Program Specialist Senior

New Mexico State University•Las Cruces, NM

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Jornada Basin Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program seeks a Program Specialist, Sr to support the productivity of its research projects. This is a one-year appointment that may be extended contingent upon funding. Working under the direction of the Lead Technician and Site Manager, the specialist carries out long-term measurements and related field and laboratory work; enters and checks resulting data; coordinates field schedules and equipment; and helps maintain field instrumentation and the wireless data network. The role supports research in plant ecology, aeolian studies, hydrology, animal ecology, soils, UAV operations, wireless data acquisition, and climatology. It includes processing samples, maintaining documentation and metadata, coordinating seasonal field campaigns, training and directing staff and students, and supporting researchers and funding-source reports. The position is based in Las Cruces and involves field work in desert conditions, including strenuous physical activity and exposure to weather and environmental hazards.

Requirements

Associate's degree and 4 years of relevant experience, or a bachelor's degree and 2 years of relevant experience.
Valid driver's license, needed to obtain an NMSU Driver's Permit.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of equipment and supplies over uneven desert terrain.
Ability to work outdoors during hot or cold, windy weather.
Ability to work safely with moderately hazardous materials.
Ability to work reliably both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and principal investigators.
Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.
Ability to coordinate needs with other agencies and groups.

Nice To Haves

Significant field experience in plant identification, measurement methodologies, and use of dichotomous keys.
Knowledge of Chihuahuan Desert flora and fauna.
Experience working in a laboratory and field experience related to this LTER program or a comparable long-term ecological research program.
Demonstrated skills in training and directing the work of assigned staff.
Experience entering, checking, and documenting ecological datasets.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience with ArcGIS and R for data management, mapping, and analysis.
Working familiarity with field data-acquisition systems, including dataloggers, sensors, telemetry, and wireless networking, sufficient to keep remote stations reporting.
Current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, or ability to obtain one, in support of UAV operations.
Experience operating 4x4 vehicles on unimproved roads and off-road desert terrain.
Self-motivation, flexibility, and strong supervisory and organizational abilities.
Enjoyment of working under desert field conditions with high heat and sun exposure.

Responsibilities

Collect data related to plant ecology, aeolian studies, hydrology, animal ecology, soils, UAV operations, and wireless data acquisition and climatology.
Support the Lead Technician and Site Manager in carrying out LTER long-term studies associated with vegetation measurements.
Plan and implement associated projects in collaboration with researchers.
Process samples, clean equipment, check and enter data, and maintain appropriate documentation.
Train staff on plant identification and maintain the herbarium voucher collection.
Enter, check, and correct field and sensor data; maintain documentation and metadata for complete, traceable long-term datasets.
Compile and summarize program activity data for reports to researchers and funding sources.
Coordinate field schedules, vehicles, supplies, and equipment for seasonal measurement campaigns.
Assist in allocating, training, and directing assigned staff and students, including promoting and enforcing internal procedures, safe work practices, and data-collection protocols.
Coordinate program needs with other agencies and groups working at the site and serve as a day-to-day point of contact on field operations.
Maintain the wireless data network and field data-acquisition equipment; troubleshoot connectivity, sensor, and datalogger problems at remote field sites and arrange repairs.
Perform routine maintenance, repairs, and inventory of field equipment and sampling gear; keep program vehicles serviced and field-ready and report mechanical problems for repair.
Support UAV operations and other instrumented data collection as assigned.
Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.