THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS (completion of at least 1 semester required)

Monitoring Technician Aide

• Full time
• Temporary appointment

Position Summary

The New Mexico Forest and Watershed Restoration Institute (NMFWRI), which is located at New Mexico Highlands University, is a statewide effort that engages government agencies, academic and research institutions, land managers, and the interested public in the areas of forest and watershed management. We work with agencies and stakeholders at all levels! 

The position is open to students at universities other than NMHU only! This position will be responsible for working on crews carrying out NMFWRI’s ecological monitoring and restoration activities on public and private lands throughout New Mexico. Projects will require in-state travel. Activities are related to all phases of restoration from research and planning through project implementation and capacity building. This position will be filled only if adequate funding is available. Pay: $13.50-$17/hr  Pay is commensurate with experience. 

Duties and Responsibilities

We are hiring for monitoring technician aides for summer 2024! 

Interns will gain experience in:

• Backcountry work, including navigation, cooking, campskills, first aid, etc.
• Off-road/rough road driving (e.g. mud, rocks, sand, snow) & familiarity with vehicle mechanics and equipment maintenance
• Tree, shrub, and other plant identification
• Process & mechanics of ecological restoration (thinning, prescribed fire, etc)
• Application of ecological monitoring protocols, projects, and use of specialized equipment (e.g. Brown’s transects, GPS units, densiometers)
• Data entry, quality control, reporting

DUTIES 

• Perform field measurements and assessments of forest resources and ecological indicators, including data recording and quality assurance.  Work is often performed in remote locations over difficult terrain. 
• Perform computer entry of field data including using FFI, Microsoft Excel, Access, or other database software with attention to detail. 
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of NMFWRI equipment, including basic vehicle maintenance. 
• Maintain regular attendance and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues in office field, and online working environments. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Job Requirements

Education: 

• College student and classified as a sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student and enrolled with a minimum of six (6) credit hours 
• Successfully completed one semester of college 

Applicants must:

• Have an interest in forestry, natural resource management, and/or ecological restoration
• Be a team player with a strong work ethic, attention to detail, a positive attitude, and good self-care
• Be willing to hike, camp, and travel 4 days per week during the summer (sometimes out of cell range, in remote areas of New Mexico)
• Be willing to work early mornings and long days; be willing to work in an office; be willing to work on a flexible schedule as needed to meet deadlines
• Be a currently enrolled student at a university

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 3.0 GPA 
• Work experience in college

Special Conditions for Eligibility

• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a valid Driver’s License and Defensive Driving Certificate. 
• Must be willing to drive vehicles in on- and off-road settings on a regular basis. 
• Must be willing to work overtime, weekends and evenings as required. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Familiarity with forest and ecological measurement and techniques 
• Familiarity with vehicle maintenance and field repair
• Knowledge of basic forestry and ecological science concepts 
• Knowledge of plant ID and particularly in the range of southwest vegetation types. 
• Effective time management and ability to achieve goals and independently undertake tasks with minimum of direct supervision. 
• Ability to work as a member of team with diverse skills and backgrounds. 
• Ability to communicate both orally and in written form. 

Physical Demands

• Standing Frequently
• Walking (cross country) Frequently
• Bending Frequently
• Squatting Frequently
• Climbing (difficult terrain) Frequently
• Kneeling Frequently

Working Environment

• 90% outdoors
• 10% indoors

Pay Rate $13.50-$17.00

Work Location/Campus Center Las Vegas, NM Campus

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