Research Assistant Senior

New Mexico State University • Las Cruces, NM

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Jornada Experimental Range and the Department of Animal and Range Sciences at New Mexico State University are seeking applicants for a Research Assistant, Sr. to support interdisciplinary research in rangeland management, grazing ecology, precision livestock management, and precision agriculture. The successful candidate will contribute to research focused on integrating remote sensing, environmental sensor networks, geospatial analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to improve rangeland monitoring, livestock production, ecosystem resilience, and adaptive grazing management. The position will support field, laboratory, and computational research evaluating livestock behavior, forage dynamics, vegetation change, soil health, and ecosystem services across working rangelands. Research activities will involve collaborations with university faculty, USDA-ARS scientists, government agencies, and industry partners.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree + 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree.
• Ability to conduct extended fieldwork in remote locations under hot, cold, windy, dusty, and uneven terrain conditions.
• Ability to safely operate four-wheel-drive vehicles and utility vehicles in off-road environments.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to travel overnight for field research, meetings, and scientific conferences.
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one prior to employment.

Nice To Haves

• Five year experience with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Rangeland Ecology, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Precision Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience with the design and implementation of field research, environmental monitoring, and data collection in rangeland, agricultural, or natural resource systems.
• Proficiency in GIS, remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and programming using tools such as Python, R, ArcGIS, QGIS, or Google Earth Engine.
• Experience with precision agriculture and livestock technologies, including GPS, IoT sensor networks, UAVs, virtual fencing, or environmental monitoring systems.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams.
• Highly motivated, organized, and creative.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Committed to conducting high-quality scientific research while supporting innovative solutions for sustainable rangeland management and livestock production.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support field, laboratory, and data analysis activities related to rangeland ecology, grazing management, precision livestock management, and precision agriculture.
• Deploy, maintain, and manage environmental sensors, GPS collars, virtual fencing systems, IoT devices, and other field instrumentation.
• Collect, process, and analyze field, geospatial, and remote sensing data using GIS, statistical software, and programming tools.
• Support the development and application of AI, machine learning, and decision-support tools for livestock and rangeland monitoring.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, presentations, and assist with grant proposals and project reporting.
• Coordinate collaborations with NMSU faculty, USDA-ARS scientists, students, government agencies, producers, and industry partners while assisting in mentoring students and supporting outreach activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree