Research Scientist 1

The University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 31,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

No benefits for On-Call position

Job summary

The University of New Mexico invites applications for a part-time botanist to support the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program (BEMP) with vegetation surveys along the Rio Grande near Albuquerque.

You will identify plants to species, record cover on ten 30-meter transects across up to 15 sites, and assist with data collection. A bachelor's degree is required; no prior experience is needed. This on-site role is ~10 hours/week through early October and requires pre-employment health screenings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; no prior experience required.
• Familiar with Rio Grande Bosque flora, including grasses and forbs.
• Able to identify plants to species and record cover along transects.
• Part-time schedule ~10 hours/week through early October.
• Must pass pre-employment physical and health screenings.

Responsibilities

• Assist with bosque vegetation surveys using line intercept methods.
• Record plant cover along ten 30-meter transects at up to 15 sites.
• Maintain accurate field notes and data entry.

Skills

Plant identification

Field data recording

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Research Scientist 1

BEMP (Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program) is looking for a part-time botanist to assist with bosque site vegetation surveys.

We will be conducting vegetation monitoring using line intercept methods in the Middle Rio Grande Bosque along 120 miles of the Rio Grande. Approximately 10 hours/week (2 mornings/week) through early October.

Need to be able to identify plants to species and record cover along ten 30-meter transects at up to 15 sites.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Bachelor's degree; no previous experience required.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Needs to be familiar with plants of the Rio Grande Bosque, including native and nonnative grasses and forbs.

Campus: Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department: AS Biology General Administrative (048F)

Employment Type: Staff

Staff Type: On-Call

Status: Exempt

Pay: Hourly: $22.16-$25.93

Benefits Eligible: No Benefits for On-Call position

ERB Statement: As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required: No

For Best Consideration Date: 8/24/2026

Eligible for Remote Work: No

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an 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.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.