Conservation Specialist (50351)

New Mexico Highlands University; Watrous (NM); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work option

Job summary

New Mexico Highlands University’s Conservation Science Center seeks a Coordinator to support Fire-Informed Restoration Education and landscape stewardship initiatives across northern New Mexico. You will help adapt scientific concepts into hands-on activities for youth and landowners, expanding outreach and partnerships.

The role emphasizes participatory, human-centered programming with strong communication skills and a hybrid work arrangement, including significant field activity and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in ecological restoration, forestry, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, wildlife biology, or closely related field, OR a B.S. with substantial related training and work experience.
• One year of experience engaging diverse audiences (youth programming, community advocacy, or environmental education).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Two years’ experience in environmental education or community engagement in the southwest preferred; Spanish speaking is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support Fire-Informed Restoration Education for New Mexico (FIRENM) programming.
• Engage landowners to expand landowner networks for Landscape Stewardship Planning and related youth engagement programs.
• Plan and implement K-12 initiatives and outdoor education programs like NM MESA and Envirothon.
• Pilot culturally responsive curricula for northern NM youth and adults.
• Pilot citizen science monitoring for landowners and co-develop conservation leadership development.

Skills

Public engagement

Community outreach

Communication (written & verbal)

Curriculum development

Spanish language (plus)

Education

Master’s degree in ecological restoration or related field

Bachelor’s degree with 2 years related experience

Job description

The Conservation Science Center (CSC) is a program within the NM Forest & Watershed Restoration Institute and is actively seeking candidates with a strong land stewardship ethic who value community advocacy and engagement. This position works with the CSC Program Manager and supports long-term community recovery efforts following the Hermit’s Peak / Calf Canyon wildfire by supporting educational trainings in restoration practices, workforce development, and engaging with youth and adult audiences. We welcome candidates with an enthusiasm for participatory, human-centered programming and culturally responsive communications. This position will require strong interpersonal skills with collaborators of diverse ages, socioeconomics, and cultural backgrounds; and an ability to cultivate new and strengthen existing community partnerships. Candidates should be comfortable working with northern NM rural communities. Additionally, this position includes adapting scientific concepts into immersive hands-on activities for local youth and landowners to increase accessibility to research and restoration practices.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the implementation of Fire-Informed Restoration Education for New Mexico (FIRENM) programming;
• Engage landowners to build and expand landowner networks for Landscape Stewardship Planning efforts, FIRENM field sites, YCC and youth engagement programming, and other community-based initiatives;
• Manage, plan, and implement K-12 initiatives, including the annual STEM Showdown with NM MESA, Mora Outdoor School, Northern NM Regional Envirothon, and similar outdoor education programming, etc.;
• Pilot and adapt culturally responsive curricula for northern NM youth and adult populations;
• Pilot and refine citizen science monitoring for landowners;
• Co-develop conservation leadership professional development for NMHU STEM majors and local communities.

Education: Master’s degree in ecological restoration, forestry, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, wildlife biology, or a closely related field, OR B.S. in one of these fields with 2 years substantial and in-depth, directly related training and work experience.

Experience: One (1) year experience in engaging diverse audiences, e.g. youth programming, community advocacy and/or environmental education

Experience: Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience: Two (2) years’ experience in environmental education or community engagement in the southwest; experience working with diverse stakeholders. Spanish speaker a plus!

Experience working with New Mexican landowners, and an understanding of restoration principles for improved habitat and/or ecosystem function.

Work is performed in in an office on the campus of a regional public university, and in field sites. The possibility for hybrid work combining office and telework exists, if appropriate. Anticipate 50% outdoors, 50% indoors.

Refer to job link for additional details and to apply: https://paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/2881ffe43c19e2921f626a9c2b366153/jobs/178929