Middle Rio Grande Restoration Ecologist

This position exists to lead and advance large scale wetland and habitat restoration within the Middle Rio Grande Valley, one of New Mexico's most important wintering areas for migratory waterfowl. The Department manages thousands of acres of wetlands, riparian corridors, and managed moist soil units that support tens of thousands of migratory waterfowl each winter, along with an abundant diversity of other native wildlife species. 

As the Department expands its conservation footprint and transitions former agricultural lands into functioning wildlife habitat, this role is critical to ensuring that restoration efforts are scientifically sound, operationally effective, and sustainable over the long term. 

This is a unique opportunity for a wetland ecologist, waterfowl biologist, or habitat restoration specialist to directly shape the future of one of the Department's most important managed wetland systems.

How does it get done?

- Restore and enhance wetland and riparian systems that sustain wintering waterfowl populations
- Guide the transition of working lands into high quality wildlife habitat
- Develop and implement restoration strategies grounded in hydrology, soil science, and ecological principles in the face of challenges due to drying conditions and changing climate.
- Build partnerships across agencies and organizations to deliver meaningful, lasting conservation outcomes

Key responsibilities include soil and vegetation sampling, monitoring of surface and ground water usage, developing a water budget with available water resources, identifying and coordinating necessary environmental and regulatory compliance, developing operational restoration plans for new and existing properties, assisting with irrigation of agricultural fields and moist soil units, regular reporting on all compliance, water meters, well status, soil health and vegetation and fostering partnerships with NGOs and state and federal agencies. This position will work to develop expertise in restoration ecology, land restoration techniques, soil science, cross boundary partnership, migratory waterfowl biology, and requires additional skills with strong scientific writing and proficiency in GIS.

Who are the customers?

The public who enjoys wildlife and wildlife habitat, other Department of Game and Fish staff, including biologists, district officers and administrators, and staff from other state and federal agencies.

Working Conditions

This position operates in a combination of field and office environments, with a primary emphasis on outdoor work in wetland, riparian, and managed habitat systems. The role requires regular exposure to variable and sometimes harsh environmental conditions and involves physically demanding tasks associated with habitat restoration and land management.

Field work is conducted year-round and may include:
Working in extreme hot or cold temperatures, frequent exposure to wet and/or humid environments, including wetlands, flooded fields, and irrigated habitats with mosquito's and other biting or stinging insects, Walking, standing, and working on uneven, muddy, or unstable terrain for extended periods, exposure to dust, noise, vegetation, and environmental elements, as well as occasional chemical use associated with habitat management, operation of and travel in 4WD vehicles on paved and unpaved roads daily.

The position requires regular physical activity, including:
Continuous standing, walking, bending, and stooping during field operations, frequent lifting, carrying, and use of tools and equipment, including fencing tools, augers, and power tools use of monitoring and technical equipment such as GPS units, cameras, and vegetation/hydrologic sampling tools, occasional night or early morning work to support irrigation management or time-sensitive habitat operations.

In addition to field responsibilities, the position includes office based work involving:
Use of computers, GIS software, and data management systems, preparation of reports, planning documents, and regulatory compliance materials, coordination with internal staff, contractors, and partner organizations.