Coldwater Fisheries Biologist (DGF#5138)

The State of New Mexico is seeking a Coldwater Fisheries Biologist to manage and improve coldwater sport fisheries. Responsibilities include studying fisheries, reporting findings, implementing management actions, and coordinating with hatchery personnel. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 1-3 years of experience. The role is based in Santa Fe, NM, and is not a remote position.
$23.07 - $36.91 Hourly

$47,989 - $76,782 Annually

This position is a Pay Band 65

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.

The Fisheries Management Division is organized into a Hatchery Section and a Research and Management Section. This position exists within the Research and Management Section's Sportfish Program. The Sportfish Program is charged with managing New Mexico's coldwater and warmwater sport fisheries to provide quality angling opportunities for the people of New Mexico.

Please visit our website for more information at https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/

Why does the job exist?

From sparkling streams and high mountain lakes to productive reservoirs and the world-famous San Juan River tailwater, New Mexico is home to incredible fisheries for trout and other coldwater fish species. This position is crucial to effectively manage those resources for the benefit of New Mexico's anglers. The employee will be responsible for developing and implementing scientifically robust evaluations of coldwater fisheries in order to support sound and defensible management. The position will also implement management actions to improve the quality of coldwater fisheries throughout the state. The position exists within the Department of Game and Fish's Sportfish Program and will report to and work closely with the Coldwater Sportfish Supervisor.

How does it get done?

Major job tasks include:

-Study coldwater sport fisheries around the State to identify means to improve the fishery quality.

-Report findings and provide management recommendations.

-Implement management actions to improve the quality of coldwater sport fisheries statewide.

-Coordinate with hatchery personnel to refine number of fish stocked and frequency of stocking.

-Provide information to the public regarding coldwater fisheries.

Who are the customers?

This position serves the people of New Mexico and New Mexico's anglers by advancing the conservation and management of coldwater sportfish.

Ideal Candidate

1-3 years of wildlife/fisheries management experience.

The ideal candidate will have experience operating motorboats and rafts, fish sampling gear (electrofishers, nets, seines, traps), familiarity with experimental design and strong data analysis/interpretation skills.

Minimum Qualification

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 directly related work experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

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

Work will occur both in the office (40%) and field (60%). Field work and meeting attendance will require travel statewide. This position requires the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, hike long distances, and camp in remote locations. Use of fish sampling gear (electrofishers, nets, seines, traps, etc.), 4x4 trucks, rafts, motorboats, OHV's, stock (horses and mules), and other equipment will be required. The position will require significant walking, lifting, and bending as well as working in and around water. Working irregular hours, sometime on nights, weekends, and holidays, travel across the state, occasionally for extended periods, and camping will be required.

Supplemental Information

Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Agency Contact Information: Jane Trujillo, Coldwater Sportfish Supervisor. Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.