Wildlife Habitat Biologist

This position will primarily focus on collaborative Grassland, Prairie, and Playa Lake restoration projects for the improvement of wildlife habitat.  Projects may occur on Wildlife Management Areas, National Forests, State Trust Lands and Bureau of Land Management Districts throughout Eastern New Mexico. Secondary responsibilities may include project management for restoration projects occurring within other habitat types in New Mexico as assigned. This is a field oriented position that also has office duties.

The incumbent will be part of a team that plans, implements and coordinates wildlife habitat restoration, enhancement and monitoring projects on federal, state and private lands throughout New Mexico, using significant amounts of funding from various Department programs and utilizing the most appropriate and biologically sound management techniques.

How does it get done?

Task 1 - Habitat Restoration Projects (Field/Office) 
Primarily, the person in this position will either be the lead or co-lead project manager and point of contact for collaborative wildlife habitat restoration projects in Grassland habitats within Eastern New Mexico. This position will also have a secondary responsibility of being part of other fish and wildlife habitat restoration projects occurring within other habitat types in New Mexico as assigned. These duties will require the incumbent to develop, track, implement and inspect habitat restoration projects.  Significant amounts of time will be spent evaluating existing habitat conditions and developing management and restoration plans and actions in coordination with partners and appropriate land management authorities. The incumbent will perform project layouts by physically marking boundaries on the landscape and/or producing georeferenced project maps in ArcPro. Additional responsibilities include contract/project management, such as contractor site orientation and other tours with contractors and partners, field inspections and drafting of implementation reports. Also, this incumbent will assist with the development of project presentations as well as information summaries for reports and present project synopses at public meetings or other outreach events. 


Task 2 - Collaboration/Outreach (Field/Office)

Act as a representative and point of contact for habitat restoration projects and activities that the NMDGF is a partner or proponent of. Engage in public outreach, collaborative meetings, planning sessions and other activities as relevant to NMDGF priorities and the position's primary role. Maintain positive working as well as public relations with federal and state agencies, private landowners, and non-governmental organizations regarding the Departments long term wildlife habitat management programs, and with the general public and sportspersons by answering any questions regarding NMDGF policies, regulations, hunting and fishing seasons as well as general program information. Responsible for following and adhering to NMDGF and State Personnel Office policies and procedures.

Who are the customers?

Sportspersons and other conservationists throughout New Mexico. Other Department of Game and Fish staff, including biologists, conservation officers, administrators and support staff. Cooperating agency staff from other state, federal, and non-governmental organizations.