Wildlife Habitat Biologist

Why does this position exist?

This position will focus on collaborative habitat restoration projects in eastern New Mexico that improve habitat for wildlife ranging from big game to species of greatest conservation need.  Projects will focus on restoring semi-desert and prairie grassland, riparian, wetland, playa and other habitat types within eastern New Mexico. Projects may occur across jurisdictional boundaries on Wildlife Management Areas, National Forests, State Trust Lands, Bureau of Land Management Districts, and private lands. This is a field oriented position that also has office duties.

In addition, the incumbent will be the main point of contact related to the operations and management of approximately 35,000 acres of Department owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in eastern New Mexico.  These properties are managed as habitat for the lesser prairie chicken, mule deer, grassland migratory bids, and other grassland dependent wildlife species.  Typical management actions include inventory and upkeep of signs, entrance areas, and fences, and the restoration of water and habitat resources on the WMAs.

How it get's done...

Task 1 - Habitat Restoration Projects (Field/Office) 
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 within eastern New Mexico.

These duties will require the incumbent to develop, track, implement and inspect habitat restoration projects. Planning and project development will regularly occur on federal (Bureau of Land Management, National Forest) and state (State Trust, Department WMAs) public lands. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring, maintenance, and habitat planning and restoration on WMAs in eastern New Mexico. Significant amounts of time will be spent evaluating existing habitat conditions and developing management and restoration plans and actions across southeastern New Mexico in coordination with other Department staff, external 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 will present project synopses at public meetings or other outreach events.

Task 2 - Wildlife Area Management (Field/Office)
This position will act as the local point of contact related to the ongoing management of approximately 35,000 acres of conserved habitat owned by the Department in eastern New Mexico.  Activities could include inventories of infrastructure including signs, water wells, fences, and roads, and the design and implementation of water and habitat restoration projects on these properties. The incumbent will work with other staff in the Habitat and Lands Section in developing overall management strategies but will be the primary Department representative for their assigned  WMAs.

Task 3 - Collaboration/Outreach (Field/Office)
This position will act as a representative and point of contact for Department of Game & Fish involved habitat restoration projects and activities; will engage in public outreach, collaborative meetings, planning sessions and other activities as relevant to Department of Game & Fish priorities; and will maintain positive working relationships with federal and state agencies, private landowners,  and non-governmental organizations regarding long term wildlife habitat management programs.  This position will maintain professional working relationships with the general public, hunters, and anglers by answering any questions regarding Department of Game & Fish policies, regulations, hunting and fishing seasons as well as general program information.

The mission of New Mexico Department of Wildlife is: To conserve, regulate, propagate and protect the wildlife and fish within the state of New Mexico using a flexible management system that ensures sustainable use for public food supply, recreation and safety; and to provide for off-highway motor vehicle recreation that recognizes cultural, historic, and resource values while ensuring public safety.

Please visit our website for more information at https://www.wildlife.dgf.nm.gov