dean, CABNR
Director/Chair/Dean
__________________
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Jannet Vreeland
Date
Vice Provost and Secretary of University
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
Effective Date:
6/1/2013
Approved Title: See Above
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:_______________________________________________ __________________
Date
Printed Name: ____________________________________________________
Rev: 10/1/2012
Position Description – Rangeland Ecologist - Line of Progression
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 Rangeland Ecologist positions have primary responsibility for assisting with field set-up of
experimental studies for multi-disciplinary rangeland ecology research projects and collection of data
and samples from those studies. The primary focus of these projects is the development of state-andtransition models for Great Basin rangelands and to understand the ecological dynamics associated
with disturbance. The positions report to the Principal Investigator (PI) on the projects within the
Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Veterinary Sciences (ANVS).
Range 1:
The Rangeland Ecologist works with the PI to collect and manage field data, maintains databases and
records, and writes reports for the projects.
Range 2 (in addition to R1 above):
The Senior Rangeland Ecologist delegates and supervises the work of the Rangeland Ecologist and
student field technicians gathering data.
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).
Range 1:
75% - Data collection and Management
 Collect statistical data and samples and maintain databases and records
 Write annual reports for PI
15% - Experimental Studies Setup
 Set up experimental studies for multi-disciplinary rangeland ecology research projects
10% - Special Projects
 Assist with other data collection as needed, including other supporting experiments and
studies
Range 2 (in addition to above R1):
55% - Data collection and Management
 Same as above
15% - Experimental Studies Setup
 Same as above
10% - Special Projects
 Same as above
20% - Supervision
 Delegate and supervise projects of the Rangeland Ecologist and student technicians during
summer field season
Position Description – Rangeland Ecologist - Line of Progression
Page 3
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:
Range 1:
The Rangeland Ecologist will at times be primarily responsible for field based research decisions that
have the potential to impact the success of the collaborative research projects. All decisions will be
discussed with the supervisor as soon as possible.
Range 2 (in addition to R1 above):
The Supervisory Rangeland Ecologist supervises the Rangeland Ecologist and the student
employees during the summer field season and will at times be solely responsible for decisions
regarding their work assignments and safety.
Impact:
Range 1:
Any negative interactions of this position with research partners, funding agencies, the public, and
supervised students may negatively impact the ability to obtain future funding for the projects and
would have an effect on the reputation of the department, CABNR, and the University. Integrity and
professionalism are critical.
Range 2 (in addition to R1 above):
The consistent teaching and monitoring of student field technicians is critical for the students’ field
education as well as their safety and well-being while working on the projects.
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:
Range 1:
 Plant and soil sampling methods, collection techniques and lab analysis methods
 Taxonomy and identification of Great Basin and Mojave Desert vegetation
 State-and-transition models
 DIMA, Excel, Access, Word and Visio software
Range 2 (in addition to R1 above):
 Supervision and mentoring of professional staff and student field technicians
Skills:
Range 1:
 Strong verbal and written communication
 Strong interpersonal skills
 Basic first aid
Range 2 (in addition to R1 above):
 Report writing
Position Description – Rangeland Ecologist - Line of Progression
Page 4
Ability to:
Range 1:
 Conduct extended field work under adverse weather conditions and in remote, rugged
locations
 Use Toughbook field computers and other scientific equipment for data collection
 Work effectively with minimal supervision plus work as a productive team member
 Use 4-wheel drive vehicles and to change a tire
 Travel as needed
Range 2 (in addition to R1 above):
 Mentor and teach students in a field environment
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
Range 1:
Principal and Co-Principal
Investigator(s)
Undergraduate students
Reason for Contact
To discuss and collaborate on research
To provide supervision to field technicians on research projects
Range 2 (Plus R1 above):
Same as above
External
Range 1:
Landowners
Reason for Contact
Public land management agency
General public
To visit field research sites located on private property to provide
information
To visit field research sites located on public lands to provide
information
To provide information on field site locations
Range 2 (Plus R1 above):
Same as above
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.
Range 1:
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution with emphasis or major in
rangeland ecology and management, environmental science, natural resource science,
plant ecology, or a related area
Position Description – Rangeland Ecologist - Line of Progression
Page 5
Range 2:
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution with emphasis or major in
rangeland ecology and management, environmental science, natural resource science,
plant ecology, or a related area
b.
Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
Range 1:
Bachelor’s Degree and one year of experience to include field sampling in remote
locations, plant identification, transect knowledge and collection methods for both
vegetation and soils
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
Range 2:
Bachelor’s Degree and two years of experience to include field sampling in remote
locations, plant identification, transect knowledge and collection methods for both
vegetation and soils
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
Must have a valid Nevada State Driver’s License, or ability to obtain one within
required time period, in order to drive a State vehicle