"Business Operations Specialist"

Job Summary

This position provides professional financial and administrative support for the Water Science and Engineering Laboratory (WSEL), and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE). WSEL it is a multidisciplinary facility devoted to research and graduate training. WSEL is administered by the College of Engineering in collaboration with other campus colleges. Researchers from across UW-Madison conduct research in WSEL, and collaborative projects frequently bring scientists and engineers from the WI DNR, the US Geological Survey, the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, industry, and other universities to WSEL. WSEL is the top choice for many UW-Madison Departments and local businesses and has also assisted with analyses for other universities and federal agencies.

Under supervision of the Laboratory Manager, WSEL administrative staff support the continuance of research, research training, consultation, and laboratory services offered within the shared resource facility, in addition to supporting Departmental responsibilities like fundraising, event planning and execution, recruiting, finance, and general administration. This position is a primary resource for activities relating to reimbursement, payments, purchasing, billing, administrative systems, and cost recovery processes. The position is a critical point of contact for faculty, staff, students, and researchers for assistance with financial and administrative concerns. Other duties include supporting financial and budget management, transaction processing, ordering, reconciling financial and administrative records, and administration for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, primarily at the WSEL.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Schedules logistics and secures resources for a designated work unit to contribute to the day-to-day operational success
• Analyzes data and trends, compiles progress reports, and provides appropriate recommendations or conclusions in support of the assigned operational work unit(s)
• Assists, recommends, and advises staff on unit or program administrative issues, personnel matters, and budgetary problems
• Serves on committees and attends meetings, representing the interests of the unit or program
• Implements and executes established policies and procedures for a designated work unit to adhere to unit objectives and to align with established strategies

Department:

College of Engineering, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Compensation:

The starting salary for this position is $50,000, but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage.

Required Qualifications:

• 1 year of prior financial experience
• Ability to work with and manipulate spreadsheets

Preferred Qualifications:

• Financial experience in higher education setting
• Prior customer service experience
• Knowledge and understanding of generally accepted governmental accounting auditing principles, office practices, and procedures for record keeping
• Experience managing and coordinating projects
• Experience working with minimal supervision
• Experience with decision making in a professional setting
• Experience keeping records of practice/procedures, retrieving data, collecting data, and planning work
• Professionally well organized
• Precise and accurate work
• Adapt to changing methods and requirements

Education:

Bachelor’s degree preferred

How to Apply:

Applicants must upload resume and cover letter. Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Contact Information:

Barry Crook
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
barry.crook@wisc.edu