Research Assistant Senior

New Mexico State University; New Mexico; On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University’s Jornada Experimental Range seeks a Research Assistant Senior to support interdisciplinary research in rangeland management, grazing ecology, precision livestock management, and precision agriculture. The role spans field, laboratory, and computational work and involves collaboration with faculty, USDA-ARS, government agencies, and industry partners.

Duties include deploying sensors, handling data from geospatial and remote sensing sources, developing AI/ML tools,

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 related fields preferred.
• Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and programming in Python/R/ArcGIS/QGIS/Google Earth Engine.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field, laboratory, and data analysis related to rangeland ecology and precision agriculture.
• Deploy and manage environmental sensors, GPS collars, IoT devices, and virtual fencing systems.
• Process and analyze geospatial/remote sensing data using GIS and programming tools.
• Support AI/ML tools for livestock and rangeland monitoring.
• Prepare reports, publications, and grant proposals; assist in project reporting.
• Coordinate collaborations with faculty, USDA-ARS, agencies, and industry; mentor students.

Skills

GIS

Remote sensing

Geospatial analysis

Python

R

ArcGIS

QGIS

Google Earth Engine

IoT

Machine learning

Data analysis

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Associate's Degree + 2 years experience OR Bachelor's degree

Five years experience with Bachelor's + Master's

Tools

GPS collars

IoT sensors

UAVs

Environmental sensors

GIS software

Job description

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

PositionTitle: 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: The successful candidate will contribute to and help lead research and outreach activities including:

• 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.

Equivalent Qualifications:

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.

Successful applicants should be highly motivated, organized, and creative. They should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams. The candidate should be committed to conducting high-quality scientific research while supporting innovative solutions for sustainable rangeland management and livestock production.

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.