Conservation Specialist
Location
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Work type
Hybrid
Employment
Full Time
Experience
1-2 years
Compensation
$58.7K - $65K per year
Posted
1d ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Conservation Specialist supports long-term community recovery efforts following the Hermit’s Peak / Calf Canyon wildfire by facilitating educational trainings, workforce development, and youth and adult engagement. This role involves implementing FIRENM programming, building landowner networks for stewardship, and managing K-12 outdoor education initiatives.
The Conservation Science Center (CSC), a program of the New Mexico Forest & Watershed Restoration Institute (NMFWRI), seeks a community-focused professional to support long-term recovery following the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon wildfire. This position works with the CSC Program Manager to deliver restoration education, workforce development, and community engagement programs for youth, landowners, and local communities across northern New Mexico.
The ideal candidate is passionate about land stewardship, environmental education, community partnerships, and translating ecological science into accessible, hands-on learning experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Community Engagement & Education
Support implementation of the Fire-Informed Restoration Education for New Mexico (FIRENM) program.
Build and strengthen partnerships with landowners, educators, community organizations, and agency partners.
Engage landowners in stewardship planning, restoration field sites, citizen science, and community initiatives.
Represent CSC at meetings, workshops, and community events.
Youth & Workforce Development
Plan and deliver K-12 outdoor education initiatives, including STEM events, outdoor schools, Envirothon, and related programs.
Adapt and pilot culturally responsive curricula for youth and adult audiences.
Co-develop conservation leadership and workforce development opportunities for students and community members.
Program & Project Support
Coordinate workshops, field trainings, and restoration education events.
Support citizen science monitoring and restoration demonstration sites.
Assist with curriculum development, educational materials, webinars, and field courses.
Support grant administration, project tracking, budgets, reporting, and recordkeeping.
Maintain Wilderness First Aid certification and participate in field safety training.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
Master's degree in Ecological Restoration, Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Wildlife Biology, or a related field; OR a Bachelor's degree with two years of directly related experience.
One year of experience in environmental education, community engagement, youth programming, or community advocacy.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Valid driver's license and willingness to travel, including to remote locations.
Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Preferred
Two years of environmental education or community engagement experience in the Southwest.
Experience working with New Mexico landowners and diverse stakeholders.
Knowledge of ecological restoration and habitat improvement principles.
Knowledge & Skills
Understanding of ecological restoration and conservation science.
Experience with outdoor education and curriculum development.
Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse communities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Adaptability, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills.
Work Environment
This position is based at NMFWRI on a regional university campus with fieldwork throughout northern New Mexico. Hybrid work may be available when appropriate. Work is approximately 50% outdoors and 50% indoors and includes walking on uneven terrain, occasional lifting up to 30 pounds, and frequent travel to rural field sites.
Note: Continued employment is contingent upon grant funding.
Updated 1d ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
1-2 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$58.7K - $65K per year
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
NM Forest & Watershed Restoration Institute
Team size
Growing team
Location
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
The Conservation Science Center (CSC) is a program within the NM Forest & Watershed Restoration Institute, focused on land stewardship, community advocacy, and engagement. It supports long-term community recovery efforts following the Hermit’s Peak / Calf Canyon wildfire through educational trainings, workforce development, and engaging youth and adult audiences.
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Conservation Specialist
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States • Full Time