Ecological Monitoring Crew Lead

PeopleAdmin, Inc.; Las Vegas (NM); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Highlands University is seeking an Ecological Monitoring Crew Lead to supervise field crews across public and private lands in New Mexico. You will lead data collection, ensure quality control, and coordinate schedules, travel, and equipment, including overnight trips.

The role requires strong attention to detail, safety, and organizational skills, with collaboration across interdisciplinary teams focusing on wildfire resilience and watershed restoration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry or Natural Resources, or related field, with 4 years of field experience.
• Experience leading field crews and mentoring students/interns.
• Wilderness First Responder or higher certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological monitoring field crew and oversee data collection.
• Provide supervision, mentoring, and task delegation to interns and student workers.
• Manage equipment inventory, maintenance, and safety practices.
• Assist with data analysis, reporting, and publication of training materials.

Skills

Leadership

Crew supervision

Data collection

GPS/GIS

Microsoft Excel

Field safety

Education

BS in Forestry or Natural Resources

Tools

ESRI GIS

GNSS data collection

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with R coding
WFR or higher
Crew leadership experience

Education: BS in Forestry, Natural Resources Management, or a related field or equivalent (4 years of related experience)
Experience: at least 2 field seasons

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 work as a member of a team with diverse skills and backgrounds
• Ability 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:. . . . . . .Frequently
Lifting greater than 20 pounds:. . . Occasionally

Pay Rate

Pay Rate $42,140.80 + depending on experience

Work Location/Campus Center

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 [e-mail]

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