Position Details
Position Information
| Position | Ecological Monitoring Specialist |
|---|---|
| Full Time/Part Time | Full Time |
| Job Type | Regular |
| Position Summary | The Ecological Monitoring Specialist is an integral member of the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute (NMFWRI). The Ecological Monitoring Program at NMFWRI maintains a professionally managed field crew to collect data on short and long-term ecosystem responses to restoration treatments, wildfires, climate change, and other disturbances. This data provides a critical scientific basis for adaptive management decisions and improved treatment effectiveness. The program also works with partners to build statewide capacity in ecological monitoring, adaptive management, and restoration.This Specialist will assist with data collection, analysis, interpretation and communication. This position works with the Ecological Monitoring program manager and our team, and other FWRI teams as needed.We welcome candidates who can work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of professionals working towards wildfire resilience, post-fire restoration, and watershed conservation. This position will require excellent attention to detail; good self-care; strong analytical capabilities; and engaging communication skills with audiences diverse in age, socioeconomics, and cultural backgrounds.Responsibilities will include but are not limited to working closely with the field crew in data collection (including overnight travel); working with complex datasets; supervising and mentorship student workers and interns; analyzing, interpreting and communicating management implications of monitoring data; participating in the creation, revision and publication of training materials; providing training in field methods or other topics to various audiences; assisting in project management; and some administrative tasks. |
| Duties and Responsibilities | Work closely with NMFWRI field crew and other staff, including overnight travel for fieldwork and assistance with field crew operations/data collection as neededSupervise and provide mentorship for student workers/interns while in the office and at times in the field. This involves primary supervision and task delegation of the upland field crew and work-study interns in office settings, as well as assisting staff with coordinating schedules, vehicles, equipment, and meals. Some overnight camping and travel is required.Maintain a Wilderness First Responder or higher certification; participate in field crew safety trainings and serve as a back-up emergency contact for crews during field seasonParticipate in project management/coordination of Monitoring program projectsAssist staff with developing, designing and carrying out research projectsPerform computer entry and quality control of field data including using FFI, Microsoft Excel, or other database software with attention to detail, including working with complex historic dataPerform statistical analysis and generate summary reports of field dataInterpret analysis results, translate data collected in the field into ecological/management implications and create publications, presentations and other materials that communicate these findings in ways that are accessible to a variety of partners for use in adaptive management.Use, edit, and write scripts in R coding language for data quality control, analysis, and visualizationWork with NMFWRI staff and NMHU faculty to conduct training and outreach related to forest measurement, treatment, and analysis techniques.Assist with revision and publication of various documents, including the field manual, research papers, and other materials designed to make monitoring and restoration methods and data more accessible to partnersParticipate in the accomplishment of forest and watershed restoration treatments as part of professional development opportunitiesMaintain regular attendance and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues in office, field, and online working environments.Perform other duties as assigned. |
| Minimum Job Requirements | Education: MS in Forestry, Natural Resources Management, or a related field (biology, hydrology, biostatistics, etc) with a thesis option or equivalent experience (BS + 3 years experience for example) Experience: At least 2 years of field experience and data analysis |
| Preferred Qualifications | Experience: at least 2 season of crew leadership Wilderness First Responder or higher training |
| Special Conditions for Eligibility | • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license• Must be willing to occasionally work weekends, evenings, and odd hours, as required• Must be willing to travel, at times to remote locations• Continued employment is contingent on grant funding |
| Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities | Familiarity with ecological measurement and techniquesKnowledge of basic forestry and ecological science conceptsKnowledge of GNSS-based field data collection techniques and ESRI geographic information systems softwareKnowledge of plant ID and particularly in the range of southwest vegetation types.Familiarity with using R coding language for figure creationFamiliarity with data quality control processesEffective time management and ability to achieve goals and independently undertake tasks with minimum amount of direct supervisionAbility to work as a member of a team with diverse skills and backgroundsAbility to communicate both orally and in written form |
| Physical Demands | • Sitting: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frequently • Standing: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frequently • Walking:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frequently • Bending:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Occasionally • Squatting:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Occasionally • Climbing:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Occasionally • Kneeling:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Occasionally • Lifting up to 20 pounds:. . . . . . . . . . . . .Occasionally • Lifting greater than 20 pounds:. . . . . . Occasionally |
| Working Environment | 40% outdoors; 60% indoors |
| Pay Rate | $48,860.00 + depending on experience |
| Work Location/Campus Center | Las Vegas, NM Campus |
| EEO Statement | New Mexico Highlands University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to the University values of diversity, accessibility, excellence, and responsiveness. For disabled access or services call 505-454-3242 or email hr@nmhu.edu Visit the link below for more information regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity: Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW |
Posting Detail Information
| Posting Number | AS797P |
|---|---|
| Open Date | 11/06/2023 |
| Close Date | |
| Open Until Filled | |
| Special Instructions to Applicant | |
| Quick Link | https://nmhu.peopleadmin.com/postings/8748 |
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter/ Letter of Interest
- Unofficial Transcripts Conferring Required Degree
- List of Three Professional References with Name, Address and E-Mail
Optional Documents
- Letter(s) of Recommendation
- License/Certificate
