New Mexico State University Looking for Research Scientist,Assc Full Time

Position Title: Research Scientist,Assc

Employee Classification: Research
Scientist,Assc

College/Division: Research, Creativity and ED

Department: 470500-WATER
RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Internal or External Search: External – Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary
Rate: Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

Exempt or
Non-Exempt: Exempt

Summary: New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute (NM WRRI) at New Mexico State
University (NMSU) is seeking a Research Scientist Assc. to support a watershed restoration project.

Classification
Summary:
Independently employs a broad knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures in a particular field of
specialization to plan, design, and conduct research and present findings. Carries out novel or complex assignments requiring the
development of new or improved techniques and procedures. May act in a liaison capacity with various department, divisions, and
organizations.

Classification Standard Duties:
Designs and implements research protocols and projects; applies
advanced analytical techniques and the modification and extension of theories and practices in innovative research projects in field of
specialty; develops statistical and observational models. Operates and maintains sophisticated equipment to conduct research, analyze data,
and report research findings; may instruct others in use of equipment. Applies diversified knowledge of scientific research principles,
practices, and protocols in research projects; may make recommendations and conclusions which serve as the basis for decision making in a
specialty area. Collaborates with users and principal investigators on design, analysis, application, and reporting of research projects;
teaches and advises on techniques. Supplies technical leadership and consultation to professional co-workers, collaborators, and graduate
students. Prepares analyses, reports, and other documentation for publication; presents findings at local, national, and/or international
meetings. Prepares grant proposals to obtain funding in support of research activities.Serves as principal investigator, as appropriate, on
sub-projects of complexities consistent with above criteria. May manage or oversee a research laboratory; may curate a research collection.
Maintains currency of knowledge with respect to relevant state-of-the-art technology, equipment, and/or systems.Performs miscellaneous
job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required
Education:Bachelor’s degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Five(5) years of professional experience related to the standard duties
as outlined; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and
Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of current technological developments/trends in area of expertise. Comprehensive knowledge of
engineering, scientific, and/or mathematical concepts and theories in area of specialty. knowledge of contracts and grants preparation and
management. Knowledge of engineering and/or scientific research principles, practices, and protocols. Knowledge of research methodology,
principles and procedures.; SKILLS:Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of
constituencies in a diverse community. Skill in educating others in research methods and techniques in area of expertise.; ABILITIES:Ability
to utilize advanced computer statistical and technical applications. Ability to use independent judgment to adapt and modify research
concepts and approaches to specific projects. Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of
expertise. Ability to develop and deliver presentations. Ability to develop scientific reports and manuscripts based on original research.
Ability to utilize and maintain advanced scientific equipment and facilities. Ability to utilize advanced analytical techniques and programs
to develop scientific models.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute (NM
WRRI) at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is seeking a Research Scientist Assc. to support a watershed restoration project. The project
targets harnessing flood and perennial river flows in collaboration with the local agricultural communities at three locations across the
Rio Grande River continuum. The position is an exciting opportunity to be part of a transdisciplinary group of collaboration between
stakeholders and scientists that are seeking innovative solutions to long-standing and pressing dryland agricultural and water management
questions.

The project objectives are 1) Increase surface water quality, and 2) Increase watershed and riparian functions of
spreading and filtering flows. Practices include increasing vegetative cover, increasing floodplain inundation, delaying surface runoff,
increasing infiltration, reducing erosion, and reducing delivery of sediment and other contaminants to the receiving river. Assessment
methods of the project include spatial ecological analysis, water budget analysis, and hydrologic modeling. The project covers three main
regions of New Mexico that include traditional agricultural communities of acequias and tribes and pueblos and larger irrigation
districts.

The Research Scientist Assc. will work closely with the team and stakeholders with primary responsibilities to lead the
overall assessment of effects, collaborate with the communities, and manage the execution of the project. Depending on background and
experience, the Research Scientist Assc. will also lead one or more aspects of the assessment: spatial ecological analysis, water budget
analysis, and/or hydrologic modeling. These responsibilities include assisting and collaborating with the team and taking leadership of
certain portions of the following work.

1. Lead the overall development of the analysis of the assessment of effects and be
available to mentor graduate students who will be working closely with the Research Scientist Assc. and the team.
a.Specialize in one
area of the research relevant across the sites. The areas include:
i. spatial ecological analysis, particularly the ability to process
and analyze geospatial data in ArcGIS and ArcPro, compile and verify data, maintain basic metadata, and make maps, and work with remote
sensing data
ii. water budget analysis assessing the effects of the restoration practices on the major water budget components
iii.
hydrologic modeling assessing the effects of the restoration practices on surface flows, inundation, and sediment transport

2.
Collaborate with community members and with the team on the project deliverables: the Research Scientist Assc. will develop and present
visualization tools to help community members and other team members understand and collaborate in the process and the analysis.
The
Research Scientist Assc. will also manage the project grant timeline of the deliverables in coordination with the team.

3. Publish
results in peer-reviewed academic journals and develop materials for reports and presentations to provide project results to partners and
stakeholders.

Opportunities exist to synthesize the research and additionally work on community-based planning projects to inform
future land and water management. The Research Scientist will work closely with the project lead, Dr. Connie Maxwell, and the project
director Dr. Fernald.

NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and
veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

Preferred Qualifications

Successful candidates will have a
strong academic record in one or more of the following fields: hydrology, ecology, biology, environmental science, or a similar natural
resource-related field, as well as the ability to effectively collaborate and work independently. Preference will be given to applicants who
have an interest in addressing stakeholder issues, have previous field research experience, and have an enthusiasm for working outside in
southwestern US climates. Preference will also be given to applicants with skills in one of the specialty areas: spatial ecological
analysis, water budget analysis, and hydrologic modeling.

Special Requirements of the Position
Applicant must be
able to travel occasionally to field sites to install and/or troubleshoot equipment. Must have a current driver’s license and be able to
obtain an NMSU driving permit within 30 days of employment.
Work standard hours from Monday-Friday, 8-5

Department
Contact: Carolina Mijares, 646-4337, [email protected]

Contingent Upon Funding:
Contingent upon external funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with
American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule:
Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical
Effort: Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.

Lifting Requirements:
Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very
limited exposure to physical risk.