Project Coordinator/Project Manager

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is an environmental sciences research organization within the Nevada System of Higher Education. DRI seeks Project Coordinator or Project Manager to manage maintenance and capital projects for the Facilities Department. This position may be filled at a Project Coordinator or Project Manager, depending on the level of education and experience.

DRI's Facilities Department is responsible for providing essential facilities operation, maintenance, and construction services for 22 buildings, totaling over 364,000 square feet, spread across 47 acres of land. These campuses house over 40 specialized labs, administrative, and educational spaces. The Facilities Department operates and maintains central utility systems (backup generators, UPS, boilers, chillers, air handlers, DI water, and building automation system) and provides in-house laboratory modification and construction services to the site. In addition, DRI operates and maintains several renewable energy systems including solar hot water, battery storage, and a 2.1 MW photovoltaic system.

The position will be responsible for maintenance and capital improvement projects, internal/external process improvement projects, site safety, and security projects. The position will need to update existing site drawings, creating basic layout drawings, and/or simple conceptual drawings to aid in communication or manufacturing using CAD. The position will analyze project needs, conceptualize solutions, work with internal/external stakeholders to see projects through from inception to completion. The position will be responsible for maintaining and monitoring project plans, project schedules, budgets, and expenditures to ensure that all projects are completed on time and within budget.

The position will be based out of Reno, but will be responsible for coordinating projects in both Reno and Las Vegas. Occasional travel (typically a few days every quarter) between locations is required.

Responsibilities

Project Coordinator

Completes tasks under general direction consisting of written or spoken instructions and has defined objectives/priorities. Responsibilities of the Project Coordinator include but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with facilities maintenance and vendors on routine/emergency maintenance projects
• Provides input on the design and implementation of interior furnishing plans for new constructions, renovations, and remodel projects across the campus coordinating with faculty, facilities maintenance, and outside vendors
• Work with Facilities Director to manage multiple projects that involve collaboration with various departments, outside architectural, mechanical, electrical firms, and vendors
• Preparing bidding information, administering contracts, reviewing change orders, and ensuring that project schedules are adhered to
• Provide project close-out documentation and assist in departmental planning presentations.
• Coordinate with Facilities Maintenance on remodels and flooring replacement projects and meeting with various stakeholders to assist with project cost estimates and specifications
• Assist Facilities Director with communication between State Public Works Division, State inspectors, campus inspectors, and contractors
• Assist Facilities Director with design and plan review

Project Manager

The Project Manager encompasses the responsibility of the Project Coordinator but leads with minimal supervision. Independently, the position defines objectives, sets goals, and decides on steps needed to achieve the objectives of the Institute’s strategic plan and the facilities department. Responsibilities of the Project Manager include but are not limited to:

• Work with the Director of Facilities, Facilities Manager, and faculty to define project priorities and required budgets for the following fiscal years
• Collaborate with Facilities Managers to update deferred maintenance list and, using limited funds, create a strategic long-term plan to repair/replace critical items
• Develop innovative solutions to save on routine and/emergency maintenance costs. Analyze internal department capabilities and manage risk to make strategic decisions on completing work in house vs outsourcing. Track cumulative savings throughout the year.
• Demonstrate success in negotiating with vendors on initial quotes and change orders

Required Experience and Education Qualifications

Project Coordinator

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 1 year of experience

Project Manager

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Education, Business, Construction, or closely related field from an accredited institution
• Minimum of 4 years of experience

Required Qualifications for both Project Coordinator and Project Manager

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong oral and written communication abilities
• Demonstrated understanding of project management principles, phases, techniques and tools
• Ability to understand budgeting and resource allocation
• Ability to meet deliverable and reporting requirements
• Ability to work in a dynamic team environment

Preferred Qualifications for both Project Coordinator and Project Manager

• Experience with facilities construction and maintenance project management in a laboratory, medical, or educational facility.
• Experience creating simple layouts, conceptual drawings, and/or basic manufacturing drawings using AutoCAD
• Experience with sustainable energy technologies (solar electric, solar thermal, lighting, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience indirectly supervising people or ability to influence internal/external stakeholders without having direct supervising authority
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Project Professional (CPP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship per sponsor funding requirements
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• Valid driver’s license required or ability to obtain one by date of hire
• Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, or otherwise move objects.
• Ability to safely work within construction sites and campus physical plant environments.
• Long and irregular hours and travel may be required on occasion.
• This position is required to be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.

Compensation and Benefits

The minimum annual starting salary is $55,000 to $75,000 for the Project Coordinator and the minimum annual starting salary for the Project Manager is $95,000 to $110,000 and is competitive and commensurate with education, experience, and aligns with similar public academic research institutions. DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; including 17.5% retirement match, 24 annual leave days, beginning balance of 30 sick leave days, 12 paid holidays, educational benefits, and the choice of two health insurance plans that can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts. Additionally, there is no state income tax and no 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/postdocs 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 effect on humans. DRI’s cutting-edge science and inspiring solutions support Nevada’s diverse 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.

Please upload the following document in the specified section:

• A cover letter detailing your experience and professional qualifications
• A current resume/curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references, to be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission.

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, “R0147357” 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.