Economist-Forest Restoration and Utilization

PeopleAdmin, Inc.; Las Vegas (NM); On-site; USD 58,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Highlands University is seeking an Economist specialized in forest economics, restoration, utilization and marketing to lead outreach, teaching and research through FWRI. The role focuses on developing markets for small-diameter trees and promoting renewables in the Southwest, collaborating with agencies and industry.

The incumbent will teach one economics course per semester in the Highlands University Forestry Department and secure grant funding from federal, state and private

Qualifications

• Post-graduate degree in Forest Economics, Agricultural Economics, Business or related field.
• At least one degree in forestry, natural resources management or related field, or comparable professional experience, is required.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience directly related to forest economics and utilization.
• PhD with specialization in forest resource management and economics; ABD candidates considered.

Responsibilities

• Serve as FWRI specialist in forest economics, marketing and utilization by industry of forest products.
• Develop markets for woody material from restoration projects.
• Teach one economics course per semester at Highlands University.
• Collaborate with federal/state agencies and SWERI institutes and other stakeholders.
• Prepare project reports and assessments based on economic data.

Skills

Collaboration

Effective communication

Grants acquisition

Applied research

Economics knowledge

Forest products marketing

Stakeholder engagement

Report writing

Graduate teaching

Education

Post-graduate degree in Forest Economics / Agricultural Economics / Business

Additional forestry/natural resources degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Statistical analysis

Economic modeling

Grant writing tools

Job description

Economist-Forest Restoration and Utilization

Position Information

Position

Position Economist-Forest Restoration and Utilization

Job Type

Job Type Regular

Position Summary

The New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute ( FWRI ) seeks an Economist with a specialty in forest products, restoration, utilization and marketing for a full-time position as Marketing and Utilization Program Manager. The job focuses on outreach, teaching and research related to developing markets and promoting uses for small diameter trees, and the incumbent will catalyze the transition of the Southwest’s renewable natural resource economy. The program manager will collaborate with colleagues in public agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service and the New Mexico State Forestry Division, with forest economists and others at sister institutes in Arizona and Colorado, and with forest industry and landowners around New Mexico. The incumbent will also teach one course per semester in the Forestry Department at New Mexico Highlands University, the only SAF -accredited forestry program in New Mexico.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the FWRI’s specialist in forest economics, marketing and utilization by industry of forest products, especially new and non-traditional uses of small-diameter material;
• Help forestry professionals to better understand the economics of the forest industry in New Mexico;
• Work with forest industry and federal, state, tribal, and local land management agencies to develop and promote markets for woody material that is removed from landscape-scale, restoration-based fuel-reduction treatments in woodlands and forests;
• Develop public awareness of the necessity and role of a forest industry in forest ecosystem restoration;
• Coordinate with the utilization specialists at the other SWERI institutes, the Ecological Restoration Institute in Flagstaff, AZ, and the Colorado Forest Restoration Institute in Fort Collins, CO;
• Represent FWRI in local, regional, or statewide industry groups;
• Engage in outreach and applied research in the area of forest economics that focuses on the contribution of the forest products industry to the NM and regional economy, especially as it relates to watershed restoration;
• Analyze marketing and economic data and prepare project reports and assessments;
• Provide field supervision of students or other staff;
• Teach one economics course per semester in the Highlands University Forestry Department;
• Acquire other funding for FWRI activities from federal, state, and private sources;
• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality;
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the FWRI Director.

Education and Experience

• Education: The position requires a post-graduate degree in Forest Economics, Agricultural Economics, Business or a related field. At least one degree in forestry, natural resources management or a related field, or comparable professional experience, is required.
• Experience: A proven record of at least two (2) years’ experience directly related to forest economics and utilization and the other duties and responsibilities indicated above.

Preferred Qualifications

A Ph.D. with a specialization in forest resource management and economics, utilization, marketing, or closely related fields. All But Dissertation ( ABD ) applicants will be considered.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

• Must possess and maintain a valid NM driver’s license. Selection of an out-of-state candidate will require possession of a valid New Mexico Driver’s license within sixty (60) days of employment.
• Must be willing to work weekends, evenings and odd hours as required.
• Must be willing to travel.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Continued employment is contingent upon grant funding.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds on natural resources issues;
• Ability to communicate effectively to diverse professional and public audiences;
• Ability to acquire federal and state grants, contracts, and other forms of funding;
• Ability to plan and conduct applied research in the broad areas of marketing of forest products and economics of renewable natural resources;
• Demonstrated understanding of micro- and macro-economic conditions impacting domestic and international markets for forest products;
• An extensive background in forest products marketing as well as utilization, economics, forest growth and yield modeling, and risk and financial decision making;
• Knowledge of issues related to marketing of forest products derived from small-diameter material;
• Demonstrated understanding of forest management and forest products in the Southwest or Interior West;
• Knowledge and experience in facilitation of collaborative land management;
• Knowledge, familiarity, and experience in New Mexico;
• Ability to write technical reports for internal and external publication;
• Ability to teach graduate and undergraduate students;
• Ability to work productively, professionally and collegially with colleagues and diverse external stakeholders, as attested to by professional references;
• Knowledge and experience preparing information and findings and presenting information orally, in formal and informal settings, as demonstrated by documented products of these efforts;
• Develop ways to address additional issues, possibly including:
  • Costs associated with start-up or expansion of logging or thinning businesses
  • Local and long-distance transportation costs
  • Use of larger diameter timber to subsidize small diameter removal
  • Prescribed fire use vs mechanical thinning
  • Pre-fire fuels management vs active fire management
  • Economies of scale related to forest management

Physical Demands

The FWRI has offices and lab space at Highlands University. The Institute staff work collegially and collaborate frequently with partners throughout New Mexico and beyond. Field work is performed in rural and peri-urban environments with community groups that are often resource-limited.

Pay Rate

Pay Rate $58,080

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.

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