Seed Collection Coordinator

Position Details

Position Information

Position
Seed Collection Coordinator

Full Time/Part Time
Full Time

Job Type
Term Appointment

Position Summary

Forests in New Mexico and the greater southwestern region are experiencing some of the most destructive wildfires in history. Many of the forests that have succumbed to high-severity fires are not growing back naturally resulting in a loss of forests in New Mexico. Therefore, it is critical to invest in a reforestation program for the state that will help to benefit forest health, water quality and yield, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, recreation, and many other valuable resources. Reforestation needs in New Mexico are currently estimated to be between 1 to 2.6 million acres, which would require 150 to 390 million seedlings. To address these issues, the New Mexico Reforestation Center ( NMRC ) was founded in 2022 as a partnership between New Mexico Highlands University, New Mexico State University’s John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center, University of New Mexico’s Department of Biology, and the New Mexico EMNRD Forestry Division. The mission of the NMRC is to meet current and future reforestation needs in New Mexico through its comprehensive seed bank, nursery, and planting operations combined with research, education, and outreach activities.

This position will be responsible for coordinating tree seed collection, processing, storage, distribution and related activities in support of reforestation efforts across the state of New Mexico and greater southwestern region. The Seed Collection Coordinator will be expected to lead collaborative efforts to identify and overcome seed-related challenges within the reforestation pipeline in New Mexico and the greater US southwest. This position will be housed at New Mexico Highlands University in support of the New Mexico Reforestation Center and will play a critical role in the development of the Center and in developing novel reforestation partnerships, networks, and practices to meet New Mexico’s reforestation needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Coordinate with land owners/managers, nursery programs, and other partners for tree seed collections in relation to reforestation needs throughout New Mexico and the greater southwestern region.
- Identify and collaborate with tree seed collectors, processors, seed banks, nurseries, and other reforestation actors to help establish a network of reforestation pipeline partners.
- Facilitate and assist with seed transfers among parties while promoting adherence to best practices relating to collection, handling, processing, storage, use, and transfer.
- Work with federal, state, Tribal, and private partners to facilitate and/or secure access to properties for tree seed collection and related activities, including negotiations of any necessary and/or beneficial agreements, permits, and/or contracts.
- Help to develop and implement a system to identify and monitor tree seed production events for purposes of coordinating collection activities.
- Facilitate and coordinate training programs for tree seed collection and related activities.
- Conduct all duties in accordance with applicable seed transfer guidelines and/or best available science.
- Assist with collection and maintenance of spatial data and other information regarding tree seed collection and related activities.
- Assist with developing seed bank inventory management database(s) and/or tools to facilitate multi-party information sharing in support of reforestation efforts.
- As funding and scheduling permit, actively identify and pursue any educational, training, and/or professional development opportunities which would be necessary and beneficial for improving the Seed Collection Coordinator’s job performance.
- Assist with securing and managing internal and external funding and budgets associated with seed collection and related activities.
- Coordinate, collaborate, and/or contract with third parties as needed to accomplish NMRC objectives with regard to seed collection and related activities.
- Other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

- B.S. in Forestry OR B.S. in a closely related discipline if combined with tree seed collection, handling, processing, storage, use, and/or transfer experience and expertise.

Preferred Qualifications

- M.S. in Forest Science, Master of Forestry, or graduate degree in a closely related discipline.
- Experience with tree seed collection, handling, processing, storage, transfer, and/or use.
- Experience coordinating logistically complex and time-sensitive operations involving multiple parties.
- Experience with safe technical tree climbing in accordance with applicable OSHA, ANSI, ISA, and/or US Forest Service standards and guidelines.
- Experience writing successful grants or other funding applications which resulted in the receipt of funds in support of project activities and/or equipment acquisition.
- Experience developing curriculum and/or publications for scientific communication, education, workforce development, and professional development.
- Experience developing, coordinating, and/or hosting meetings, workshops, and/or field days.
- Experience with budget and personnel management.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Must possess or be able to obtain a New Mexico driver’s license within 60 days of the contractual starting date of this position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Knowledge of forest management and silvicultural practices in general, and knowledge of regeneration silviculture, nursery management, and the reforestation pipeline in particular.
- Knowledge, skills, and abilities related to all aspects of seed collection, handling, processing, storage, use, and transfer.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with content and style appropriate to the objectives and target audience.
- Ability to coordinate complex logistics among diverse stakeholder groups, including state, federal, Tribal, non-governmental, and private entities and individuals.
- Ability to learn quickly, adapt, and negotiate complex ecological, logistical, political, social, and financial situations to achieve target outcomes.
- Ability to secure external funding for operations, supplies and equipment, and facilities development and maintenance.
- Ability to operate bucket trucks, heavy equipment, and/or other large vehicles, as well as ability to safely haul trailers.
- Ability to work well with others under rapidly evolving conditions and in an absence of complete information.
- Ability to safely climb trees to collect seed in accordance with applicable agency, industry, and federal standards, policies, and laws.
- Ability to effectively manage budgets to achieve project outcomes within established financial constraints.
- Ability to train and supervise subordinate employees such as field technicians.

Physical Demands

Preference will be given to applicants who already are or are capable of becoming a Certified Tree Climber under the USDA Forest Service’s National Tree Climbing program. Work may require significant exertion under field conditions such as long hikes carrying heavy loads (up to 75 lbs on occasion, depending on operational requirements).

Working Environment

Work will occur in office, field, and/or nursery settings as dictated by operational needs. Working outdoors in cold, heat, and/or other adverse, inclement, or stressful conditions may be seasonally necessary as required by job tasks. Must be willing to travel within New Mexico, the greater southwestern region, and/or nationally as needed for job duties.

Pay Rate
55000

Work Location/Campus Center
Negotiable

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
AS721P

Open Date
03/31/2023

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link
https://nmhu.peopleadmin.com/postings/8281
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

Optional Documents

1. Letter(s) of Recommendation
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. License/Certificate