Desert Studies Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator I)

Job Title

Desert Studies Coordinator

Classification

Administrative Support Coordinator I

Auto Req. ID

559997

Salary Range

Classification Range $4,047 - $5,896 per month

(Hiring range depending on qualifications, not anticipated to exceed $4,047 - $4,510 per month)

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM           

Why CSUF

California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a community dedicated to advancing student achievement, career success, and economic mobility.

Department

The California Desert Studies Consortium was established in 1974 as an academic collaboration among seven California State University campuses. The mission of the Consortium is to encourage the understanding of, and appreciation for, the California deserts by developing student academic skills and public awareness through a desert studies program which includes instruction, research, and special programs. This position is essential to the operation of the Desert Studies center, including the field station at Zzyzx, California. We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Desert Studies Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator I). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under general direction, the Desert Studies Coordinator is responsible for providing essential clerical support for the CSU Desert Studies Consortium office and consortium programs, including operations of the Desert Studies Center (DSC). Plans, initiates, executes, and coordinates activities and events with accountability for results. Maintains files, processes documents and records, gathers data, and interacts with and solves problems for work unit customers and staff. Coordinates and oversees reservation system, billing, purchases, service contracts, travel, and general accounting of department budget. Uses customer service and problem-solving skills to respond to customers via email, telephone, and in-person. Uses a variety of office support technology and systems to complete assignments. Serves as the Department IT Coordinator (DITC). Coordinates and schedules meetings and events as needed. Addresses a wide range of work unit problems that require interpreting policies and procedures. Coordinates and works with individuals at all levels within the organization. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

High School diploma or the equivalent and two years of experience in general office, clerical or administrative support work or the equivalent. Training at a vocational school or full-time college education may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis. Thorough, detailed knowledge of applicable university infrastructure, policies, and procedures. Thorough knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Thorough knowledge of office systems with the ability to use a range of technology, systems, and software packages. Ability to independently handle multiple work unit priorities and projects. Ability to apply a variety of policies and procedures where specific guidelines may not exist. Working knowledge of budget policies and procedures. Ability to perform standard business math including calculating ratios and percentages, tracking financial data, and making simple projections. Ability to draft and compose correspondence and standard reports. Ability to handle effectively a broad range of interpersonal contacts including those at a higher level and those sensitive in nature.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.  

Preferred Qualifications

Two years’ relevant experience working in higher education (preferably in the sciences) or related field or office. Experience with reservations management or other hospitality services. Experience with Completely Fair Scheduler (CFS) scheduling and financial reporting systems. Interest in nature and/or desert systems.

License/Certifications

A valid California driver’s license.

Special Working Conditions

Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator

Requires occasional visits to the Desert Studies Center in Zzyzx and other CSU campuses for meetings, workshops, or conference.

Benefits at a Glance

• An array of health plans that include prescription drug coverage
• Dental and Vision coverage
• Income protection benefits including life insurance and disability
• Retirement plan through CalPERS
• Tuition waiver for employees and dependents if eligible
• FlexCash (in lieu of health and dental)
• Employee Assistance Programs
• 15 paid holidays

See our CSUF Benefits website for additional information.

Additional Information

California State University, Fullerton is committed to fostering an environment where students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. We welcome individuals ready to make an impact on student and staff success to apply and become part of the Titan Community. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Cal State Fullerton is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or any other protected status.

As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

If you are applying for a staff position, please note that you are not eligible to work concurrently in a staff position and an Academic Student position such as a Graduate Assistant, Teaching Associate, Instructional Student Assistant, or Student Assistant position.

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.

Employee/applicant who applies for a position may be required to successfully complete job-related performance test(s) as part of the selection process.  

Online application/resume must be received by electronic submission on the final filing date by 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)/midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Applicants who fail to complete all sections of the online application form will be disqualified from consideration. 

California State University, Fullerton is not currently sponsoring any new H-1B petitions for staff, management, or faculty positions.

Effective October 1, 2025, the California State University (CSU) will implement a salary step structure for CSUEU-represented employees in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9. This position may be subject to changes resulting from this implementation, in alignment with the provisions of the collective bargaining agreement.

Hiring Preference

On-Campus CSUEU Employees