Assistant Crew Lead

The position is responsible for supporting NMFWRI’s ecological monitoring and restoration activities on public and private lands throughout New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. Projects will require travel across the state. Activities are related to all phases of restoration from research and planning through project implementation and capacity building. The goals of this position include assisting our Crew Leads with ecological monitoring and crew management in riparian and upland habitats, participating in the preparation of reports and materials, delivery of trainings, and communication of monitoring results to our partners. 

Details: Grade 13, non-exempt, term professional

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Perform field measurements and assessments of forest resources and ecological indicators, including data recording and quality control/ quality assurance. Work is often performed in remote locations over difficult terrain, and overnight travel is required.
• Assist crew leads in crew preparation, management, and accomplishment of field tasks. Fill in for crew leads in their absence in the field and/or office settings.
• Perform computer entry of field data including using FFI, Microsoft Excel, Access, or other database software with attention to detail and quality control, including working with complex historic datasets.
• Generate summary reports of field data; work with NMFWRI staff to produce products to communicate results and management implications to partners.
• Perform field mapping of project sites using Global Positioning System and Geographic Information Systems technologies. 
• Work with NMFWRI staff and NMHU faculty to conduct training and presentations related to forest measurement, treatment, analysis techniques, restoration methods, and more. During the field season and shoulder season months this includes participation and leadership in upland and/or riparian field monitoring crews, training interns and crew members, and overnight travel. 
• Take a leadership role in crew safety. 
• Assist with revision and publication of field monitoring manuals and other materials.
• Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of NMFWRI equipment, including basic vehicle maintenance. Utilize an asset management system to handle check in/check out and inventory of equipment for fieldwork and events.
• Participate in the accomplishment of forest and watershed restoration treatments and related trainings as part of professional development. 
• Maintain regular attendance and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues in office, field, and online working environments. 
• In-person attendance at NMFWRI and SWERI staff meetings and functions, when permitted by field schedule.
• Earn and maintain Wilderness First Aid or higher once hired; earn and maintain FFT2 qualifications/ eligibility for a red card once hired.
• Assist with education and outreach initiatives of NMFWRI, including cross-program support.
• Serve on search committees for Monitoring and other hires.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Requirements 

• Education:  
• Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource field including coursework pertinent to the duties described above such as botany, ecology, forestry, water resources, and GIS or equivalent experience 
• Experience:  
• Familiarity with ecological monitoring and safety protocols 
• One seasons’ experience on a field crew 
• Wilderness First Aid or higher 
• Effective time management – continued employment is contingent upon grant/contract funding which come with time-sensitive deliverables

Preferred Requirements 

• One-year or more experience in the measurement of forest and ecological indicators 
• One-year or more experience with plant ID 
• Experience in outdoor leadership 
• Familiarity with R coding and ArcGIS software
• Wilderness First Responder or higher 
• One seasons’ experience on a field crew with leadership responsibilities 

Salary : $52,000