Administrative Assistant

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.

Job Description

The Desert Research Institute (DRI) is seeking to fill an hourly Administrative Assistant position at its Reno, NV (NNSC) campus. The successful candidate will provide administrative support to various ADMIN unites located on the NNSC campus, including serving as primary back-up to the main reception function on a daily basis, as well as other administrative duties for select ADMIN units including greeting visitors, answering phones, delivering mail, and accepting and appropriately managing shipping and receiving, as well as maintaining, ordering, and restocking supplies.


Additionally, this position will also provide administrative and clerical support to the President's Office, Vice President of Research (VPR) office, Advancement, Financial Services and Facilities.


Required Qualifications

• High School degree or equivalent
• One year of full-time administrative experience
• Basic computers skills and working knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, e-mail, internet, and scheduling programs
• Basic telephone (PBX) operator skills
• Basic knowledge of shipping and receiving procedures
• Basic understanding how to handle emergency situations
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of personnel, including technical and academic staff
• Professionalism demonstrated through a high degree of confidentiality and the ability to exercise independent judgement
• Must have strong customer service, interpersonal, and team-oriented skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities
• Ability to work independently and carry out assignments with minimal supervision
• Possess a valid NV driver's license by date of hire

Conditions of Employment

• Employment is contingent upon a successful completion of a background check

Physical Requirements

• This position requires the ability to perform physical tasks, such as moving, carrying, and lifting objects up to 30 lbs.; walking, sitting, and standing for prolonged periods of time; occasional stooping, bending, and kneeling to support office, event set-up and clean-up

Compensation

This position starts at $25/hr.

Schedule

This position will work approximately 20 hours per week.

Exempt
No

Full-Time Equivalent
45.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Please upload the following documents in the specified section:

• Cover letter detailing how your experience and professional qualifications prepare you to succeed in this DRI role
• Current resume
• 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 qualification requirements, are encouraged to apply immediately and provide all required attachments to receive full consideration. Lists of eligible candidates will be established and hiring may occur early in the recruiting process. Recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of applications are received, or a hiring decision has been made.

For more detailed information about DRI, please visit us at For questions regarding this position or assistance with your application, please call the recruiting office at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Posting Close Date
08/10/2026

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.