Geography​/Anthropology and Geology​/Environmental Science Department Assistant

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Position Title:
Geography/Anthropology and Geology/Environmental Science Department Assistant


Job Category:
University Staff


Employment Type:
Regular


Job Profile:
Department Assistant


Job Duties:

POSITION: One full-time (1.0 FTE - 40 hours per week) university staff position is available in the Departments of Geography & Anthropology and Geology & Environmental Studies with an estimated start date of August 2025, or as soon after as possible. The official title of this position is Department Assistant (AD085 salary grade 18). This is an expected-to-continue assignment which requires a six-month probationary period.

The expected hourly hiring salary will be $18/hour. Full UW-System benefits apply. This position reports to both the Chair of the Department of Geography and Anthropology and to the Chair of the Department of Geology and Environmental Science.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Demonstrated flexibility in managing responsibilities, ability to take initiative and multitask, strong teamwork skills, excellent communication skills, and strong organizational abilities. Demonstrated operational knowledge of MS Office Suite, including MS Outlook, MS Excel, and MS Word. Demonstrated knowledge of standard office operations, including the ability to handle time-sensitive and confidential information. Ability to coordinate departmental events and supervise student workers. Ability to monitor program expenditures, verify accuracy of financial transactions, and maintain an accurate file of financial records for review, including credit card logs and receipts.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience using campus computer systems, such as BP Logix, Canvas, Qualtrics, TAM, Athena, SharePoint, ShopUW+, Gold for Blugolds, and People Soft.

Experience with university policies and procedures related purchasing, payroll, and travel arrangements; and managing textbook orders through the University Bookstore. Experience working with other campus units, including, but not limited to, other colleges, Purchasing, Registration/Scheduling, Admissions, University Foundation, Business Office, University Bookstore, Academic Affairs, and Facilities.

DUTIES:

A. Administrative Coordination (30%, Ongoing)

A1
. Serve as the primary point of contact (representing the department) for faculty, students, guests, visitors, and other university personnel. Act as an intermediary to connect audiences with appropriate resources regarding operations, policies, programs, and activities. Respond to administrative deadlines and requests for information in a timely manner.

A2
. Gather and prepare data for supervisor to make decisions that affect the department. Organize and manage administrative workflow and functions, developing and implementing methods to improve maintenance of records related to department operations according to established policies and procedures. Independently analyze and evaluate their effectiveness to enhance efficiency and resolve operational situations based on current outcomes in consultation with supervisor.

A3
. Protect confidentiality of personnel and student information within the department in accordance with university policies and schedules. This includes activities associated with faculty recruitment, maintaining and distributing personnel evaluation files, and training LTE and work study personnel to maintain confidentiality.

A4
. Advise supervisor with administrative tasks associated with personnel management and personnel recruitment as required.

A5
. Serve as liaison between department and Dean's office including (but not limited to) topics related to course information, departmental budget, faculty/instructional staff recruitment, and visiting scholar appointments. Additionally, serve as a liaison with other campus offices.

B. Financial Organization (30%, Ongoing)

B1
. Develop and maintain operating budget records involving state funding, university Foundation accounts, trust funds, and/or gift accounting. Monitor all accounts, keeping an accurate file of financial records for review. Communicate with appropriate entities to access funds available for departmental needs. May assist in the coordination of departmental budget projections, advising supervisor on funding guidelines.

B2
. Utilize university budget database to track funding and expenditures, confirm balances, and reconcile with at least monthly accounting reports. Verify accuracy of all financial transactions. In consultation with supervisor, approve and assign expenditures to appropriate fund accounts to maintain solvency. Prepare and process monetary transfers when needed. Help supervisor and/or other department personnel with account balance awareness.

B3
. Provide guidance and general overview of financial procedures to department personnel. Assist faculty and staff with purchasing, grant funding, travel, and reimbursement. Make…