Apply to become a Jornada Fellow
Jornada fellows will join an active and collaborative community of Jornada scientists and postdocs to address the pressing challenges of supporting resilient and sustainable agroecosystems. Beyond the specific projects listed below, fellows will have opportunities to develop new cross-disciplinary, cross-thematic research. These opportunities include but are not limited to attending regular Jornada scientist meetings, presenting at Jornada workshops and seminars, and collaborating with Jornada’s partners at science institutions, conservation and land management agencies, NGOs, ranchers and producers.
Sarah McCord (sarah.mccord@usda.gov)
Open until filled, applications will be reviewed as they are received.
The USDA ARS Jornada Experimental Range in Las Cruces, NM seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to improve the Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) net primary production (NPP) model and support applications of the model with stakeholders. This project will be co-developed under the supervision of Dr. Sarah McCord with our partners at the USDA Climate Hubs, Farm Services Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. In addition to published papers, project outcomes include providing products to land managers to help prioritize grazing management and conservation practices. The postdoctoral researcher will play a critical role in advancing the use of net primary productivity information in rangeland and pasture management. The successful candidate will:
We are seeking applicants with a PhD in ecology, environmental sciences, natural resources, geography, or related fields who have experience in remote sensing, soil-vegetation relationships, the carbon cycle, and how they vary across space and through time. Qualified candidates will also have experience coding and/or modeling (R, Python). Experience working on rangelands and with Google Earth Engine is preferred. This position is open to U.S. citizens only.
The anticipated start date summer 2024. The appointment is for 2 years, with renewal based upon performance and funding. This is a full-time appointment based at the Jornada Experimental Range in Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA. The Jornada Experimental Range is a USDA-ARS laboratory located on the New Mexico State University campus. The incumbent would therefore be expected to work closely with both USDA and University employees.
The position will be hired as a Research Associate at the GS 11 level.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Interested individuals should submit a statement outlining your experience and research interests with respect to the requisite qualifications, a current CV, and the names and contact information of three references. For questions and to apply, contact Dr. Sarah McCord (sarah.mccord@usda.gov).
Brandon Bestelmeyer (Brandon.Bestelmeyer@usda.gov)
Open until filled, applications will be reviewed as they are received.
The USDA ARS Jornada Experimental Range in Las Cruces, NM seeks a postdoctoral scientist (Research Ecologist, Research Economist, or Research Social Scientist) to assist in building knowledge of the economic and societal impacts of alternative land management strategies, particularly the role and effects of renewable energy and agrivoltaic systems in the context of land management and agriculture in the Southwestern US. Objectives of the research program are to:
We are seeking applicants with a PhD in agriculture, ecology, economics, natural resources, social science, or related field. Assignment requires a working knowledge of social science methods, economics, and agroecosystems, particularly rangelands. Several of the following skills will be useful: survey and interview methodologies, ecological/agricultural/natural resource economics, statistics, spatial analysis, data science, and renewable energy systems. Demonstrated effective writing skills and ability to work as a collaborative team member required. This position is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and foreign nationals who meet employment eligibility requirements.
The anticipated start date is negotiable. The appointment is for 2 years, with renewal after the first year based upon performance and funding. This is a full-time appointment based at the Jornada Experimental Range in Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA. The Jornada Experimental Range is a USDA-ARS laboratory located on the New Mexico State University campus. The incumbent would therefore be expected to work closely with both USDA and University employees.
The position will be hired as a Research Associate at the GS 11/12 level.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Interested individuals should submit a statement outlining your experience and research interests with respect to the requisite qualifications, a current CV, and the names and contact information of three references. For questions and to submit an application contact Dr. Brandon Bestelmeyer (Brandon.Bestelmeyer@usda.gov).
Jeff Herrick (jeff.herrick@usda.gov)
Open until filled, applications will be reviewed as they are received.
You will join a global network of scientists working to increase the ability of anyone, anywhere in the world, to access and apply site-specific knowledge and information necessary for sustainable land management, including regenerative and more traditional agriculture and rangeland management. The algorithms you create will make it easier for non-soil scientists to accurately predict soils and soil properties based on a variety of inputs including traditional soil maps, digital soil maps, digital elevation models, soil survey descriptions and field observations. Your algorithms will be made available through the next generation of LandPKS mobile apps and through APIs, ensuring that your work will have global impact. The position is based at the Jornada Experimental Range at New Mexico State University. You will have the option of working remotely or at the Jornada, allowing you to collaborate directly with a large, dynamic team of researchers working on related issues while collaborating with global scientists and technology developers at ISRIC, IFDC, USAID, the University of Colorado, CGIAR centers, and TechMatters (a technology for good NGO based in the Silicon Valley), among others.
Two years, with extension possible depending on funding. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.
Interested individuals should submit a statement outlining your experience and research interests with respect to the requisite qualifications, a current CV and the names and contact information of three references. Letters of reference may be requested of finalists.
The Jornada Experimental Range in Las Cruces, NM is seeking a graduate research assistant (MS or PhD) to join our team. The successful applicant will work with Jornada scientists, staff and external collaborators on a funded project to assess the effectiveness of streamflow and vegetation treatments on dust emission from a playa surface. The project aims to understand how aeolian-fluvial interactions respond to climate and vegetation treatments to drive trends in local dust emission, which has significant economic and hazards impacts along a major transportation corridor. There are multiple avenues for the successful applicant to contribute to the overall project through their graduate research. The student will receive their degree from New Mexico State University’s Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences (https://pes.nmsu.edu/) and will be expected to produce original research for their graduate thesis. Successful applicants should be highly motivated, creative and be willing to work independently and as a part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in natural resources, geography, environmental science, or a related field. A background in aeolian processes, restoration ecology or rangeland science is desirable, but not required. Experience (or coursework) with ecological, meteorological and/or climatological data analysis is also desirable.
The Jornada Experimental Range (https://jornada.nmsu.edu/) enjoys a global network of partners and collaborators as we work to increase sustainability and resilience in rangelands. Scientists and staff work closely with producers, land management agencies, and non-governmental organizations to support sustainable agriculture, land management, restoration, and climate adaptation. We also conduct research with numerous universities and international organizations. Students play an important role in these efforts and gain valuable experience working as part of large team to address complex issues. We actively support professional development and encourage students to engage directly with our network of stakeholders and collaborators. Many of our students go on to a successful career with these same partners.
Interested individuals should submit a brief statement outlining your experience and research interests related to the position, an unofficial copy of transcripts, and the names and contact information of two references. Letters of reference may be requested for finalists. Please send application materials (in a single pdf document) or questions about the opportunity to Brandon Edwards (bedwar4@nmsu.edu), Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, NM. In addition, there will be an opportunity to discuss the position further during this summer’s International Conference for Aeolian Research in Las Cruces. This position will be open until filled.
The Jornada Experimental Range seeks a Research Assistant, Sr. (Rangeland Ecology) to join our collaborative team in support of multiple research, monitoring, and restoration projects throughout southern New Mexico and the southwest. This full-time appointment is for one year and includes benefits; extension is contingent upon funding. Minimum requirements: bachelor’s degree (in ecology, environmental science, range science, soil science, natural resources or related field) plus 5 years of related experience. For more information contact laura.burkett@usda.gov. To view the full job announcement or apply, go to: https://careers.nmsu.edu/jobs/research-asst-sr-las-cruces-new-mexico-united-states-bacf2305-62d2-4449-8961-baa2847d5880