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Field Research Assistant

Requisition ID req32643
Working Title Field Research Assistant
Position Grade 06
Position Summary

The Webster Lab is hiring 1 technician to assist with data collection in the Teakettle Experimental Forest for a multi-year project aimed at understanding the impacts of prescribed fire on water quality of mountain streams. Teakettle is located 80 km east of Fresno, CA, and consists of 1300 hectares of old-growth, mixed conifer forest at ~2200 m elevation in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. After 136 years of absence, fire was brought back to the Teakettle in 2001, and a history of research has unfolded since. 

More information about Teakettle can be found here (https://research.fs.usda.gov/psw/forestsandranges/locations/teakettle), while information about the Webster Lab at the University of New Mexico can be found here (https://alexjwebster.weebly.com/).

Duties will primarily consist of fuel surveys and water quality monitoring, but may include assisting visiting scientists with other projects, as well as helping to maintain the field station. Desired skills include familiarity with fuels survey methods and maintenance/use of water quality instrumentation, as well as the ability to comfortably spend long days in the field without cellular reception. The candidate should be comfortable with camping in rustic conditions and working at high elevation. Prior relevant work experience is helpful, but not necessary. We are looking for an excellent team player with solid communications skills who is eager to learn. 

For highest consideration, please submit applications via the link below by April 6, 2025, 11:59 pm MST. Applications submitted after this date will be considered if a suitable candidate has not yet been found. Candidates who can commit to the entire field season will be given high priority, but we encourage current undergraduate students with potentially conflicting academic schedules to apply.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment
  • Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
  • 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.
Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

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.

Preferred Qualifications - A completed baccalaureate degree in a related field (e.g., biology, ecology, hydrology)
- An interest in gaining valuable postgraduate field research experience in watershed science, fire science, forestry, or a related field
- Flexibility around early summer and fall timing
- Current Wilderness First Aid or First Responder training
- Experience conducting scientific surveys/data collection at high elevation
Additional Requirements
Campus Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department AS Biology General Administrative (048F)
Employment Type Staff
Staff Type Temporary - Full-Time
Term End Date 09/26/2025
Status Non-Exempt
Pay Hourly: $16.07-18.10
Benefits Eligible This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required Yes
For Best Consideration Date 4/6/2025
Eligible for Remote Work No
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Submit a resume, cover letter, transcripts or High School diploma/GED, certifications and references with UNMJobs application.

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.