Overview:
The Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL) at Utah State University (USU) seeks a dynamic, experienced, professional, and highly motivated full-time administrative assistant to support the UWRL Director in the effective administration and operation of the laboratory and tracking research objectives. This role works with a high degree of independence and discretion, frequently handling sensitive matters and non‑routine issues. The position serves as a key resource within the laboratory community, coordinating complex activities, improving administrative processes, and mentoring or guiding lower‑level administrative staff. This position offers the opportunity to support the work of one of the nation's premier water research laboratories, helping ensure the smooth operation of a complex, multidisciplinary organization, and supporting complex collaborative research and operational initiatives.
Responsibilities:
Administrative Support (30%)
-
Exercise independent judgment to manage advanced administrative and operational responsibilities for the UWRL Director and senior staff, proactively anticipating needs, resolving issues, and coordinating complex activities with minimal supervision.
-
Manage complex and frequently changing calendars, meetings, and events with minimal supervision.
-
Exercise judgment in screening, prioritizing, and resolving inquiries, requests, and issues, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature.
-
Maintain and oversee records management systems, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and retention requirements.
-
Identify opportunities to improve administrative and operations processes and workflows; recommend and implement improvements as appropriate.
-
Compile, analyze, and interpret data to prepare detailed reports, summaries, and presentations for administrators, committees, and stakeholders.
-
Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, reports, and other materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and professionalism.
Research Program Coordination (20%)
-
Lead the administrative coordination of the director’s complex, multi-investigator research initiatives by independently tracking milestones, deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements; proactively identifying potential issues; and following up with project teams to support successful project execution.
-
Track project milestones, deliverables, timelines, contract renewal, and reporting requirements, and maintain project records and documentation.
-
Facilitate communication among investigators, sponsors, and collaborating organizations to support timely completion of project objectives.
Facility, Safety, and Operations (25%)
-
Lead the management, maintenance, and long-term planning of UWRL facilities, serving as the primary administrative liaison for building improvements, infrastructure projects, and space planning.
-
Serve as the primary liaison with USU departments to coordinate facility maintenance, infrastructure improvements, telecommunications, parking, safety, and other operational needs.
-
Serve on the UWRL Safety Committee and interface with the relevant USU and community organizations for the development and implementation of safety and emergency evacuation plans, and emergency and security measures.
Lab Coordination (10%)
-
Serve as a primary point of contact for the department and represent leadership professionally to internal and external constituencies.
-
Connect students, staff, faculty, and leaders with appropriate resources to address questions or problems.
-
Coordinate and execute complex events, conferences, tours and meetings, including logistics, correspondence, catering, materials preparation, and post‑event follow‑up.
-
Coordinate interdepartmental activities and collaborate with other offices to resolve complex operational or other issues.
Operations Team Management (10%)
-
Supervise and provide functional guidance, training, or mentoring to Receptionist, Maintenance Technician, IT Technician and/or other student / temporary employees as assigned.
-
Manage office resources, including supplies, equipment, and routine budget tracking as assigned.
Other (5%)
-
Perform additional advanced administrative tasks and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
-
7 years of experience; OR a bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 3 years experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
-
Experience with USU departments, policies, and procedures.
-
Experience supervising others
-
Experience in a research environment
-
Flexibility for occasional long days, travel, or work outside business hours, offset by compensatory time.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
-
Advanced knowledge of office and administrative procedures.
-
Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
-
Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
-
Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, problem-solve, and manage complex workloads.
-
Ability to anticipate needs, adapt to changing priorities, and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
-
Willingness and ability to identify and implement improvements to laboratory facilities and processes.
-
Ability to create and maintain a positive teamwork environment and growth mindset.
-
Ability to build effective working relationships across departments and with external stakeholders.
-
Proficiency with office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, as well as communication, project-management and calendar systems.
Required Documents:
Along with the online application, please attach:
-
Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
-
Contact information for a professional reference to be entered at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile
-
Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application
-
Answer the following during your application:
-
What would be your process for tracking details and ensuring the timely completion of highly diverse tasks?
-
What is your philosophy for creating a positive team environment?
-
Please explain how you would handle times when this job requires either long days, travel, or work outside of business hours?
Advertised Salary: Minimum $55,000, plus excellent benefits ADA:
Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and may lift and/or move up to ten pounds.
College/Department Highlights:
For more than 50 years, the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL) has conducted practical research in the State of Utah, the nation, and the world directed at solving water-related challenges, informing water policy and management, and training the next generation of water experts. As the oldest and one of the largest university-based water research facilities in the United States, we strive to generate the knowledge needed to solve pressing water problems now and in the future.
University Highlights:
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.
USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.
Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, officially joining on July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025–26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.
Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or
[email protected].
Notice of Non-discrimination:
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.
Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.
In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.
The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:
Matthew Pinner
Executive Director
Civil Rights & Title IX Office
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 401D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
Cody Carmichael
Title IX Coordinator
435-797-1266 | Old Main Rm. 402D
1475 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:
U.S. Department of Education
Denver Regional Office
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
