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.

DRIs Facilities Department is responsible for providing essential facilities operation maintenance and construction services for 22 buildings totaling over 364000 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 inhouse 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 closeout 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 Institutes 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 longterm 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

• Bachelors 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 drivers 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 afterhours emergencies.

Compensation and Benefits

The minimum annual starting salary is $55000 to $75000 for the Project Coordinator and the minimum annual starting salary for the Project Manager is $95000 to $110000 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 longterm 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 DRIs research has advanced scientific knowledge on topics ranging from humans impact on the environment to the environments effect on humans. DRIs cuttingedge science and inspiring solutions support Nevadas diverse economy provide sciencebased educational opportunities and inform policymakers business leaders and community members. With campuses in Las Vegas and Reno DRI serves as the nonprofit 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.