National Resources Inventory – Lead/Tech

Season: Late April / Early May – Early October
Compensation: $25–$30/hour DOE + Per Diem
Location: Southern New Mexico (Las Cruces, Carlsbad, Silver City, Deming, etc.)

position Overview

Zia Engineering & Environmental Consultants is hiring seasonal Rangeland Monitoring Scientists to support National Resources Inventory (NRI) monitoring efforts across New Mexico. These positions support standardized rangeland data collection following NRCS protocols and are well-suited for individuals with backgrounds in rangeland science, ecology, botany, soils, environmental science, or related natural resource disciplines.

Technicians work in two-person field teams and travel statewide to established monitoring locations. Daily work focuses on collecting accurate, consistent vegetation, soil, and site condition data in remote rangeland environments using standardized NRI methods. Fieldwork requires attention to detail, protocol adherence, able to lift 40+lbs, and the ability to work safely and effectively in variable terrain and weather conditions.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Travel to assigned NRI sampling locations, often in remote areas
• Navigate to established plots using GPS, maps, and tablets
• Collect standardized NRI field measurements, including:
  • Line point intercept to quantify vegetation composition, cover, and structure
  • Plant height and gap intercept measurements
  • Soil surface characteristics and basic soil texturing
  • Site characteristics, disturbance indicators, erosion evidence, and rangeland condition
• Identify appropriate soil series and correlate sites to correct Ecological Site Descriptions (ESDs)
• Accurately complete digital and/or paper field data forms
• Maintain data quality and consistency with NRCS protocols
• Operate 4WD vehicles safely on unimproved roads
• Maintain and care for field equipment
• Communicate regularly with field partners and supervisors

Work Environment & Field Conditions

• Extensive travel with multi-day field hitches (typically 4–8 days)
• Lodging is primarily hotel-based; camping is permitted if preferred by the crew
• Long field days in remote desert, grassland, shrubland, high plains, and rangeland environments
• Variable weather conditions including heat, wind, and dry conditions
• Limited to no cell service in some locations
• Physically demanding work, including:
• Walking long distances over uneven terrain
• Carrying equipment
• Repeated bending, kneeling, and ground-level measurements
• Digging soil pits
• Close coordination and shared travel/living arrangements with a field partner

Employment Term & Schedule

• Seasonal position
• Tentative dates: Late April / Early May through the first week of October
• Full-time seasonal work, typically 40 hours per week
• Schedule may vary based on weather, logistics, and field conditions

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master’s degree in one or more of the following:
• Rangeland Science
• Ecology
• Botany
• Wildlife Biology
• Environmental Science
• Natural Resource Management
• Prior field experience (academic, professional, or volunteer)
• Ability to identify vegetation to species
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Ability to follow standardized scientific protocols
• Ability to work long days in rugged outdoor environments
• Ability to travel and live/work in close quarters with a field partner
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record

Highly Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with rangeland monitoring and/or NRCS protocols or similar projects such as Assessment Inventory and Monitoring (AIM).
• Experience with line-point intercept, cover estimation, estimating annual production, or similar vegetation sampling methods
• Familiarity with Southwestern or New Mexico plant communities
• Experience with soil or ecological site assessments
• GPS, tablet-based, or digital data collection tools (e.g., Avenza, Survey123)
• Experience operating 4WD vehicles on rough roads
• Wilderness First Aid or CPR certification
• Previous federal, state, or research field technician experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to hike several miles per day while carrying equipment
• Ability to lift and carry up to approximately 40 lbs.
• Ability to kneel, crouch, and perform repeated ground-level measurements for extended periods of time
• Ability to work outdoors in temperatures often exceeding 95°F

Travel & Housing

• Per diem provided during field travel
• Lodging or camping arrangements coordinated based on assignment
• Applicants should be comfortable being away from home for extended periods