Research Scientist 1

The Research Scientist 1 supports the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program (BEMP) by coordinating and participating in long-term ecological monitoring, field research, laboratory processing, data management, and educational outreach activities. This position works closely with the Science Director, BEMP staff, university students, interns, K-12 students, and partner organizations to collect, process, and maintain high-quality ecological datasets that support research, education, and conservation of the Middle Rio Grande bosque. The successful candidate will contribute to all aspects of BEMP's monitoring program, assist with scientific communication and community engagement, mentor students and interns, and help ensure the safe and effective operation of field, laboratory, and educational activities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Field Research and Monitoring
• Participate in monthly ecological monitoring and arthropod pitfall trapping data collection alongside staff, university students, interns, and K-12 student groups.
• Collect long-term ecological monitoring data in coordination with the Science Director, including:
  Temperature logger deployment, maintenance, and retrieval.
• Pressure transducer deployment, maintenance, and retrieval.
• Fuel load and woody debris surveys.
• Cottonwood Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) monitoring.
• GPS and elevation surveys at BEMP monitoring sites, as needed.
• Tamarisk Leaf Beetle (TLB) monitoring.
• Water quality monitoring.
• Vegetation cover surveys.
• Seedling germination and demographic monitoring.
• Plant phenology monitoring.
• Plant trait measurements.
• Maintain monitoring sites, trails, and field infrastructure to ensure safe access for staff, students, and visitors.
• Replace or repair missing, damaged, or vandalized monitoring equipment and site materials.
• Assist with additional field projects, including short-term monitoring efforts and installation of new monitoring sites.
• Maintain, organize, and prepare field equipment for data collection activities.

Laboratory and Data Management

• Process ecological datasets in the laboratory, including litterfall, Tamarisk Leaf Beetle, surface-active arthropods, and plant trait samples.
• Download, enter, organize, and maintain field and laboratory data in digital databases for multiple long-term monitoring datasets, including litterfall, water quality, vegetation surveys, arthropods, Tamarisk Leaf Beetle, fuel loads, DBH, temperature loggers, and pressure transducers.
• Track dataset progress from collection through data entry, quality assurance, and final verification.
• Receive, inventory, dry, and organize litterfall samples for processing.
• Receive, inventory, and properly store arthropod samples for future processing.
• Conduct preliminary quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures.
• Identify and report missing data, equipment issues, or data anomalies to the Science Director.
• Calibrate water quality monitoring equipment and maintain laboratory instrumentation.
• Prepare and distribute equipment and supplies for upcoming field collections.

Education and Outreach

• Provide field-based environmental education to K-12 students during ecological monitoring activities.
• Deliver classroom presentations and educational instruction for K-12 audiences.
• Assist with preparation of BEMP reports and program documentation.
• Support instruction for the University of New Mexico BIOL 408/508 Bosque Internship course, particularly field and laboratory components.
• Prepare and present scientific posters, oral presentations, and outreach materials for conferences, professional meetings, community events, and public audiences.
• Assist with planning, organizing, and participating in major BEMP educational and outreach events.

Collaboration, Leadership, and Service

• Participate in meetings with partner organizations and collaborate on shared research and education initiatives.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with community, agency, and research partners.
• Mentor undergraduate students, interns, and volunteers participating in BEMP activities.
• Demonstrate a willingness to complete required training to operate university buses and vans for transportation of students and staff.
• Serve on the BEMP Risk Management Safety Team to help develop, implement, and maintain field and laboratory safety policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the BEMP Directors to support program operations, research objectives, and educational initiatives.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Bachelor's degree; no previous experience required.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

* At least 4 years of combined education and/or experience in science, education, or related environmental field.
* A strong foundation of ecological knowledge in either or both an Indigenous or Western science perspective. Southwest riparian ecosystems preferred. Background in ecology preferred.
* Knowledge of vegetation identification is preferred.
* Spanish bilingualism is preferred.
* Demonstrated ability to write clearly and succinctly for a variety of audiences including an aptitude to communicate scientific concepts.
* At least 2 years relevant work experience including at least 1 year of K-12 teaching/mentoring (formal or informal settings).
* Ability to navigate uneven terrain and work outdoors under varying weather conditions.

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Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an 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.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.