Wildlife Habitat Biologist (DGF #5069)

The Wildlife Habitat Biologist position at the State of New Mexico focuses on conserving and restoring wildlife habitats in eastern New Mexico. Responsibilities include leading habitat restoration projects, evaluating habitat conditions, and engaging in public outreach. The role requires collaboration with various agencies and landowners, alongside significant fieldwork and office duties. Candidates need a relevant degree and experience in wildlife management or habitat restoration.
About the position

The Wildlife Habitat Biologist position at the Department of Game & Fish is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wildlife habitats across eastern New Mexico. This role is essential for the improvement of habitats for various wildlife species, including both big game and sensitive declining species. The incumbent will engage in collaborative habitat restoration projects that focus on semi-desert and prairie grassland, riparian, wetland, playa, and other habitat types. These projects will often span across jurisdictional boundaries, involving Wildlife Management Areas, National Forests, State Trust Lands, Bureau of Land Management Districts, and private lands. This position is primarily field-oriented but also includes significant office duties. As a key member of the team, the Wildlife Habitat Biologist will plan, implement, and coordinate habitat restoration, enhancement, and monitoring projects on federal, state, and private lands. The role requires the use of substantial funding from various Department programs and the application of biologically sound management techniques. The incumbent will either lead or co-lead these projects, serving as the primary point of contact for collaborative efforts. Responsibilities include developing, tracking, implementing, and inspecting habitat restoration projects, evaluating existing habitat conditions, and creating management and restoration plans in coordination with partners and land management authorities. In addition to project management, the Wildlife Habitat Biologist will engage in public outreach and maintain positive relationships with federal and state agencies, private landowners, and non-governmental organizations. This role is vital for ensuring long-term wildlife habitat management programs and involves answering questions from the public regarding Department policies, regulations, and general program information. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in wildlife management and habitat restoration, with experience in grassland and desert habitats, as well as proficiency in GIS technologies.

Responsibilities
• Lead or co-lead project manager for habitat restoration projects in eastern New Mexico.
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• Develop, track, implement, and inspect habitat restoration projects.
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• Evaluate existing habitat conditions and develop management and restoration plans.
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• Perform project layouts by marking boundaries on the landscape and producing georeferenced project maps in ArcPro.
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• Manage contracts and conduct contractor site orientations and tours.
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• Conduct field inspections and draft implementation reports.
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• Assist in developing project presentations and information summaries for reports.
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• Present project synopses at public meetings or outreach events.
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• Act as a representative for habitat restoration projects and engage in public outreach.
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• Maintain professional relationships with federal and state agencies, private landowners, and NGOs.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in biology, fisheries science/management, wildlife science/management, animal science, forestry, ecology, or a related natural resource degree.
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• Two years of experience in wildlife management or habitat restoration.
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• One year of experience working in grassland or desert habitat types.
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• One year of experience implementing and designing habitat restoration projects in grassland, prairie, or playa lake environments.
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• Two years of experience using ArcPro, ArcMap, ArcGIS Online, and other ESRI products.
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• Two years of experience navigating remote outdoor settings in rough terrain with 4-wheel drive vehicles and handheld navigation equipment.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with public outreach and community engagement in conservation efforts.
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• Knowledge of New Mexico's wildlife and habitat management policies.
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• Familiarity with federal and state land management practices.

Benefits
• Health insurance coverage
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• Dental insurance coverage
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• Vision insurance coverage
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• Retirement savings plan (401k)
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• Paid holidays
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• Paid volunteer time
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• Flexible scheduling options
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• Professional development opportunities
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• Tuition reimbursement for further education