CREST Field and Laboratory Technician

Position Details

Position Information

Position
CREST Field and Laboratory Technician

Full Time/Part Time
Full Time

Job Type
Term Appointment

Position Summary

The position is responsible for supporting the Department of Forestry’s NSF -funded FORT CREST field and laboratory activities. Duties may require travel throughout the state and sometimes may require overnight travel. Project activities in which this position will participate and/or oversee relate to all phases of project planning; permitting; installation; maintenance; measurement; data collection and entry; record-keeping; personnel recruitment, training, and supervision; community relations; and related duties.

The Forest Restoration Triangle ( FORT ) was created in 2017 as a partnership between three institutions: The Department of Forestry at New Mexico Highlands University; the New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute ( FWRI ) at NMHU ; and New Mexico State University’s John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center ( FRC ). New CREST funding from the National Science Foundation provides the financial foundation for this collaboration, increasing the research, educational, and outreach capacities for all partners. This is a term position expected to be renewed annually through November 2024 or longer, contingent upon continued funding availability and employee performance. This position is considered to have two primary duty locations: NMHU’s Las Vegas, NM campus and NMSU’s John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center in Mora, NM. The majority of this position’s time is expected to be working based out of NMHU’s Las Vegas, NM campus, but periodic work with collaborators based out of the NMSU Forestry Research Center in Mora, NM should be expected.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Management and maintenance of dendrochronology and forestry/vegetation assessment related field and lab equipment, software, and collections
2. Assisting in the planning and execution of experimental designs (establishment, maintenance, measurement, and monitoring of experimental sites) and sampling of the FORT CREST project areas
3. Collecting, preparing, and processing dendrochronology samples for measurement
4. Measuring tree-ring data with a microscope, which includes performing data entry
5. Performing field work to assess forest resources and ecological indicators, including collecting tree-ring samples in northern New Mexico
6. Taking a leadership role in crew recruitment, preparation, training, management, quality assurance and accomplishment of field tasks
7. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems ( GIS ) to support project needs, including study area identification and characterization
8. Collecting and analyzing data relevant to variables of interest in actual and potential experimental areas, as well as the establishment and management of databases necessary to organize and maintain such data throughout the life of this project
9. Assisting students and researchers in generating summary reports of field data
10. Preparing and delivering presentations as needed in order to inform the CREST Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PIs, and other project participants and stakeholders of project progress and developments
11. Assisting with the development and analysis of different theoretical management scenarios in different project areas (potentially with the aid of the Forest Vegetation Simulator ( FVS ) and Fire and Fuel Modeling software)
12. Managing sensitive/confidential information, such as analyzing forest management, restoration, and fire management plans from the NM State Land Office, US Forest Service, or other agencies in the experimental areas targeted for FORT project activities
13. Assisting with building collaborative networks with other dendrochronology labs and establishing and/or maintaining working relationships with the natural resource management agencies and stakeholder communities in the project areas
14. Assisting with conducting a thorough examination of the scientific literature relevant to FORT subprojects
15. Exploring the development of educational plans based on forest ecology and management for delivery to K-12 schoolchildren, high schools, and educators.
16. Engaging in Forestry student mentoring activities and promotion of the Forestry Program/Club.
17. Attending online trainings and workshops and meetings related to project-specific research tasks
18. Other CREST -related duties as assigned

Minimum Job Requirements

EDUCATION : Bachelor’s degree in forestry or in a closely related natural resource field including coursework in dendrology, mensuration, forest management, silviculture, water resources, terrestrial ecology, wildlife, wildland fire, GIS, statistics, and natural resource economics

EXPERIENCE : Familiarity with ecological monitoring and safety protocols as implemented by both USFS and NMFWRI . At least 1 season as a forestry technician or similar.

Preferred Qualifications

DESIRED EXPERIENCE : Have a familiarity with field collection of ecological data and a basic understanding of dendrochronological concepts; the ability to perform data-entry (accurately) using Access or Excel; and experience using a microscope and other dendrochronology laboratory equipment and software. Experience with reforestation and/or safe use of chainsaws is highly preferred.

EDUCATION : MS in Forestry or closely related renewable natural resource field.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

- Must have and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver’s License and Defensive Driving Certificate.
Must be willing to work overtime, weekends and evenings as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Familiarity with forest and ecological measurement and techniques, including dendrochronology techniques and analytical software
- Familiarity with lands, personnel, and protocols of the US Forest Service, NM State Land Office, and other state, federal, and Tribal agencies
- Knowledge of basic forestry and ecological science concepts
- Knowledge of plant ID, particularly in relation to forest cover types of the Southwestern US
- Effective time management skills and the ability to achieve goals and independently undertake and complete tasks with minimal direct supervision
- Ability to work independently or as a member of a team with diverse skills and backgrounds
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
- Ability to safely use a chainsaw
- Working knowledge of reforestation practices
- Ability to recruit, train, and manage personnel in the context of field crews

Physical Demands

- Standing: Frequently
- Walking (cross country): Frequently
- Bending: Frequently
- Squatting: Frequently
- Climbing: (difficult terrain) Frequently
- Kneeling: Frequently
- Carrying heavy loads (40+ lbs): Frequently

Working Environment

Both indoors in an office setting and outdoors during all seasons and in potentially inclement weather conditions (hot, cold, wet, dry, snowy, etc.).

Pay Rate
$39,000 per year

Work Location/Campus Center
Multi Campus/Center Locations

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.

For disabled access or services call 505-454-3242 or email hr@nmhu.edu

Visit the link below for more information regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity:
Equal Employment Opportunity is THE LAW

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
AS629P

Open Date
07/21/2022

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link
https://nmhu.peopleadmin.com/postings/7480
Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter/ Letter of Interest
3. Unofficial Transcripts Conferring Required Degree
4. List of Three Professional References with Name, Address and E-Mail

Optional Documents