Natural Resources Technician – Cannon AFB, NM

Austin Community College; Clovis (NM); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental management institution is seeking a Seasonal Natural Resources Technician based at Cannon Air Force Base, NM. This full-time position provides hands-on training in wildlife biology, botany, and environmental compliance, requiring candidates to assist in managing and conserving a unique high plains ecosystem. Applicants should be pursuing a B.S. in related fields and possess basic field data collection skills. The position emphasizes independent work in rugged conditions and offers valuable field experience across various ecological tasks.

Qualifications

• Pursuing at least a B.S. in natural resources or related fields.
• At least 3 months relevant experience or coursework in fieldwork.
• Basic field skills in data collection such as vegetation surveys.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork for wildlife and habitat management.
• Data entry and management for public outreach.
• Assist with ecological monitoring and data collection.

Skills

Field data collection skills

Basic knowledge in wildlife biology

Proficiency with GIS software

Ability to work independently

Education

B.S. in natural resources or related fields

Graduate degree in natural resources or biology (preferred)

Tools

GPS equipment

GIS software

Job description

One Natural Resources Technician (Seasonal Worker, Full-time, 40 hours/week) position is available with the Colorado State University (CSU) Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). This position will provide entry-level training and experience on a range of natural resources projects supporting the Natural Resources Management (NRM) program at Cannon Air Force Base, NM.

The Natural Resources Intern will assist the Natural Resources Program at Cannon Air Force Base in managing, monitoring, and conserving the installation’s unique high plains ecosystem. This position provides hands‑on field experience in wildlife biology, botany, habitat assessment, and environmental compliance while exposing the intern to conservation challenges on an active military installation. The intern will work closely with the Natural Resources Manager, biologists, contractors, and partner agencies to support a wide range of ecological monitoring, data collection, and habitat management activities.

This position is not‑to‑exceed 127 working days.

This position is onsite, and the Natural Resources Technician must have reliable transportation to the site. The ECDP is unable to provide relocation or housing stipends.

Cannon AFB is located approximately eight miles west of Clovis (Curry County), New Mexico, directly off Highway 60/84. Cannon is approximately 51.1 miles east of Ft. Sumner, New Mexico, 100 miles west of Lubbock, Texas, 112 miles southwest of Amarillo, Texas, and 90 miles northeast of Roswell, New Mexico.

Conduct field work, which can include management for wildlife, vegetation, invasive species, threatened and endangered species, wetlands, forests, and/or outdoor recreation areas, GPS data collection, field mapping, photography, public outreach and/or education, etc.

Administrative

• Office-based tasks can include data entry and management, public outreach, preparing site forms, writing technical reports, compliance documents, database and data management, spatial analysis, and/or preparing correspondence and other documentation.

Conditions of Employment

• Pre‑employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).
• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by proposed start date; the department will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Must be able to pass a federal background investigation to obtain a Department of Defense Installation Access Pass. You will need to possess a Real ID or passport.
• Must be able to work long hours independently in remote, rugged field conditions under harsh weather conditions.

Supervision

None

Minimum Qualifications

• Pursuing a B.S. in natural resources-, cultural resources-, ecosystem science-, or environmental policy‑related field (at least a senior standing).
• At least 3 months and no more than 3 years of relevant experience, which may include internships, fieldwork, seasonal jobs, volunteer work, or applied coursework.
• Basic field data collection skills (e.g., Vegetation surveys, wildlife monitoring, GPS‑based mapping; academic or field school experience would count).

Preferred Qualifications

• Currently enrolled or holder of a Graduate Degree in natural resources-, biology-, or environmental science‑related fields.
• Experience using GPS equipment to collect field data.
• Experience flora and/or fauna monitoring or management (specify taxa/ecosystem/regions of prior experience).
• Experience with threatened and endangered/sensitive species monitoring and management.
• Experience performing habitat restoration or invasive species management.
• Experience with manual labor using powered tools and heavy equipment such as chainsaws, weed‑eaters, mowers, tractors, ATVs/UTVs etc.
• Proficiency with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) and database management.