Wildlife Habitat Conservationist (DGF #22166)

The purpose of this position is to coordinate the planning, development, and implementation of fish and wildlife habitat restoration projects on US Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands throughout New Mexico, which are primarily funded by the Habitat Stamp Program. This position requires significant collaboration with USFS and BLM personnel, as well as other Game & Fish staff, and a nine-member Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). This position is tasked with identifying fish and wildlife habitat needs, and developing collaborative projects to address these needs. This position has project management and budget responsibilities, is responsible for public presentations and meetings, and must keep accurate records of all habitat restoration project details.

Task 1 - Habitat Restoration/Conservation Project Development and Implementation

Acts as Game & Fish representative for restoration projects utilizing habitat stamp funds by collaborating with USFS, BLM, and Department staff to develop habitat restoration projects that align with Department management objectives. Works collaboratively with USFS and BLM partners, as well as the CAC, to plan, develop, and implement collaborative habitat restoration projects.

Task 2- Project Management

This position is responsible for the oversight of all habitat projects funded with habitat stamp funds, which requires the development, presentation, implementation, contracting, inspection and tracking of a significant number of restoration project contracts occurring statewide on a recurring cycle.

Tasks 1 and 2 require that a significant amount of time be spent in the outdoors on USFS and BLM lands in New Mexico. These areas are often very remote, with no means of cell phone service or Internet access. The terrain and conditions of these areas are often challenging. Inclement weather, high or low temperatures, and rough navigation in off-road conditions are common.

Task 3 - Public Coordination

Works with members of the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Habitat Stamp Program as well as USFS and BLM partners to schedule and coordinate a minimum of four (4) annual public meetings. These meetings will include: (1) public meeting to provide CAC orientation and program overview; (1) public meeting to present restoration project opportunities to the CAC and public; (1) public meeting to prioritize project opportunities; and (1) public meeting to present funded project updates. Additionally, this position is responsible for the coordination of a minimum of (2) project field tours with the CAC and USFS, BLM partners per year . This position will communicate project updates and changes with the CAC and schedule additional public meetings as needed.

Task 4 - Program Administrative Duties

Conducts and participate in administrative duties to meet Department needs, mandates and directives. Track habitat stamp funded projects, budgets, bids, invoices and expenditures. Assist in the management of federal aid grants when funds are being leveraged, or as directed by supervisor. Submit all required reports, receipts and other administrative documents as per Department policies, procedures and accepted standards. Maintain all vehicles, equipment, uniforms, facilities and lands as per policy and accepted standards. Demonstrate professional business writing skills in letters, memos, emails and other official reports and documents. Demonstrate ability to effectively and professionally communicate within and across Department Divisions and with external customers. Write a detailed, concise and engaging annual program report and publish on department website.

Tasks 3 and 4 will require time spent collaborating with partners in person, over the phone or email. Significant amounts of time will be spent in front of a computer screen performing administrative works using Microsoft Office products as well as ESRI Arc products, in addition to others. These duties frequently require the printing of materials, review of documents, organization of program records, and prompt responses to phone calls, voice mails, texts and emails.