Deadline: Fri, 10/27/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Job Field: Forestry Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Water and Soil Resources Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: New Mexico Location Detail: Albuquerque, New Mexico Job Description: This position will focus on collaborative forest 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 the state of 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. Major tasks include: 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 forested habitats of 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 forest restoration projects. Significant amounts of time will be spent evaluating existing forest 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 geo-referenced 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 positions primary role. Maintain positive working as well as public relations with federal and state agencies, private landowners, and non-governmental organizations regarding the Department's long term wildlife habitat management programs, and with the general public and sports-persons 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. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in biology, fisheries science/management, wildlife science/management, animal science, forestry, ecology or similar related natural resource degree and two (2) years of experience in the specified fields. The Ideal Candidate will have: At least 2 years of experience directly related to wildlife management or habitat restoration At least 2 years of experience applying the principles of southwest fire ecology to landscape restoration projects At least 2 years of experience implementing and designing forestry projects At least 2 years of experience utilizing ArcPro, ArcMap, ArcGIS Online and other ESRI products At least 2 years of experience independently navigating remote outdoor settings in rough terrain with 4 wheel drive vehicles and hand held navigation equipment. Miscellaneous: Employment Requirements Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment. Working Conditions This job requires both office work and field work. Office work - normal indoor environment with continuous sitting, significant amount of time using computer and talking on the phone. Some standing at fax and copy machines, lifting 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. The ability to work in inclement weather (hot, cold, rain, snow, etc.) is occasionally required. Must be able to operate a 4x4 vehicle, operate off highway vehicles and pull trailers loaded with equipment and supplies. Ability to independently navigate in wilderness setting for extended periods of time. The ability to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 60 pounds and sometimes more) is occasionally required. Salary: $46,591 - $74,545 Annually, Mid-Point: $60,568 Benefits: The State of New Mexico offers a competitive retirement and benefit package. Visit the following link to learn more: https://www.spo.state.nm.us/career-services/total-compensation/ How to Apply: Applications are only accepted through the NM State Personnel website. https://careers.share.state.nm.us/ You can access the official posting by searching for the job title "Wildlife Habitat Forester"
