Job Description

Operations Manager

Requisition IDreq28797
Working TitleOperations Manager-SEV FS
Position Grade13
Position Summary

The UNM Sevilleta Field Station (SevFS) is located just west of Interstate 25 (exit 169) approximately 55 miles south of Albuquerque. The facility hosts a diversity of research activities, courses, workshops, and conferences. The Field Station campus has 11 residence houses; several buildings with conference rooms, storage capabilities and laboratories; and a fleet of vehicles that includes passenger vans, trucks, and heavy equipment. Facilities range from a 20,000 sq ft modern laboratory building to typical residential buildings. The Field Station infrastructure extends to several sites distributed across the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. These remote sites include solar-power systems, weather stations, and a wireless communication network that involve periodic construction, repair, and maintenance. A Field Station Operations Manager Facilities manages facility operations.

The SevFS has a national and international reputation as one of the premier research field stations in the world. For the past several years, an important goal has been to increase teaching and outreach activities while enhancing its already strong role in research. The Sevilleta Field Station is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to implement specific strategies that will place it on sound financial footing while at the same time increasing its formal educational and research missions. The person in this position will oversee day-to-day financial needs and administrative management of the Sevilleta Field Station, which is located near Socorro, NM.


The Operations Manager will report to the Director of the Sevilleta Field Station and is required to live at the Sevilleta Field Station year-around to have hands-on oversight of laboratory facilities, housing, guest services, teaching, and outreach. Therefore, housing, utilities, and wireless Internet are provided as part of the position.

The person in this position will also serve as a liaison between UNM and the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge staff and manager. They will help in preparation of grant applications for Field Station infrastructure improvements.

Specific duties include the following:

- Management and oversight of the administrative and daily operations of the Field Station.
- Managing the upkeep and use of research laboratories, including coordinating use and storage of plant and animal specimens.
- Oversight of housing facilities of the Field Station, performing guest services duties.
- Oversight of research facilities, including coordination and maintenance of space and common-use equipment.
- Overseeing technicians and housekeeping staff at the station.
- Developing and implementing goals under the Field Station mission, including recruitment of course instructors, providing user-friendly facilities for outside researchers and conference attendees, helping with fundraising through the Field Station endowment, and contributing to grant writing.
- Developing and implementing strategies to increase use of the Field Station in conferencing, laboratory research, courses, and the housing of research scientists.
- Assist with courses, provide tours and participate in research as time and expertise permits.
- Billing and accounting with respect to visitor services.
- Helping to monitor accounts and prioritize spending decisions with respect to repairs, infrastructure improvements, and research and educational efforts.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
  • If located at the UNM Children's Campus, successful candidate must pass a comprehensive post-offer, pre-employment criminal and New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) fingerprint background check, and a continued successful status will be verified by periodic future background checks.
Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; at least 2 years of experience managing at least one of the following functional areas: fiscal services, administration and/or human resources AND 3 years of additional experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or above in ecology or related field.

Experience in working in or supervising conference and guest services.

Experience organizing, leading, and/or presenting educational activities to primary or secondary education students or the general public.

Familiarity or experience with field research in ecology or related fields to facilitate support of students and researchers working at the field station.

Knowledge of the natural history, flora, and fauna of southwestern ecosystems, particularly as it pertains to the ecosystems found at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge.

Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and problem solving in technical applications and computer systems, wireless networks, and the ability and interest to learn new skills on-the-job.

Additional Requirements
CampusMain - Albuquerque, NM
DepartmentAS Biology General Administrative (048F)
Employment TypeStaff
Staff TypeRegular - Full-Time
Term End Date
StatusExempt
Pay$4920.37 per Month, DOE
Benefits EligibleThis is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB StatementAs a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check RequiredYes
For Best Consideration Date3/25/2024
Eligible for Remote WorkNo
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions

Only applications submitted throughthe official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this jobadvertisement on a 3rd party site, pleasevisit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Cover letter, Resume, and Official Transcripts.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

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.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.


Application Instructions

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