Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Operation Specialist performs a full range of administrative and financial duties supporting the Director of Physical Plant, Associate Director of Physical Plant, CP&FD Capital Projects Analyst and department managers and supervisors. The Operations Specialist also assists in coordinating administrative activities within the department.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of two (2) years of work experience in an office or professional setting involving customer service or counseling

Applicants must meet the stated minimum education and experience requirements.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to operate a personal computer and demonstrate proficiency in Excel.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Multi-Task; work on many different things at the same time.
• Requires good written and verbal communication skills.
• Requires excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to compose correspondence and reports.
• Ability to perform financial functions.
• Requires excellent telephone skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

Representative Job Duties

• Manage utility accounts by tracking and processing payments for electric, gas, and water for campus buildings.

• Search for and create work orders in FAMIS.

• Process requisitions, change orders, and invoice payments using multiple systems (FAMIS, OSCAR, and Lucernex).

• Process UFPO/DIG SAFE tickets.

• Submit non-exempt pager pay memos to Payroll twice per month.

• Calculate and submit asbestos differential payments to Payroll at the end of each non-exempt pay period.

• Coordinate new employee onboarding and hiring processes, including cell phones, card access, IT access, FAMIS setup, parking permits, clothing orders, and maintenance of contact and distribution lists; schedule interviews, prepare interview packets, and assist with hiring paperwork as needed.

• Process tuition reimbursement forms for Physical Plant staff and Concur expense reports as needed.

• Prepare for monthly lottery meetings by running eligibility reports for Physical Plant and E&SS and confirming dates and refreshments.

• Greet and direct visitors, order supplies, and distribute mail as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Incidental driving possible, but not required

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $18.50 - $20.50

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).