Job Details
Job Location: Las Vegas, NM 87701
Position Type: Term - Full time
Education Level: Masters Degree
Salary Range: $58,656.00 - $65,000.00 Salary
Job Category: Staff
Description
The Conservation Science Center (CSC) is a program within the NM
Forest & Watershed Restoration Institute and is actively
seeking candidates with a strong land stewardship ethic who value
community advocacy and engagement. This position works with the CSC
Program Manager and supports long-term community recovery efforts
following the Hermit’s Peak / Calf Canyon wildfire by supporting
educational trainings in restoration practices, workforce
development, and engaging with youth and adult audiences. We
welcome candidates with an enthusiasm for participatory,
human-centered programming and culturally responsive
communications. This position will require strong interpersonal
skills with collaborators of diverse ages, socioeconomics, and
cultural backgrounds; and an ability to cultivate new and
strengthen existing community partnerships. Candidates should be
comfortable working with northern NM rural communities.
Additionally, this position includes adapting scientific concepts
into immersive hands-on activities for local youth and landowners
to increase accessibility to research and restoration
practices.
Key responsibilities include:
- Support the implementation of Fire-Informed Restoration
Education for New Mexico (FIRENM) programming;
Engage landowners to build and expand landowner networks for
Landscape Stewardship Planning efforts, FIRENM field sites, YCC and
youth engagement programming, and other community-based
initiatives;
Manage, plan, and implement K-12 initiatives, including the
annual STEM Showdown with NM MESA, Mora Outdoor School, Northern NM
Regional Envirothon, and similar outdoor education programming,
etc.;
Pilot and adapt culturally responsive curricula for northern NM
youth and adult populations;
Pilot and refine citizen science monitoring for
landowners;
Co-develop conservation leadership professional development for
NMHU STEM majors and local communities.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Embrace principles of fairness, cultural appreciation, and
respectful engagement in programing, workplace interactions, and
communications;
- Facilitate FIRENM event planning, workshop logistics and field
site preparation, including cross-program communications and
planning within NMFWRI, and with partner organizations;
- Spearhead K-12 initiatives, including project planning and
logistics with community partners
- Support citizen science monitoring related to FIRENM
practices;
- Cross-collaborate with STEM grant teams at NMHU to leverage
resources; pilot conservation leadership initiatives;
- Develop and maintain partnerships with formal and informal
educators, higher education partner institutions,
state/federal/nonprofit community partners, private landowners,
etc.;
- Represent CSC professionally and participate in community
meetings, webinars, relevant Communities of Practice, community
boards, and working committees;
- Assist with reviewing, editing and revising curricula
materials, technical guides and other educational materials
developed by the CSC and FIRENM teams;
- Work with NMFWRI staff and NMHU faculty to support field
classes, webinars and in-person trainings
- Maintain Wilderness First Aid certification, participate in
field crew safety trainings, and other internal professional
development opportunities to maintain a holistic skillset and
provide cross-program support as time allows;
- Support grant/program review and administration, maintain
project budgets, record keeping, and other administrative
tasks;
- Maintain regular attendance and clear communication with
supervisors and colleagues in office, field, and online working
environments;
- Additional duties as assigned by the CSC Program Manager.
Qualifications
Minimum Job Requirements:
Education : Master’s degree in ecological restoration,
forestry, ecology, environmental science, natural resources
management, wildlife biology, or a closely related field, OR B.S.
in one of these fields with 2 years substantial and in-depth,
directly related training and work experience.
Experience : One (1) year experience in engaging diverse
audiences, e.g. youth programming, community advocacy and/or
environmental education
Experience : Strong written and verbal communication
skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience : Two (2) years’ experience in environmental
education or community engagement in the southwest; experience
working with diverse stakeholders. Spanish speaker a plus!
Experience working with New Mexican landowners, and an
understanding of restoration principles for improved habitat and/or
ecosystem function.
Special Conditions for Eligibility:
- Must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s
license
- Must be willing to occasionally work weekends, evenings, and
odd hours, as required
- Must be willing to travel, at times to remote locations
- Continued employment is contingent on grant funding
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Familiarity with ecological restoration and ecological science
concepts
- Formal or informal outdoor education experience and some
curriculum development
- Technical expertise in field safety and situational
awareness
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Adaptability and creativity
- Good self-care and ability to handle stress
- Effective time management and ability to achieve goals and
independently undertake tasks with some direct supervision.
- Ability to work in rural communities and in rural
locations.
- Ability to work as a member of team with diverse skills and
backgrounds.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written
form.
- Proficient in Microsoft office
Physical Demands:
- Standing – Frequently
- Sitting – Frequently
- Walking (cross country) – Frequently
- Bending – Occasionally
- Squatting – Occasionally
- Kneeling – Occasionally
- Lifting (30 lbs. or less) – Occasionally
Working Environment:
Work is performed in in an office on the campus of a regional
public university, and in field sites. The possibility for hybrid
work combining office and telework exists, if appropriate.
Anticipate 50% outdoors, 50% indoors.
