Wildlife Habitat Conservationist (DGF#22166)

Posting Details

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.

Our Mission
It is the mission of New Mexico's Game and Fish Department: 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.state.nm.us/

This position will work within the Habitat & Lands Section of the Wildlife Management Division at the New Mexico Department of Game & Fish.  The Habitat & Lands Section manages collaborative wildlife habitat restoration projects statewide, in addition to managing New Mexico State Game Commission-owned Wildlife Management Areas throughout New Mexico.

Why does the job exist?

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.  Funding for these restoration projects is primarily derived through the sale of habitat stamps, and through other funds available to the Department for restoration activities.  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.

How does it get done?

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, USFS and BLM partners, and pertinent agency staff 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 participates 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 regular updates on the Department website through coordination with our web development staff.

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.

Who are the customers?

The public who enjoy wildlife and wildlife habitat. Other Department of Game and Fish staff, including biologists, district officers and administrators. Cooperating staff from other state and federal agencies, and the Citizen Advisory Committee for Habitat Stamp.

Working Conditions

This job requires both office work and field work. Office work - normal indoor environment with continuous sitting, significant amounts of time using a computer and talking on the phone. Some standing at fax and copy machines, lifting of moderately heavy items (10-40 lb), such as boxes of paper, envelopes and annually prepared documents. Field work - normal outdoor environment including exposure to sun, wind, rain, snow and biting insects. Must be able to operate a 4x4 vehicle, operate an off highway vehicle and pull trailers loaded with equipment and supplies. Frequent out of office travel is required.  Occasional overnight travel is required. Occasional weekend or evening work is required. The ability to work outside in inclement weather (hot, cold, rain, snow, etc.) is occasionally required.

This full time and regular (not temporary) position is within State of New Mexico pay band 70 with a salary midpoint of $ 71,188.