Administrative Assistant (.50 FTE)

The Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research (KBS-CER) at the University of Kansas (KU) conducts basic and applied research that addresses state, regional, national, and global environmental issues. The research center employs >100 researchers in the fields of aquatic ecology, terrestrial ecology, remote sensing, and geographic information systems. The center also manages the KU Field Station, which consists of more than 3,700 acres over four sites in northeastern Kansas, and is the administrative home for Monarch Watch.

The KBS-CER is seeking an Administrative Assistant to be present in the front office from Monday through Friday, 9am - 1pm. The Administrative Assistant position is involved with multiple administrative activities of the KBS-CER. The Administrative Assistant provides general assistance to the Assistant Director, Administrative Associate, Facility Manager and Communications Coordinator.

70% - OFFICE OPERATIONS

• Administrative and Business Support
  • Assist Principal Investigators (PIs) and administrative staff with tracking and submitting invoices to the financial service portal for payment.
  • Provide support for purchasing activities, including assisting faculty and staff with ordering supplies and research-related items through university procurement systems (FITC and other university purchasing tools as assigned).
  • Research and gather information related to employee and student payroll, funding, and appointment questions as requested.
  • Serve as a point of contact for faculty, staff, and students regarding departmental administrative processes and general unit operations.
  • Manage hospitality arrangements and coordinate refreshments for meetings and events.
  • Order and maintain office supplies and related materials.
• Mail, Records, and Information Management
  • Receive, sort, and distribute incoming mail and packages.
  • Maintain records related to mailroom deliveries and notify recipients of package arrivals.
  • Coordinate and assist with physical mailings and shipping needs.
  • Prepare materials for digitization, including binding and unbinding reports and organizing documents for electronic storage.
  • Assist with digitization and records management projects by scanning, indexing, and electronically filing historical documents and records.
• Office and Technology Support
  • Provide basic troubleshooting assistance for Higuchi MFD and mailroom equipment. Coordinate service requests when needed.
  • Assist with conference room scheduling and general office logistics.
  • Support departmental operations by maintaining organized records and administrative documentation.

25% - FRONT OFFICE & CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Serve as front office receptionist for guests/colleagues. Greet visitors to the office.
• Answer the Higuchi doorbell. Screen visitors for purpose.
• Answer the KBS-CER main telephone line.
• Schedule various Zoom meetings and send invitations.

5% - OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

• Perform other administrative and operational support duties for KBS-CER and the KU Field Station as assigned.
• Assist with special projects that support departmental business, research, and administrative functions.

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application review begins Monday, November 16, 2026, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Brandy Hildreth Baranski
hildreth@ku.edu

$19 per hour at .50 FTE (20 hours per week)

Monday November 16, 2026

Monday December 7, 2026