Position Title: Lab Tech,Research

Employee Classification: Lab Tech,Research

College/Division: Agricultural,Consumer & Env Sci Col

Department: 303500-FISHERY AND WILDLIFE SCIENCES

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: NMSU satellite location

Offsite Location (if applicable): Lordsburg, NM

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  $16.83

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt

Summary:  We are seeking 1 field technician to assist a graduate student with a study of breeding and movement ecology of Bendire’s thrasher in relation to energy development in Southwest New Mexico. This position is a great opportunity to work with a unique and extremely imperiled species in a beautiful location, with easy access to outdoor recreation and some of the best birding in the country.

Classification Summary:
Entry level position under direct supervision. Performs a variety of routine laboratory operations in a quality assurance or research setting. These operations may be in a classroom laboratory or a field laboratory. Assists higher level technicians in setup of laboratory equipment and in recording data for experiments and procedures. Requires knowledge in using various instruments to prepare for and perform tests. Performs routine and safety program checks and preventive maintenance on instruments.

Classification Standard Duties:
Duties usually consist of making measurements, performing several routine quantitative and qualitative biological or chemical analytical tests according to standard procedures. Prepares various test specimens and growth media for use in biology, chemistry, or related labs; prepares chemical solutions for use in lab experiments; sets up equipment for use in labs; ensures proper operation of equipment, and reports operating deficiencies to supervisor; assists students with lab-experiments, as appropriate; provides guidance in learning and/or functional operation of experiments and equipment; Cleans lab facilities and/or equipment after lab exercises are complete; breaks down and stores supplies and equipment as applicable; Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods; Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:High School diploma or GED certificate.; Required Experience:Two (2) years of experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:Completion of a post-secondary degree or certificate may substitute for years of experience.; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of experimental procedures, protocols, and preparation techniques within area of specialty; Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements; Knowledge of the cleaning specifications of various laboratory and/or medical equipment, fixtures, utensils, and related materials.; SKILLS:Skill in providing guidance and instruction in laboratory protocols and in the safe use of laboratory equipment.; ABILITIES:Ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions; Ability to set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain standard laboratory and test equipment; Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
***THIS A TERM APPOINTMENT EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 16, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026***
** POSITION IS LOCATED IN LORDSBURG, NM - HOUSING WILL BE PROVIDED.**
The technician will be responsible for assisting with all aspects of field work, specifically mist netting, banding, and radio tagging birds, locating captured birds using radio telemetry, nest searching, and conducting point counts. The position may also involve maintenance of Motus stations on our study site.

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants should be proficient in Southwestern bird identification by both sight and sound. Previous experience with mist netting, banding, and attaching radio transmitters to birds is preferred, as is experience with radio telemetry. Applicants must have great attention to detail, and be able to accurately collect and enter data. In addition, applicants must be comfortable living in close quarters in a remote location, and working full days in a cold, hot, or windy conditions around rattlesnakes and other potentially hazardous wildlife.

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Martha Desmond, (575) 646-1217, mdesmond@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: May work evenings, weekends and holidays

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Considerable physical activity. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of the job.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.