Thank you for your interest in employment with the Desert Research Institute. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:
If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at (775) 673-7431 or recruit@dri.edu.
Job Description
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a dedicated individual to serve as a temporary, part-time (75%) Nevada Robotics Program Specialist for the 2025-2026 school year (starting in mid-summer.) This in-person position is based at DRI in Reno with 30 hours on campus Monday – Friday.
Key Job Duties:
Complete financial and administrative duties
Work with faculty and staff to collect and compile detailed financial information, faculty approval, and account charging details for travel and other expenses.
Enter expense reports, purchasing card transactions, and supplier invoice requests into Workday.
Coordinate office operations
Set the tone for a professional working environment in the Nevada Robotics Robot Office.
Oversee shipping, and receive supplies and materials used to support Nevada Robotics programming.
Organize and maintain equipment for outreach events including tents, signs, lesson materials, power, robots, fliers, etc. before, during, and after events.
Process Purchasing
Research material prices, vendors, and update list of purchasing needs.
Communicate with the administrative team regarding purchasing needs.
Maintain adequate levels of supplies for office staff, including ordering specific items requested by faculty in a timely and efficient manner.
Provide training and event support
Provide direct assistance to the Nevada Robotics education team.
Collaborate with the team to prepare equipment (robots, drones), art supplies, supplies, robots, drones, etc., for educator training and outreach events.
Provide direction and guidance to Robotics Outreach Crew members (undergraduate students) as they prepare equipment, supplies, robots, drones, etc., for educator training and outreach events.
Research and arrange catering for events, communicate with trainers, and meet dietary needs of participants.
Maintain inventory
Inventory and manage STEM training equipment including but not limited to robots, drones, fields, books, teaching materials, etc.
Communicate with the administrative team regarding inventory and supplies.
Required Qualifications:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, or a combination of experience and post-secondary education
Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive
Excellent attention to detail
Ability to work independently and maintain responsibility for individual work in a fast-paced environment
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem resolution skills
Commitment to providing exceptional customer service
Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
Excellent communication skills with team members and external constituents
A positive and growth mindset
Preferred Qualifications:
Greater consideration will be given to those who possess one or more of the following skills:
Associate’s or bachelor's degree in education, communications, business operations, or related field from an accredited institution
Previous experience working with STEM and/or educational programming is a plus
Interest in STEM robotics education and supporting teachers and students
Experience working with Workday and/or Adobe Creative Cloud
Physical Requirements: This position requires physical tasks, such as lifting objects up to 60 lbs., stooping, bending, and kneeling, and to be able to stand for long periods of time.
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check
Work is in-person at DRI - Reno and is 30 hours a week, Monday – Friday.
Compensation Grade/Benefits
This is a DRI Temporary (up to 1 year) Technologist position, Grade 31, with a minimum starting annual salary of $40,365 (at 75% FTE). Starting salary is commensurate with experience and education and alignment with similar public academic-research institutions.
DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance (flexible spending and health savings account options available); PERS 17.5% retirement match, 10 hours of annual leave and 10 hours of sick leave accrued per month, and 12 paid holidays Additionally, there is no state income tax or social security deduction.
Organizational Summary
DRI is a recognized world leader in basic and applied environmental research. Committed to scientific excellence and integrity, DRI faculty, students who work alongside them, and staff have developed scientific knowledge and innovative technologies in research projects around the globe.
Since 1959, DRI’s research has advanced scientific knowledge on topics ranging from humans’ impact on the environment to the environment’s impact on humans. DRI’s impactful science and inspiring solutions support Nevada’s wide-ranging economy, provide science-based educational opportunities, and inform policymakers, business leaders, and community members. With campuses in Las Vegas and Reno, DRI serves as the non-profit research arm of the Nevada System of Higher Education.
Exempt
NoFull-Time Equivalent
75.0%Required Attachment(s)
Please upload the following documents in the specified section:
1. Cover letter detailing how your experience and qualifications prepared you for this job.
2. Current resume
3. Contact information for three professional references (two supervisors), to be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant's permission.
This posting is open until filled. Qualified individuals who meet all qualifications and requirements are encouraged to apply immediately and provide all required attachments to receive full consideration. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES
DRI employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Browse Jobs” report within Workday to find and apply for jobs at DRI and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Browse Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, “R0147744” in the search box.
For more detailed information about DRI, please visit us at www.dri.edu. For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please email jobs@dri.edu or call the recruiting office at 775-673-7431.
Posting Close Date
Note to Applicant
Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications. The search committee will use this information during the initial review of application materials.
References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant notification and permission.
Newly hired faculty and postdoctoral fellows must assure that their official transcript is submitted to the Human Resources Office within 30 calendar days from the effective date of employment. Academic degrees must have been awarded by regionally accredited institutions.
This position may require a criminal background check to be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.
DRI employs only U.S. citizens and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. DRI only sponsors aliens applying for research faculty or postdoctoral fellow positions (J-1 or H-1B Visas).
All applicants hired by the Desert Research Institute are subject to E-Verify.