New Mexico State University invites you to apply to be a part of a diverse, dynamic and welcoming learning and working environment in Las Cruces, NM. NMSU seeks employees who are creative and flexible in developing and evaluating new ideas and ways to evolve NMSU into the future. Located in the borderlands and adjacent to the mighty Rio Grande, NMSU is a proud Hispanic-serving institution in the minority-majority state of New Mexico. Southern New Mexico features an average of 294 days of sunshine annually, making NMSU ideal for job-seekers who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and bird-watching. NMSU is committed to sustainability through improving and maintaining the quality of human life while preserving the integrity, stability, and beauty of ecological systems for the future. We are looking for student-centered employees with a passion for success. NMSU invites you to take the first step to your successful and rewarding career by applying today.

NMSU is New Mexico’s land-grant and space-grant institution, a comprehensive research institution dedicated to teaching, research, public service and outreach. In addition, the NMSU system includes a satellite learning center in Albuquerque, Cooperative Extension Service offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, and 12 agriculture research and science centers. New Mexico State University is the institution of choice for more than 15,000 students from 49 states and 89 foreign countries.

The City of Las Cruces is the second largest city in New Mexico and is located in Doña Ana County, approximately 45 miles north of El Paso, Texas, and 225 miles south of Albuquerque. Las Cruces is the economic and geographic center of the Mesilla Valley, the agricultural region on the floodplain of the Rio Grande which extends from Hatch to the west side of El Paso, Texas. The Organ Mountains, 10 miles to the east, are dominant in the city’s landscape, along with the Doña Ana Mountains, Robledo Mountains, and Picacho Peak. Las Cruces lies within a short driving distance of the Mexican border at Santa Teresa, as well as many other locations in the broader borderland region.

Geography, climate, demographics, and ambiance of Las Cruces and NMSU combine to offer a truly excellent place to thrive. Family members will discover a warm, open community that offers an attractive array of activities and outdoor recreation, amenities, services and opportunities, whether they are looking for top-notch education, meaningful employment, or simply a safe and comfortable place to live.

*THIS POSITION IS A ONE - YEAR APPOINTMENT ; CONTINGENT UPON FUNDING *

This position involves multiple field projects as described below. Fieldwork includes working as a member of a two- to four-person team at remote locations throughout southern NM and the southwest. Much of the field work includes extensive travel throughout southern New Mexico on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands. Some interstate travel may be required. Fieldwork includes hiking with up to a 40-pound pack in rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions (30-100°F, windy, insects, and thorny vegetation). Field days may range from 8 to 12 hours of work in a single day.

Vegetation monitoring/research (by project):

Condition and Trend:

November – February is approximately 45% field monitoring, 0-15% laboratory work, and 40-55% office work, data entry, error checking and processing. Methods include repeat photo points, step-point and production.

Historic data entry: The data are currently scanned, paper data forms, dating back several decades. The incumbent will work with the Range Management Specialists at the Bureau of Land Management and Biological Technician stationed at the Jornada Experimental Range for project management and data entry priorities. Basic quality assurance and quality control measures are expected.

DuRP:

Mid-January through March is 10-60% fieldwork collecting line-point intercept and implementing a restoration project on the USDA ARS Jornada Experimental Range.

July – August – a couple days of line-point intercept and fieldwork in support of restoration project.

Sustainable Southwest Beef and Long-Term Agro Ecosystem Research ( https://southwestbeef.org/ and https://jornada.nmsu.edu/ltar/network-introduction ):

February – April is approximately 20-25% field work collecting line-point intercept, gap intercept and annual biomass in the field.

May – Jul approximately one day a month collecting economic variables at ranches in New Mexico, Utah and California.

August – September is approximately 20-25% field work collecting line-point intercept, gap intercept and annual biomass in the field.

December – lab and office duties may include biomass weighing, data entry, bulk density processing and shipping soils to a lab for further analysis.

Restore New Mexico:

Late August – mid November is approximately 40-60% field work collecting line-point intercept, photos, species richness and indicators of soil surface processes throughout southern New Mexico.

Additional field campaigns may include long-term ecotone research, bird surveys in support of Restore NM or LTAR research, and installation of rainout shelters and simulating grazing (with clippers) in support of collaborative climate research project. Office projects may include creating metadata and publishing historic data sets to the Environmental Data Initiative (EDI), web content development (WordPress), as well as other tasks.

Works on plans and implements a set of program initiatives for a group of projects or clients for operational entity of the University. Participates in the generation of program resources and in the design and development of program operating goals, objectives, and protocols and related tasks. Serves as primary point of both internal and external representation and liaison with respect to program implementation and compliance and operational matters. Provides technical/professional and programmatic support to client constituencies.

Programs are usually self-funded and/or grant-funded from a major funding source or series of funding sources. Plans and coordinates the development, implementation, and execution of a set of multiple sub-programs, special projects, and other initiatives designed to achieve the overall mission, goals, and objectives of the program. Oversees and administers all facets of the day-to-day operations of the various programs and activities related to the positions specific disciplines. Serves as primary liaison with internal and external constituencies on all matters relating to program activities; represents the University with respect to program activities on a local, regional, and/or national basis. Plans, develops, and implements strategies for identifying and generating funding and/or resource opportunities for program activities, to include development of grant and other fundraising proposals. Provides and/or coordinates the provision of technical guidance, consultation, related support to clientele within area of program focus; provides day-to-day problem solving as necessary on day-to-day program-related needs and issues. Creates, produces, and delivers a range of promotional, educational, and informational presentations, and/or resource materials related to program activities and initiatives. Oversees and/or coordinates the collection, compilation, and analysis of program activity data; develops, writes, edits, and presents comprehensive statistical and narrative program reports and evaluations. Participates in the development of operating goals and objectives for the unit; recommends, implements, and administers methods and procedures to enhance operations, as appropriate to the unit. May supervise staff and students to include: work allocation, training,promotion and enforcement of internal procedures and controls and problem resolution;evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions;motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Demonstrated professional knowledge and operational expertise within designated area of program focus.

Program planning, development, implementation, and leadership skills. Skill in examining and evaluating operations and developing and/or re-engineering operating strategies, systems, and procedures. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.

Ability to determine informational needs, to collect and analyze information, and to devise and develop statistical analyses and reports. Ability to develop and deliver both oral and written presentations. Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a range of clientele and/or media sources. Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments. Ability to develop and implement funding strategies and programs.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Three (3) years of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined.

The NMSU system requires all employees to upload proof of COVID -19 vaccination or request an exemption via now.nmsu.edu/medproctor within seven (7) business days of start date. NMSU’s COVID -19 vaccination policy is subject to change in order to comply with state and federal mandates and in accordance with the recommendations of public health experts.

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.

Extended