Natural Heritage New Mexico (NHNM) is a program of the Museum of Southwestern Biology, in the UNM Biology Department. NHNM has temporary full-time openings for one or more Ecological Field Technicians with an emphasis on botanical ecological data collection.  The primary duties will consist of collecting the ancillary ecological data for vegetation community plots as part of a mapping project in the Colorado Plateau region of New Mexico. The candidate will work with an experienced NHNM botanist at all times. Experience using a gps, camera, and other common field equipment is preferred. Experience with field geology and botany is a plus.  The vast majority of job duties will occur in the field.  The candidate should be comfortable with spending long days in field, camping in rustic conditions and working outdoors in all weather conditions. The candidate must be available to travel to field sites, spending up to a week at a time at field locations outside of Albuquerque.  Prior relevant work experience is helpful, but not necessary. We are looking for an excellent team player with solid communications skills.

For highest consideration, please submit applications via the link below by May 2, 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 higher priority, but we encourage current undergraduate students with potentially conflicting academic schedules to apply.

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Vocational-Technical Training directly related Life Sciences field; 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.

1. Experience conducting scientific surveys/data collection in the field.
2. Flexibility around late summer and early fall field work schedule.
3. Availability to work out of town for up to a week at a time.
4. Experience doing natural resources and biological inventory including the field measurement and recording of vegetation data; collection, preparation, and cataloging of field samples and specimens.  Experience collecting related ancillary data and use of ancillary field equipment such as gps unit, camera, range finder, clinometer, compass, etc.
5. Ability to follow an established data collection protocol.
6. Skills and experience using geographic information systems (GIS) and maps to orient in the field.
7. Current Wilderness First Aid or First Responder training.
8. An interest in gaining valuable field research experience in vegetation ecology.
9. A completed baccalaureate degree in a related field (e.g., biology, ecology, geology, etc.)

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.

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.