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 (775) ###-#### or ...@dri.edu.
Job Description The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking a dedicated individual to fill a full-time
Building Technician Apprentice position. DRI's Reno campus consists of ten major buildings totaling over 250,000 gross square feet with original construction from the 1970's to the 2000's. The Building Technician filling this position will be someone that is willing to work at a primary site and perform work that involves a variety of trade skills on a range of projects. The Building Apprentice will train under journeyman/senior building maintainers for infrastructure repair and remodels; perform routine maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and other specialized laboratory systems. This position will also be responsible for monthly safety checks on emergency lighting, emergency eyewash/showers and fire extinguisher checks correcting deficiencies when found. DRI is looking for a Building Technician that is adaptable and flexible when working on multiple projects that might be outside their focused trade, someone who has strong attention to detail, and someone who is people oriented and willing to work with other employees both within the facilities team and throughout DRI. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President Campus Planning and Physical Plant.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Perform routine maintenance/ preventative repairs to prolong the life and appearance of fixtures and structures to ensure proper working order.
- Respond to repair orders by establishing the priority of repairs and diagnosing the problem.
- Assist in build or remodel of rooms in accordance with code requirements to office and laboratory space including but not limited to electrical, mechanical, carpentry and other building systems.
- Install and maintain pumps and related motors for heating and cooling systems, maintain, troubleshoot and repair/rebuild pumps and/or motors as necessary.
- Provide building safety and security. Ensure all safety protocols are strictly enforced and practiced on any work or project.
- Perform monthly safety inspections of fire extinguishers, exit/emergency lights, emergency eyewash and showers. Keep burned out lights changed and UTD on hazardous waste containers.
- Maintain support systems such as cable tray, wire management and installation of cabling - internet, fiber optics, and phone. Provide general assistance to department personnel, faculty, and staff.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - High school diploma or equivalent and four to five (4-5) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of buildings, facilities, and equipment.
- Experience in skilled trades/vocational occupations
- Supervisory experience
- Training on DI/RO systems, vacuum pumps and HVAC system components
- Demonstrated ability to follow orders
- Mechanically inclined
- Familiarity with hand tools
- Requires strict attention to detail
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (OPTIONAL) Greater consideration will be given to those who possess one or more of the following skills:
- Vocational school diploma or trade apprenticeship
- Journeyman card or military training
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS - This position requires the ability to perform physical tasks, such as lifting heavy objects of 50+ lbs., stooping, bending, climbing, crawling, and kneeling.
- Must be willing and able to work on projects that will involve electrical and mechanical tasks, working at heights up to 30+ feet, ladder work, high lift work, and heavy lifting.
- Working in this position there is potential to be exposed to dangerous chemicals and/or asbestos.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT - Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
- Technologist positions have a 6-month probationary period where your job performance will be reviewed at 3 months and then 6 months, at which time you may be taken off probation with satisfactory reviews. Unsatisfactory reviews during the first 6 months may result in termination.
- This position works the first shift Monday through Friday 6:00 am to 3:00pm. And requires participation in the on-call rotation for the department.
SALARY / BENEFITS The Building Technician position is a technologist Grade 32 position with a salary range of
$55,995 to $81,574 (salary range effective 10/1/2024). DRI offers a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance (choice of three health insurance plans that can be supplemented with flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts); PERS 17.50% retirement match, 120 hours of annual leave accrued per year,120 hours of sick leave accrued per year, 12 paid holidays, and educational benefits for employee and dependents. Additionally, there is no state income tax or social security deduction. This position is eligible for relocation assistance. (See benefits summary at
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 of your application in Workday:
- A cover letter detailing your experience and career goals;
- A current resume;
- Contact information for three professional/work-related references, to be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process based on applicant permission.
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,
R0144358 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 ...@dri.edu or call the recruiting office at 775-###-####.
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.