Land & Property Specialist

This position supports wildlife management and wildlife habitat by managing the land and property interests of the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish. This position facilitates and manages land purchases, easements, leases, surveys, appraisals, rights-of-way, temporary use permits, and other agreements in accordance with the Strategic Plan of the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, state and federal laws, and all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.  In addition, this position will coordinate, write, and/or edit project planning and grant application and reporting documents, manage contracts related to environmental compliance, and monitor and report on federal aid and compliance activities for projects related to farm and wildlife property management, facility and infrastructure management, and other wildlife and habitat management activities on lands managed by the Department.

Task 1 -- Work within a team environment to support wildlife habitat and management efforts on properties managed by the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish.  Oversee Department land issues in terms of determining fair market value, confirming legal boundaries, and verifying legal ownership in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Participate in all aspects of the process to acquire, lease, and/or dispose of lands. Act as a main point of contact for questions and requests regarding Department-managed properties.

Task 2 -- Coordinate responses to rights-of-way, easement, and limited use requests on Department-managed properties. Coordinate all of these activities with supervisor. Assist in the development of a standardized Department review procedure for all requests for rights-of-way, easements and temporary use permits on Department lands.

Task 3 -- Manage and organize documents related to property interests such as deeds, plats, mineral rights, water rights, easements, and other files. Ensure that all original documents are properly filed and protected. This position has contractual responsibilities related to land surveys and appraisals, and is the main point of contact regarding real property with the Department Administration, habitat and wildlife managers, legal staff, and Geographic Information System specialists.

Task 4 -- Assist in the preparation of land planning and federal aid grant documents for property management. This could include monthly activity summaries, annual renewal documents, annual progress reports and final reports, and other appropriate documentation. Participate in the procurement process as needed to acquire goods and services related to land acquisition, planning, and implementation of management activities. Procurement responsibilities may include review of contracts and creation of purchasing documents and agreements.