Program Assistant - Alabama Water Institute - 521611

Pay Grade/Pay Range:  55 Hourly (non-exempt) - $ 15.00 - $ 18.81

Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)

Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:45pm

Job Summary: Under limited supervision, assists the department head or director in the day-to-day operations of a program. Oversees the program support, general office, administrative and secretarial duties with some variety and complexity. Typical duties may include overseeing some aspects of the program, acting as the main liaison to other offices within the University as well as external contacts, maintaining budget records, supervising other support staff and-or students, arranging meetings-itineraries-agendas, typing a variety of material, compiling data and preparing reports, and purchasing office and program supplies and materials.

Additional Department Summary: Program Assistant for the AWI Community Oriented nature-based Science for Ecosystem Restoration and versatile Engineering (CONSERVE) research group hosted by AWI Cultural and Water Resources Preservation Program. Under limited supervision, assists the department head or director in the day-to-day operations of a program. Oversees the program support, general office, administrative and secretarial duties with some variety and complexity. Typical duties may include overseeing some aspects of the program, acting as the main liaison to other offices within the University as well as external contacts, maintaining budget records, supervising other support staff and-or students, arranging meetings-itineraries-agendas, typing a variety of material, compiling data, monitoring email and social media accounts, and preparing reports, and purchasing office and program supplies and materials. The Program Assistant will work under the general supervision of the CONSERVE Research group director to support implementation of the CONSERVE Research program.

This position is supported by several multi-year CONSERVE research projects. Beyond five years, continuation of this position is based on having sustained external funding. The position will be with the Alabama Water Institute (AWI). AWI is one of The University of Alabama’s five research institutes with a specific focus on water. Our research is vital to sustain waterways, marshes, estuaries and coastal areas, and the CONSERVE research group provides a forum for interdisciplinary research and education; bringing together university researchers, students and staff to foster collaboration and a broad interdisciplinary focus on water issues that face our world today. CONSERVE-affiliated researchers specialize in water security and quality, remote sensing, hydrological modeling, biodiversity, watershed management and human health through synergies with existing centers and the creation of new centers under the umbrella of AWI.

Required Department Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year Institution of Higher Education. Three years of experience with some prior experience coordinating research programs and completing administrative tasks, or other relevant transferable work experience in research administration.

Skills and Knowledge: Strong leadership, facilitation, interpersonal, and collaboration skills. Positive attitude. Good communication skills, both written and verbal. Also required are computer skills, not limited to spreadsheet applications, personal computing networks, and internet software. Must have the ability to work effectively with interdisciplinary groups under high levels of activity. The incumbent must be detail oriented and manage details to meet deadlines. Anticipates and plans proactively for known deadlines and annual reporting cycles.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in a social science related field or other discipline connected to water or environment. Experience as a program assistant in a higher education setting. Experience with Banner, Access, and Qualtrics. Excel, InDesign, and MS Word. Artistic or graphic design skills are also preferred but not necessary.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, genetic or family medical history information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" Poster