What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ecosystem Lidar Analyst position at New Mexico Consortium?
Applicants may use the NMC online job application form for employment to apply for all positions, or mail or deliver resumes to NMC’s administrative offices at: Attn: Human Resources, 999 Central Ave., Los Alamos, NM 87544 . Paper and online applications will be given the same consideration. If you have questions or require additional information, contact HR at 505-412-4198. Read below for open Technical and Research Positions, Administrative Positions and Service Positions. The New Mexico Consortium is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Ecosystem Lidar Analyst
The New Mexico Consortium (NMC) is seeking a highly motivated Ecosystem Lidar Analyst to join the Center for Applied Fire and Ecosystem Science to work on characterizing forestry, wildland fuels and ecology using terrestrial (TLS) and airborne (ALS) lidar data. The successful candidate will process lidar data and conduct advanced statistical and mathematical analysis and machine learning techniques on these 3D data. The candidate will use these data to craft new approaches to ecosystem and wildland fuels monitoring and management programs, including characterizing effects from forest damage (hurricanes, etc.), as well as generate 3D inputs to wildland fire behavior models.
About CAFES
The mission of Center for Applied Fire and Ecosystem Science is to advance next generation tools, technologies, and science in support of ecosystems, conservation, and cultural resources. We draw from expertise in fire behavior and ecosystem process modeling, field-based conservation and wildlife studies, quantitative fire archaeology and fire effects, paleo-fire studies, advanced fuels mapping, and remote sensing. Center scientists work closely with federal, tribal, and academic partners to develop tools and science to inform conservation and management of cultural and natural resources across the US.
Responsibilities
Process, quality control and package airborne lidar data and derivative products for delivery to agency partners
Use creative approaches to develop novel airborne and terrestrial lidar metrics for the characterization of hurricane damaged forests and changes to wildland fuels.
Use terrestrial lidar data to build predictive models for agency partners.
Work with colleagues and managers to thoughtfully develop useful Lidar metrics that aid in advanced ecosystem monitoring
Translate lidar data to 3D wildland fire behavior models
Develop decision support user interface for lidar monitoring data
Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals
Present findings at scientific conferences
Required Qualifications
S. or Ph.D. in Ecology, Forestry, Math or a related discipline
Experience working with lidar point clouds
Proficiency in R, C , and/or Python programming languages
Subject matter expertise with TLS and/or ALS
Demonstrated record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
Strong written and oral communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Two years of demonstrated experience in machine learning techniques or advanced statistical analysis
Familiarity with Topological Data Analysis or advanced mathematical techniques
Experience using Shiny for interactive data visualization
Experience or knowledgebase in forest or wildland fuels, fire ecology, fire science, or fire behavior modeling.
Position Details
Initial appointment of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding
Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
Comprehensive benefits package, including:
Health, dental, life, and disability insurance
Supplemental insurance options
Flexible spending account
Retirement plan
Expected start date: as soon as possible
Position is based in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Athens, GA or fully remote
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact:
Scott Pokswinski spokswinski@newmexicoconsortium.org
Louise Loudermilk louise.loudermilk@usda.gov
with questions regarding the position. Please apply via the online application system ( https://formstack.io/F4BC2 ) or by mail to:
New Mexico Consortium, 4200 W. Jemez Road, #301, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
Applications will be continuously monitored as they come in.
Application materials should include:
Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
Cover letter
Contact information for three referees (including name, affiliation, phone number, and email address) and your relationship to them.
The New Mexico Consortium is an independent nonprofit Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/Vet/Dis) and an E-Verify employer.
Ecosystem Lidar Analyst
The New Mexico Consortium (NMC) is seeking a highly motivated Ecosystem Lidar Analyst to join the Center for Applied Fire and Ecosystem Science to work on characterizing forestry, wildland fuels and ecology using terrestrial (TLS) and airborne (ALS) lidar data. The successful candidate will process lidar data and conduct advanced statistical and mathematical analysis and machine learning techniques on these 3D data. The candidate will use these data to craft new approaches to ecosystem and wildland fuels monitoring and management programs, including characterizing effects from forest damage (hurricanes, etc.), as well as generate 3D inputs to wildland fire behavior models.
About CAFES
The mission of Center for Applied Fire and Ecosystem Science is to advance next generation tools, technologies, and science in support of ecosystems, conservation, and cultural resources. We draw from expertise in fire behavior and ecosystem process modeling, field-based conservation and wildlife studies, quantitative fire archaeology and fire effects, paleo-fire studies, advanced fuels mapping, and remote sensing. Center scientists work closely with federal, tribal, and academic partners to develop tools and science to inform conservation and management of cultural and natural resources across the US.
Responsibilities
Process, quality control and package airborne lidar data and derivative products for delivery to agency partners
Use creative approaches to develop novel airborne and terrestrial lidar metrics for the characterization of hurricane damaged forests and changes to wildland fuels.
Use terrestrial lidar data to build predictive models for agency partners.
Work with colleagues and managers to thoughtfully develop useful Lidar metrics that aid in advanced ecosystem monitoring
Translate lidar data to 3D wildland fire behavior models
Develop decision support user interface for lidar monitoring data
Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals
Present findings at scientific conferences
Required Qualifications
S. or Ph.D. in Ecology, Forestry, Math or a related discipline
Experience working with lidar point clouds
Proficiency in R, C , and/or Python programming languages
Subject matter expertise with TLS and/or ALS
Demonstrated record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
Strong written and oral communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Two years of demonstrated experience in machine learning techniques or advanced statistical analysis
Familiarity with Topological Data Analysis or advanced mathematical techniques
Experience using Shiny for interactive data visualization
Experience or knowledgebase in forest or wildland fuels, fire ecology, fire science, or fire behavior modeling.
Position Details
Initial appointment of one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding
Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
Comprehensive benefits package, including:
Health, dental, life, and disability insurance
Supplemental insurance options
Flexible spending account
Retirement plan
Expected start date: as soon as possible
Position is based in Los Alamos, New Mexico, Athens, GA or fully remote
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact:
Scott Pokswinski spokswinski@newmexicoconsortium.org
Louise Loudermilk louise.loudermilk@usda.gov
with questions regarding the position. Please apply via the online application system ( https://formstack.io/F4BC2 ) or by mail to:
New Mexico Consortium, 4200 W. Jemez Road, #301, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
Applications will be continuously monitored as they come in.
Application materials should include:
Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
Cover letter
Contact information for three referees (including name, affiliation, phone number, and email address) and your relationship to them.
The New Mexico Consortium is an independent nonprofit Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/Vet/Dis) and an E-Verify employer.