IT Help Desk Manager | Desert Research Institute

Desert Research Institute (DRI), a globally respected environmental research organization based in Reno, Nevada, is hiring an experienced IT Help Desk Manager for 2026. This is a full-time, on-site leadership role offering a starting salary from $80,000 per year, excellent benefits, and relocation support.

The position is suited for senior IT professionals with strong technical and people-management skills. While DRI generally sponsors limited visa categories, this role is aligned with H-1B-level expertise requirements and is ideal for highly qualified international candidates who meet U.S. work authorization standards.

The IT Help Desk Manager will report directly to the Assistant Vice President of IT / Chief Information Officer and will be responsible for leading all help desk operations across the institute. The role combines technical leadership, service delivery management, and staff development. You will ensure endpoint systems remain secure, up to date, and aligned with institutional standards while driving continuous improvement in service quality.

This position requires a proactive leader who can manage complex IT environments, support research staff and faculty, and enforce best-practice IT service management processes in a fast-paced, mission-driven organization.

Desert Research Institute is a world leader in environmental and applied science research, operating since 1959. The institute supports global research initiatives that influence policy, sustainability, and scientific innovation.

Based in Reno near Lake Tahoe, DRI offers an outstanding quality of life, over 300 days of sunshine per year, and a strong culture of scientific excellence, integrity, and collaboration. Employees benefit from working in a stable, well-funded research institution with long-term career growth opportunities.

• Lead daily help desk operations and ensure high customer satisfaction
• Oversee software installation, system updates, and security patching
• Manage Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoint environments
• Develop and enforce IT policies, standards, and procedures
• Monitor service performance metrics and prepare management reports
• Improve help desk workflows, automation, and service delivery processes
• Manage ticketing systems and prioritize support requests
• Coach, mentor, and supervise help desk staff
• Ensure documentation of IT processes and procedures is accurate and current
• Support endpoint deployment, configuration, and lifecycle management

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience or 7+ years equivalent experience
• Strong experience with Microsoft 365 administration and VDI environments
• Proven experience managing help desk or IT support operations
• Strong knowledge of endpoint automation and deployment tools
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Strong customer service mindset and problem-solving ability
• Ability to work on-site in Reno, Nevada
• Must meet U.S. work authorization or visa eligibility requirements

This is a rare opportunity to secure a senior IT leadership role in the United States with a prestigious research institution offering excellent pay, benefits, relocation support, and long-term stability. If you are an experienced IT professional looking to grow your international career in 2026, this role at Desert Research Institute is a highly attractive opportunity.