Natural Resources Management Lecturer - Open Rank

Position Summary:
The Mathematics and Science Department at the University of New Mexico-Taos invites qualified applicants residing in New Mexico to apply for an Open Rank Lecturer position in Natural Resources Management (NRM) for Fall 2025. This role is uniquely suited to serve the educational, ecological, and workforce needs of Northern New Mexico and reflects UNM-Taos' deep commitment to place-based, sustainability-focused education. Salary range $60,000-$63,000 with final compensation depending on the candidate's qualifications.

The Natural Resources Management program at UNM-Taos is a growing initiative grounded in the ecological diversity and cultural richness of Northern New Mexico. The program plays a critical role in preparing local students for transfer pathways and careers in natural resources, environmental science, land stewardship, and water management.

Position Overview:
UNM-Taos seeks a dynamic and community-connected educator for a full-time, partially grant-funded Lecturer position in Natural Resource Management (NRM). The successful candidate will provide instruction in foundational natural resource science courses, coordinate the NRM program, manage federal grant activities, and develop career pathways in natural resources. This position is tailored to meet the educational and workforce needs of Northern New Mexico.

The successful candidates will be expected to assume a full workload: Teaching Load: 8-10 credit hours per semester and 5-7 credit hour equivalence of course reassignment for coordination of the NRM program, USDA grant management, student advising, service, and professional development. Active participation in departmental meetings, curriculum development, and student mentorship.

Courses to be Taught:

• FORS 2020 - Terrestrial Ecology (4 credits)
• FORS 2030 - Water Resources (4 credits)
• SUST 2110 - Climate Change and Sustainability (3 credits)
• BIOL 2996 - Natural Resources Career Experience (1-3 credits)
• BIOL 2996 - Field Experience in Natural Resource Management (3 credits)
• BIOL 1110/1110L - General Biology & Lab (4 credits total)
• SUST 1134 - Introduction to Sustainability Studies (3 credits)

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Instruction (8-10 Credit Hours/semester):

• Teach lower-division courses in Natural Resource Management and Biology.
• Employ hands-on, field-based instruction aligned with regional ecosystems (e.g., Rio Grande Watershed, Carson National Forest, Taos Plateau).
• Foster inclusive, culturally responsive, and student-centered learning environments.

Program Management and Coordination (5-7 Credit Hours Reassigned Time):

• Coordinate the NRM program, overseeing curriculum development and scheduling.
• Advise and mentor students in academic and career pathways.
• Maintain and grow articulation agreements with transfer institutions.
• Serve as point of contact for land and water agencies (BLM, USFS, state agencies, tribal organizations) to facilitate guest lectures, field trips, and internships.
• Manage USDA LISTOS grant responsibilities, including budget tracking and student engagement.

It is anticipated that there will be summer workload associated with this position related to ongoing grant and program management responsibilities. Compensation for grant management activities will be supported through USDA LISTOS grant funding. In addition, there may be instructional and student mentoring responsibilities during the summer term, contingent upon available funding and student enrollment. These duties would support continuity of program operations and student engagement during the academic off-cycle.

Why UNM-Taos?
Located in the culturally rich and ecologically diverse region of Northern New Mexico, UNM-Taos serves a rural, predominantly Hispanic and Native American student population. Our NRM program is rooted in local stewardship, resilience, and sustainability. The Lecturer in NRM plays a vital role in connecting academic learning with meaningful career pathways, supporting students who will become the next generation of environmental leaders in our region.

The University of New Mexico-Taos is one of the four branch campuses of the state's flagship institution, UNM. UNM-Taos is a comprehensive community college serving the region from "cradle to career" with an award-winning early childhood education and care center; pre-college programs including high school equivalency, dual enrollment, and early college; vocational and technical courses and short-term certificates; associate degrees in ten programs; transfer and articulation to four-year institutions in New Mexico and surrounding states, career readiness, adult basic education, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Located approximately 130 miles north of Albuquerque, UNM-Taos is the only college within a 50-mile radius. Nestled between the Rio Grande, Sangre de Christo Mountains, and the ancestral lands of the Taos Pueblo, we are tightly connected to the unique rural, multicultural, and historically rich communities we serve and as such, UNM-Taos epitomizes the term "community college".

UNM-Taos serves almost 1,300 students from a service area, including the counties of Taos, Rio Arriba, and Colfax, and the Pueblo Nations of Taos and Picuris. The UNM-Taos student body is representative of its communities, with 54% Hispanic and 5.5% Native American enrollment in fall 2023, making it one of the most diverse student bodies in the state. Our student population is comprised of non-traditional and first-generation students. UNM-Taos is the recipient of several federal grants, including three TRIO programs (Student Support Services and Veterans Upward Bound), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) grants including Title V and Title III: Part F STEM, USDA NIFA, and LIFT, and most recently, a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant.

About 80% of UNM-Taos alumni remain in the area and provide valuable contributions to the region's intellectual life, economy, cultural community, and primary industries including healthcare, tourism, and construction.

The last decade at UNM-Taos has seen transformative and remarkable growth. From state-of-the-art facilities to future classroom renovations, a nationally-accredited nursing program, an award-winning Early Childhood Education and Care program and learning lab, and the rising reputations of the Natural Resources Management, and Film and Digital Media Arts programs, meaningful collaboration with the community focused on scholarship, internship, and workforce development, UNM-Taos' roots are spreading deeper and stronger every year.

Drawing on nationally recognized and research-based practices, such as Guided Pathways, UNM-Taos is committed to academic excellence, which starts with professionals who advise, instruct, and support students in achieving their educational and career goals. In this way, our campus promotes an environment of learning, encourages a growth mindset, and prioritizes continuous improvement inside and outside the classroom with a commitment to mentorship and professional development opportunities for our faculty and staff. UNM-Taos professionals draw on high-impact practices that increase inclusion and equity such as culturally relevant pedagogy, teaching to learn, and creating a sense of community and belonging college-wide.

What makes UNM-Taos special is our shared commitment to student engagement, learning, and success as defined by each student, whether that is transferring to four-year programs, entering the workforce, gaining new skills to change career paths, or personal enrichment. UNM-Taos provides academic and social supports and wrap around services to promote equitable outcomes for our students.

People from various identities and experiences make UNM-Taos grow and thrive. We offer opportunities for everyone-teachers and researchers, business professionals, skilled tradespeople, and many, many more-in an environment that values the unique experiences and perspectives each of us brings. Join the UNM-Taos familia today!

For firsthand information on why UNM is a great place to work and learn, visit UNM Proud to hear directly from university employees, faculty, students, and alumni. In addition to all the University has to offer, you have the added benefit of living in Taos, New Mexico - a land rich with art, history, culture, and outdoor activities. For more about life in Taos, visit taos.org and NewMexicoTrue. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must have a minimum of a Master's Degree in the discipline or subfield in which they are applying to teach (e.g., Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology), with coursework at least one level above that of the courses being taught or developed (e.g., completed a minimum of 18 graduate credit hours in the discipline or subfield in which they teach or tested experience that is determined to be equivalent to the degree).

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant discipline.
• Professional experience in natural resources, conservation, or sustainability
• College-level teaching experience, including field-based instruction
• Familiarity with Northern New Mexico's land and water management landscape (water management agencies and workforce needs)
• Demonstrated success in grant coordination and program development
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student-centered learning

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Applicants who are appointed to a UNM faculty position are required to provide an official certification of successful completion of all degree requirements prior to their initial employment with UNM.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.