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Research Volunteer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Research Volunteer information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$7

$18

$31

How much do research volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for research volunteer in Rio Rancho, NM is $18.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research volunteer?

Research volunteers are individuals who offer their time and skills to assist in research projects without monetary compensation. They may help with tasks such as data collection, literature reviews, laboratory work, or community outreach, depending on the project's needs. Research volunteers play a critical role in supporting scientific studies and gaining practical experience, often in academic, medical, or nonprofit settings. Volunteering in research can be a valuable opportunity for those interested in learning more about a specific field and contributing to meaningful discoveries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research volunteer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Volunteer, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and foundational knowledge in the relevant research field, often supported by coursework or academic experience. Familiarity with data collection tools, survey platforms, and basic statistical software like SPSS or Excel is usually required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively and contribute to evolving research projects. These skills ensure accurate data management, meaningful contributions to research outcomes, and smooth integration within research teams.

What are some common challenges research volunteers face when integrating with established research teams?

Research Volunteers often join teams that already have established workflows and communication styles, which can make it challenging to quickly adapt and contribute effectively. Navigating unfamiliar research methodologies, learning new software or lab equipment, and understanding project-specific protocols are typical hurdles. Building rapport with team members and proactively seeking feedback can help overcome these challenges and lead to a more fulfilling and productive volunteering experience.

What is the difference between Research Volunteer vs Research Assistant?

AspectResearch VolunteerResearch Assistant
CredentialsTypically no formal credentials required; some roles may prefer relevant coursework or degreesUsually requires a bachelor's degree in a related field; some positions may need additional certifications
Work EnvironmentOften unpaid, flexible, and volunteer-based settings such as labs, clinics, or community projectsPaid position in research labs, universities, or institutions with structured schedules
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, academic institutions, research organizationsUniversities, research institutes, government agencies

Research volunteers typically assist with research activities without formal compensation and may have fewer qualifications. Research assistants are paid roles requiring relevant education and often involve more responsibilities. Both roles support research projects but differ mainly in compensation, credentials, and job structure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Research jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Research Volunteer jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Research Volunteer job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Volunteer job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,440 per year, or $18 per hour.

$90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 295 rated public sector bodies


Job description

This position is assigned to the Natural Resources Conservation Service state office in New Mexico. The primary purpose of this position is to provide leadership and technical guidance in coordination and integration of the biology program in conservation planning and application, technology development and transfer, training, and quality assurance to all offices within the assigned area of responsibility.
Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.
Basic Requirement: GS-0486:
Degree: Biological Science that included:
  • At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; and
  • At least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.)
  • At least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In addition to meeting one of the Basic Requirements listed above, applicants must meet the following Minimum Qualifications Requirement in order to be considered:
Specialized Experience Requirement
GS-12 Specialized Experience: To qualify for the GS-12 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level or higher in Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Examples of specialized experience include:
  • studying, planning, and proposing wildlife management activities and coordinated/implemented approved resource management plans such as habitat improvement projects;
  • planning and conducting studies/projects, follow-up investigations, and evaluations, and recommended preventative or mitigative actions based on these studies; or
  • preparing environmental assessments based on analysis of study findings on the effects of management activities on wildlife resources.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Time-in-Grade Requirement: If you are a current federal employee in the General Schedule (GS) pay plan and applying for a promotion opportunity, you must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirements of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled. You must meet this requirement by the closing date of this announcement.Education:Education alone will not substitute for experience at the GS-12 Level.
College Transcript: If qualifying based on education, you must submit a copy of your college transcript with course number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), course title, number of credit hours, and grade earned. If a relevant course is not clearly qualifying (e.g., special topic, seminar, research, thesis, obscure or misleading course title, etc.), please submit an official course syllabi and/or detailed course description from the university/college to ensure proper evaluation.
Your education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to be credited toward qualifications. You may verify accreditation by visiting the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs website. We will verify your education accordingly.
If education is required or being used to qualify, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts. An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application if it includes your name and the necessary course information; however, if you are selected, official transcripts will be required prior to entering on duty. Education must have been successfully obtained from an accredited school, college or university. If any education was completed at a foreign institute, you must submit with your application evidence that the institute was appropriately accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as equivalent to U.S. education standards. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the NACES website. All transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
Foreign Education: You must submit verification that education completed in a foreign institution, was recognized by an accreditation body accepted by the U.S. Department of Education. You must include a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript. There are private organizations that specialize in this evaluation and a fee is normally associated with this service. For a list of private organizations that evaluate education, visit the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website. Your transcripts must be in English or include an English translation.
You may submit an unofficial copy of your transcript at the initial phase of the application process. However, if selected, you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to entering on duty. Please refer to the "How to Apply" section for instructions on submitting transcripts.Employment Type: OTHER

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