Field Stations Reserve Lead (Administrative Analyst/Specialist, Exempt III)

Position Summary

The Field Stations Reserve Lead provides on-the-ground leadership and operational management for the College of Sciences’ Field Station Programs, including the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve (SMER) and Sky Oaks Field Station (SOFS). This position is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of reserve lands, facilities, infrastructure, and external partnerships to ensure that research, education, and conservation activities are conducted safely, sustainably, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. Reporting to the Director of the Field Stations Program and the Dean of the College of Sciences, this role requires substantial independent judgment, technical expertise in land and facilities management, and the ability to respond to emergent operational issues, including environmental events and infrastructure needs. The position combines strategic planning with practical field-based oversight in a complex, multi-partner environment. Please note, this position is onsite at the  Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve in Temecula, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Reserve Operations & Land Stewardship: Oversee active management of SMER and SOFS, including coordination with public agencies, tribal governments, conservation partners, and neighboring jurisdictions on land use, fire mitigation, habitat management, and regulatory matters.
• Facilities & Infrastructure Management: Direct maintenance and improvement of reserve facilities, utilities, roads, communication infrastructure, and tenant agreements (including tower operations), ensuring operational continuity and emergency responsiveness.
• Environmental Compliance & Risk Management: Interpret and apply environmental regulations, land use agreements, and university policies to ensure compliance across reserve activities and external collaborations.
• External Partnership Coordination: Represent SDSU in regional conservation and land management initiatives, including wildlife corridor efforts and co-stewardship models with tribal partners.
• Program Budget & Resource Planning: Assist with budget monitoring, infrastructure planning, and long-range operational forecasting to support reserve sustainability and capital needs.
• Research & User Support: Serve as a technical advisor and operational contact for faculty, researchers, visiting scholars, and program users to coordinate site access, research logistics, and field activities.

Why Join Us?

• Lead Conservation Strategy: Shape the long-term stewardship and operational direction of ecologically significant research reserves.
• Work at the Science–Policy Interface: Collaborate with tribal governments, public agencies, conservation organizations, and university leadership on land management initiatives with regional impact.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Manage complex infrastructure, budget, and partnership responsibilities within a mission-driven academic program.
• Advance Research & Education: Support hands-on scientific research and experiential learning in native California ecosystems.
• High-Impact Role: Influence strategic decisions that affect conservation outcomes, academic programming, and long-term institutional partnerships.

Position Information

• This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. 
• This position is designated as exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. 
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. This position requires the ability and willingness to work outside of normal business hours as needed to address emergencies or urgent operational needs.
• The individual hired into this role will work at the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve in Temecula, CA.

Department Summary

The College of Sciences consists of eight departments (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geological Sciences, Math and Statistics, Physics, and Psychology) and about 170 full-time faculty members. The College operates a number of major off-campus instructional and research centers which include the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve, Sky Oaks Field Station, Mount Laguna Observatory, and Coastal and Marine Institute.

The SDSU Field Station Programs (FSP) is a university-wide resource that supports academic programs by providing opportunities for teaching and research that deal with native Calif