Item 8.A-April 11, 2014
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.
CURRENT POSITION INFORMATION
Range /
Current Title:
Class.:
1
Specialist, Limnology Research (to R2-BIOL-4/14)
1
Specialist, Limnology Research (to R2 7/2/2014
1
Specialist, Limnology Field Research (title R1)
(Caires and Caldwell move to BIOL 7/2014; Grant
Accounts will also be moved to BIOL)
Department: Biology (move from
College/Division: College of Science
NRES/ABNR)
Account #(s): 1320-153-521T, 1320-153-52YE, 1320-153-52WT
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:
Specialist, Limnology Research
17646
1
77824
Senior Specialist, Limnology Research
17518; 17537
2
67531
Incumbent(s) Name
OR New/Vacant:
Ka Lai Ngai Ryan
Andrea Caires
Timothy Caldwell
Pos
#(s):
17518
17537
17646
JCC
77824
77824
68657
EEO:
3B
3B
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.
_________________________________/___________________________
Sudeep Chandra, Assoc Prof, Biology / David Zeh, Chair, Biology
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature
__________________
Date
____________________________________________________________
Director/Chair/Dean
Jeff Thompson, Dean, College of Science
__________________
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
__________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Stacy Burton, Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs Date
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
Effective Date:
4/1/2014
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 – Limnology Research Specialists – 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 Limnology Research Specialists have a variety of duties which may include: maintaining field
monitoring programs designed to collect information related to fish, invertebrate, and algal ecology.
Specific tasks may include assisting in fish tagging, processing fish for stomach content and age
analysis; collecting invertebrates using standard method techniques with dredges, nets, and suction;
collecting and analyzing nutrients for carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen constituents. The positions
report to the Principal Investigator (PI) on the projects within the College of Science (COS).
Range 1 – Specialist, Limnology Research
The Specialist is responsible for performance of above duties under the oversight of the Principal
Investigator (PI) and higher level researchers.
Range 2 – Senior Specialist, Limnology Research (including Range 1 above)
The Senior Specialist performs the above duties independently with minimal oversight by the PI on
the projects. The position also manages the input and analysis of data, creation of graphics and
preliminary text for reporting, and presentations to agency staff or media as needed without
supervision from the PI.
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:
30% - Monitoring Station Maintenance
 Monitoring of fish, invertebrate, and algae composition determined from the Scope of Work for
proposals.
 Maintenance and coordination of samplings with local agencies.
30% - Field Sampling
 Conduct field sampling for collection of fishes, benthic invertebrates, and algae to determine
the ecological condition of aquatic ecosystems as dictated from the scope of work by the
sponsor and PI; samplings may include gill netting, electroshocking, trapping, picking, and/or
other standard methods utilized in limnological research
30% Lab Processing
 Pick, preserve, etc., and make identification of algae, invertebrates, and fishes
10% - Reporting
 Enter data into statistical software and develop a summary graphical analysis for progress
reports with preliminary updates to PI
Range 2 (in addition to above R1):
30% - Monitoring Station Maintenance
 Independently plan and implement monitoring activities
 Coordinate lab vehicles and general fieldwork schedules
 Work directly with agency staff to refine and develop monitoring program recommendations
that can be presented to the PI
Position Description – Limnology Research Specialists – Line of Progression

Page 3
Review literature and presentations by agency staff to provide information related to advancing
their monitoring goals
30% - Field Sampling
 Independently sample lakes and rivers based on the scope of work and methods developed by
the PI
30% Lab Processing
 Independently process field collections and nutrients in the laboratory
10% - Reporting and Supervision
 Conduct initial statistical and trend analysis using computer software
 Finalize graphs for reporting
 Draft reports for projects
 Supervise undergraduates in collecting field samples and conducting some laboratory analysis
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 Specialist works under the direction of the PI. Within established parameters there is freedom to
set his/her own schedule for sampling times and locations. Deviation from protocol must have prior
approval by the PI.
Range 2:
The Senior Specialist works independently of the PI after discussions about the scope of work for the
project. There is greater freedom to set work schedule and they can deviate from protocols as long as
it is reported to the PI upon return to the laboratory.
Impact:
Range 1:
Inadequate performance of the responsibilities of the position will negatively affect the University’s
research mission and reputation of the Limnology Laboratory, COS, and the University.
Range 2:
Inadequate performance of the responsibilities of the position will negatively affect the University’s
research mission and reputation of the Limnology Laboratory, COS, and the University; however,
because of the greater freedom and independence afforded by Range 2, negative effects of
inadequate performance may occur at a higher management level within the University and state and
federal agencies.
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:
 Basic limnological methods related to biological, chemical, and physical assessments.
 Basic statistical analysis (ANOVA, regression, etc.)
Range 2:
 Project management approaches
Position Description – Limnology Research Specialists – Line of Progression




Page 4
Graphical data reporting
Report writing and presentation of findings
Supervising undergraduate researchers
Creating budgets for proposals
Skills:
Range 1:
 Identify fish, invertebrate, and algal species
 Age fish using a microscope
 Identify biological organisms in fish stomachs
 Identify benthic invertebrates to genus and species resolution
 Use a dissection scope
 Research methodologies – research design and data collection and analysis – both qualitative
and quantitative
 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)
 Time management and task management skills
Range 2:
 Interaction with management and scientific communities to disseminate information
 Writing technical reports
 Preparation of spreadsheets for data analysis and create budgets
 Analytical skills (critical thinking)
 Formal presentation of information using power point and white boards
Ability to:
Range 1:
 Be flexible and work independently, if needed. under minimal supervision with considerable
latitude for initiative and independent judgment
 Work well in a cooperative team-oriented environment
 Travel and drive to remote locations
Range 2:
 Work long hours away from the office or laboratory in a solitary setting
 Research and compile data for reports
 Work more independently with minimal supervision or guidance
 Communicate with the media
 Attend and participate in scientific conferences and workshops
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:
PI and staff
Range 2 (Plus R1 above):
PI and staff
Reason for Contact
To resolve issues related to data collection and initial data analysis
and write up, and to provide services that will support the
laboratory
To develop and write research proposals and project budgets.
Position Description – Limnology Research Specialists – Line of Progression
External
Range 1:
Government agencies and
University of California, Davis
Range 2 (Plus R1 above):
UNR media relations
Public and other universities and
agencies
Page 5
Reason for Contact
To coordinate sampling dates and collections of fish, invertebrate,
or water samples and to obtain information that may be needed for
publication of papers
To develop the University’s reputation for solving water issues
To provide services beyond the laboratory to assist in developing
the University’s research mission (e.g. media outreach, scientific
presentations at conferences)
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 and Range 2:
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution with emphasis in Ecology or
related discipline
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 related experience
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
Range 2:
Bachelor’s Degree and two years of related research experience
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
Nevada Driver’s license in order to drive University vehicles to field locations