Ecological Monitoring Crew Lead

Full time, term appointment

Position Summary

The Ecological Monitoring Crew Lead 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 Crew Lead is responsible for leading crews carrying out NMFWRI’s ecological monitoring and restoration activities on public and private lands throughout New Mexico. 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; a passion for working outdoors; a strong safety ethic and robust organizational skills.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to leadership of the monitoring field crew in data collection (including regular overnight travel); providing oversight and quality control; supervising and mentoring student workers and interns; equipment inventory and maintenance; assisting with data analysis and reporting; participating in the creation, revision and publication of training and other materials; providing training to various audiences; and some administrative tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Perform field measurements and assessments of forest resources and ecological indicators, including data recording and quality assurance. Work is often performed in remote locations over difficult terrain.
• Take a leadership role in crew preparation, management, and accomplishment of field tasks. This involves primary supervision, mentorship and task delegation of the upland field crew and work-study interns in the field, and at times in office settings, as well as coordinating schedules, vehicles, equipment, and meals. Overnight travel and camping required.
• Take a leadership role in crew safety.
• Maintain a Wilderness First Responder or higher certification
• Perform field mapping of project sites using Global Positioning System and Geographic Information Systems technology
• Perform computer entry and quality control of field data including using FFI, Microsoft Excel, or other database software with attention to detail, including working with historic data
• Assist the monitoring staff in generating summary reports of field data and communicating results and management implications to partners.
• Assist NMFWRI staff and NMHU faculty in conducting training and outreach related to forest measurement, treatment, and analysis techniques.
• Assist with revisions and publication of field monitoring manual and other materials.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of NMFWRI equipment, including basic vehicle maintenance
• Utilize an asset management system to handle check in/check out and inventory of equipment for fieldwork
• Participate in the accomplishment of forest and watershed restoration treatments as part of professional development opportunities
• Maintain 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: BS in Forestry, Natural Resources Management, or a related field or equivalent (4 years of related experience)
• Experience: at least 2 field seasons
• Experience: relevant leadership experience
• Experience: basic GIS competency

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Familiarity with R coding
• WFR or higher
• Crew leadership experience
• GIS certificate or equivalent experience

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 techniques
• Knowledge of basic forestry and ecological science concepts
• Knowledge of GNSS-based field data collection techniques and ESRI geographic information systems software
• Knowledge of plant ID and particularly in the range of southwest vegetation types.
• Familiarity with data quality control processes
• Effective time management and ability to achieve goals and independently undertake tasks with minimum amount of direct supervision
• Ability to contribute as a member of a team with diverse skills and backgrounds
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to take a positive approach to challenges and apply strong leadership skills to find satisfactory, team-based solutions

Physical Demands: 

• Sitting: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frequently
• Standing: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frequently
• Walking:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frequently
• Bending:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Occasionally
• Squatting:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Occasionally
• Climbing:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Occasionally
• Kneeling:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Occasionally
• Lifting up to 20 pounds:. . . . . . . . . . . . .Frequently
• Lifting greater than 20 pounds:. . . . . . Occasionally

Working Environment: 50% outdoors; 50% indoors

Pay Rate: $52,000

Work Location: Las Vegas, NM (New Mexico Highlands University 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