Coordinator

Full job description 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:
Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process. Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments. Please see the application instructions under each posting for information on submittal deadlines. If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources Hotline at or
. Job Description
The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a dedicated individual to fill a full-time Rural Robotics Coordinator position based in Elko, Nevada. This position will coordinate initiatives to increase access to educational robotics and engineering education for underserved communities in rural Nevada. This position requires someone with a strong work ethic and the ability to take initiative on independent projects and follow through on tasks. In addition, this position requires:
Flexible work hours during the day, after school, evenings, and approximately 1-2 Saturdays per/mo.
Occasional midweek and weekend travel to remote locations.
Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Job Duties:
Lead rural teacher trainings for robotics and engineering professional development for schools with a high population of underserved students, especially rural and Native students.
Mentor and train management and staff at the Boys and Girls Clubs in Elko, Spring Creek, Wells, and Winnemucca with hands-on engineering and robotics lessons.
Offer and lead robotics clubs and classes for school-aged students in rural Nevada.
Manage the Rural Robot / Drone Lending Libraries including inventory management, logistics, and impact data collection.
Organize and offer drone and robotics competitions in rural Nevada.
Supervise rural hourly staff and provide support for teachers implementing educational robotics and engineering.
Develop curriculum and activities that are designed to be relevant to the area and accessible for diverse populations around engineering, computer science, literacy, math, etc. for PreK – 12.
Build community relationships, especially with rural and tribal education leaders, to increase access to opportunities for robotics and engineering education for underserved students and families.
Assist with writing grant proposals for robotics and engineering education programs supporting underserved communities.
Required Qualifications:
High School Diploma or equivalent with 6 years of relevant experience or an associate degree from an accredited institution with 4 years of relevant experience
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, Outlook, and databases
Ability to work independently and maintain responsibility for select program activities
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem resolution skills
Commitment to providing exceptional customer service
Preferred Qualifications:
College degree in education or related field
Four years working with rural communities
Grant writing experience
Current Nevada teaching license
Experience teaching / training in either formal or informal settings in related field
Experience with robotics and or drone competitions
Experience with Knack database
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Must maintain a valid US driver's license.
Ability to travel during the week and some weekends for meetings, conferences, and workshops.
This position may require the ability to perform physical tasks, such as moving or lifting objects up to 60 lbs., and occasional stooping, bending, and kneeling. Standing and teaching for long periods of time exceeding 8 hours at times.
Compensation Grade/Benefits
This is a DRI Technologist position, Grade 35, with a minimum starting salary of $56,810. 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. This position is eligible for relocation assistance.
Within certain guidelines, DRI technologists, their spouses (includes same-sex marriage), domestic partner and eligible dependents may have a portion of registration waived when taking state sponsored courses at any of the NSHE campuses. This benefit is available as soon as the six-month probationary period ends.
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 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.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
DRI is deeply committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce and recognizes that encouraging a diverse culture strengthens problem solving skills and creativity and increases productivity. An inclusive and diverse environment improves the workplace culture and encourages employee engagement. DRI also takes measures consistent with Title IX to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its students, faculty, and staff. Additional information can be found at DRI's Diversity and Inclusion Webpage
. Exempt
No Full-Time Equivalent
100.0% Required Attachment(s)
Please upload the following documents in the specified section:
1. Cover letter detailing how your experience and qualifications prepare you for this job.
2. Current resume
3. Contact information for three professional references, to be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant 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, " " in the search box.
For more detailed information about DRI, please visit us at For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please email
or call the recruiting office at . Posting Close Date
05/19/2024 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.