Conservation Specialist

New Mexico Highlands University is seeking a Conservation Specialist for the Conservation Science Center in Las Vegas, NM. The role involves supporting community recovery after the Hermit’s Peak wildfire through educational training in restoration practices and workforce development. Key responsibilities include engaging landowners, managing K-12 initiatives, and developing culturally responsive curricula. Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to community advocacy are essential.
Description


The Conservation Science Center (CSC) is a program within the NM Forest & Watershed Restoration Institute and is actively seeking candidates with a strong land stewardship ethic who value community advocacy and engagement. This position works with the CSC Program Manager and supports long-term community recovery efforts following the Hermit’s Peak / Calf Canyon wildfire by supporting educational trainings in restoration practices, workforce development, and engaging with youth and adult audiences. We welcome candidates with an enthusiasm for participatory, human-centered programming and culturally responsive communications. This position will require strong interpersonal skills with collaborators of diverse ages, socioeconomics, and cultural backgrounds; and an ability to cultivate new and strengthen existing community partnerships. Candidates should be comfortable working with northern NM rural communities. Additionally, this position includes adapting scientific concepts into immersive hands-on activities for local youth and landowners to increase accessibility to research and restoration practices.


Key responsibilities include:



Support the implementation of Fire-Informed Restoration Education for New Mexico (FIRENM) programming;
Engage landowners to build and expand landowner networks for Landscape Stewardship Planning efforts, FIRENM field sites, YCC and youth engagement programming, and other community-based initiatives;
Manage, plan, and implement K-12 initiatives, including the annual STEM Showdown with NM MESA, Mora Outdoor School, Northern NM Regional Envirothon, and similar outdoor education programming, etc.;
Pilot and adapt culturally responsive curricula for northern NM youth and adult populations;
Pilot and refine citizen science monitoring for landowners;
Co-develop conservation leadership professional development for NMHU STEM majors and local communities.


Duties and Responsibilities:



Embrace principles of fairness, cultural appreciation, and respectful engagement in programing, workplace interactions, and communications;
Facilitate FIRENM event planning, workshop logistics and field site preparation, including cross-program communications and planning within NMFWRI, and with partner organizations;
Spearhead K-12 initiatives, including project planning and logistics with community partners
Support citizen science monitoring related to FIRENM practices;
Cross-collaborate with STEM grant teams at NMHU to leverage resources; pilot conservation leadership initiatives;
Develop and maintain partnerships with formal and informal educators, higher education partner institutions, state/federal/nonprofit community partners, private landowners, etc.;
Represent CSC professionally and participate in community meetings, webinars, relevant Communities of Practice, community boards, and working committees;
Assist with reviewing, editing and revising curricula materials, technical guides and other educational materials developed by the CSC and FIRENM teams;
Work with NMFWRI staff and NMHU faculty to support field classes, webinars and in-person trainings
Maintain Wilderness First Aid certification, participate in field crew safety trainings, and other internal professional development opportunities to maintain a holistic skillset and provide cross-program support as time allows;
Support grant/program review and administration, maintain project budgets, record keeping, and other administrative tasks;
Maintain regular attendance and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues in office, field, and online working environments;
Additional duties as assigned by the CSC Program Manager.

Qualifications


Minimum Job Requirements:


Education: Master’s degree in ecological restoration, forestry, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, wildlife biology, or a closely related field, OR B.S. in one of these fields with 2 years substantial and in-depth, directly related training and work experience.


Experience: One (1) year experience in engaging diverse audiences, e.g. youth programming, community advocacy and/or environmental education


Experience: Strong written and verbal communication skills


Preferred Qualifications:


Experience: Two (2) years’ experience in environmental education or community engagement in the southwest; experience working with diverse stakeholders. Spanish speaker a plus!

Experience working with New Mexican landowners, and an understanding of restoration principles for improved habitat and/or ecosystem function.



Special Conditions for Eligibility:



Must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license
Must be willing to occasionally work weekends, evenings, and odd hours, as required
Must be willing to travel, at times to remote locations
Continued employment is contingent on grant funding

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:



Familiarity with ecological restoration and ecological science concepts
Formal or informal outdoor education experience and some curriculum development
Technical expertise in field safety and situational awareness
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong problem-solving skills.
Adaptability and creativity
Good self-care and ability to handle stress
Effective time management and ability to achieve goals and independently undertake tasks with some direct supervision.
Ability to work in rural communities and in rural locations.
Ability to work as a member of team with diverse skills and backgrounds.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
Proficient in Microsoft office

Physical Demands:



Standing – Frequently
Sitting – Frequently
Walking (cross country) – Frequently
Bending – Occasionally
Squatting – Occasionally
Kneeling – Occasionally
Lifting (30 lbs. or less) – Occasionally

Working Environment:


Work is performed in in an office on the campus of a regional public university, and in field sites. The possibility for hybrid work combining office and telework exists, if appropriate. Anticipate 50% outdoors, 50% indoors.