Research Assistant Senior

New Mexico State University; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jornada Experimental Range and the Department of Animal and Range Sciences at New Mexico State University invite applications for a Research Assistant Senior to support interdisciplinary research in rangeland management, grazing ecology, precision livestock management, and precision agriculture.

The role involves remote sensing, AI/ML, IoT technologies, and field-to-lab data analysis across diverse working rangelands.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree + 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree.
• Five year experience with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Rangeland Ecology, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Precision Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and programming using tools such as Python, R, ArcGIS, QGIS, or Google Earth Engine.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support field, laboratory, and data analysis activities related to rangeland ecology, grazing management, precision livestock management, and precision agriculture.
• Deploy, maintain, and manage environmental sensors, GPS collars, virtual fencing systems, IoT devices, and other field instrumentation.
• Collect, process, and analyze field, geospatial, and remote sensing data using GIS, statistical software, and programming tools.
• Support the development and application of AI, machine learning, and decision-support tools for livestock and rangeland monitoring.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, presentations, and assist with grant proposals and project reporting.
• Coordinate collaborations with NMSU faculty, USDA-ARS scientists, students, government agencies, producers, and industry partners while assisting in mentoring students and supporting outreach activities

Skills

GIS

Remote sensing

Geospatial analysis

Python

R

ArcGIS

QGIS

Google Earth Engine

Education

Associate's Degree + 2 years experience

Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's + Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

GPS collars

Environmental sensors

IoT devices

Virtual fencing systems

Job description

• 504058
• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
• Staff
• Staff Full-time
• Closing at: Oct 2 2026 - 23:55 MDT

Department Contact: Samantha Lish, 575-646-1726, [e-mail]

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: ***THIS IS INITIALLY A ONE YEAR APPOINTMENT WHICH MAY BE EXTENDED; CONTINGENT UPON EXTERNAL FUNDING***

The Jornada Experimental Range and the Department of Animal and Range Sciences at New Mexico State University are seeking applicants for a Research Assistant, Sr. to support interdisciplinary research in rangeland management, grazing ecology, precision livestock management, and precision agriculture. The successful candidate will contribute to research focused on integrating remote sensing, environmental sensor networks, geospatial analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to improve rangeland monitoring, livestock production, ecosystem resilience, and adaptive grazing management.
The position will support field, laboratory, and computational research evaluating livestock behavior, forage dynamics, vegetation change, soil health, and ecosystem services across working rangelands. Research activities will involve collaborations with university faculty, USDA-ARS scientists, government agencies, and industry partners.

Position Details

Position Title: Research Assistant Senior

College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station

Department: 317250-JORNADA EXPER RANGE HEADQUARTERS

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications.

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: May work evenings and weekends

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct and support field, laboratory, and data analysis activities related to rangeland ecology, grazing management, precision livestock management, and precision agriculture.
• Deploy, maintain, and manage environmental sensors, GPS collars, virtual fencing systems, IoT devices, and other field instrumentation.
• Collect, process, and analyze field, geospatial, and remote sensing data using GIS, statistical software, and programming tools.
• Support the development and application of AI, machine learning, and decision-support tools for livestock and rangeland monitoring.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, presentations, and assist with grant proposals and project reporting.
• Coordinate collaborations with NMSU faculty, USDA-ARS scientists, students, government agencies, producers, and industry partners while assisting in mentoring students and supporting outreach activities

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

Associate's Degree + 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five year experience with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Rangeland Ecology, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Precision Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience with the design and implementation of field research, environmental monitoring, and data collection in rangeland, agricultural, or natural resource systems.
• Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and programming using tools such as Python, R, ArcGIS, QGIS, or Google Earth Engine.
• Experience with precision agriculture and livestock technologies, including GPS, IoT sensor networks, UAVs, virtual fencing, or environmental monitoring systems.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams.

Special Certification/Licensure

• Ability to conduct extended fieldwork in remote locations under hot, cold, windy, dusty, and uneven terrain conditions.
• Ability to safely operate four-wheel-drive vehicles and utility vehicles in off-road environments.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to travel overnight for field research, meetings, and scientific conferences.
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one prior to employment.
• Occasional weekend or evening work may be required during field campaigns.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements: i.e. extreme temp, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, other potentially dangerous materials/situations that require safety precaution/protective equip

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

Recruitment Summary

We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.

NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.

NMSU Global Campus Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.

NMSU Main Campus Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.

Doña Ana Community College Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance.

Alamogordo Campus Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.

Grants Campus NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.

Special Instructions to Applicants

The electronic application is the official document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.

EEO Statement

New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Requesting an Accommodation

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and New Mexico State University policy, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply, interview, or complete onboarding for a position with New Mexico State University, or if you cannot use the online application system, please visit our Accessibility & Accommodations page to initiate an accommodation request