Terrestrial Habitat Specialist

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/ 

Why does the job exist?

The Terrestrial Habitat Specialist provides technical guidance concerning the management, enhancement, research, and conservation of wildlife and terrestrial habitat resources throughout the state, including but not limited to assessing potential impacts to wildlife from actions conducted by federal agencies, state agencies, and private industry.  This Specialist routinely communicates and consults with federal and state agencies, local governments, communities, private organizations, and other stakeholders regarding these terrestrial habitat resources.

How does it get done?

Key responsibilities for this position include:

 1) Providing technical guidance regarding projects, plans, NEPA documents, and regulations pertaining to terrestrial habitats and associated wildlife.  Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Reviewing proposed development or restoration projects or land management plans and associated NEPA documents that could lead to modification of terrestrial habitats and affect wildlife and, in consultation with appropriate Department staff and drawing on relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies, preparing official recommendations from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (Department) for ways to prevent or mitigate impacts on, or enhance benefits to, these habitats and associated wildlife;
• Providing input related to terrestrial habitat resources and associated wildlife as part of: the review and revision of the State Wildlife Action Plan; development of the New Mexico Terrestrial Habitat Map; Department projects and plans as requested; and participation in inter-agency programs, task forces, working groups, advisory committees, and similar collaborative efforts;
• Conducting site visits as needed to inform Department recommendations regarding projects and planning documents;
• Drafting new and updating existing guidelines related to mitigating impacts of forest and other terrestrial habitat management and development projects on terrestrial habitats and associated wildlife;
• Reviewing proposals for project funding that are submitted to the Department or partner agencies for work pertaining to terrestrial habitats;
• Remaining current with technical issues pertaining to the management and conservation of terrestrial habitat resources through attendance at professional meetings and trainings and by reading scientific publications; and
• Interacting, effectively communicating, and maintaining positive working relationships with a variety of partners and the public regarding terrestrial habitats and associated wildlife.

 2) Developing and implementing habitat restoration/wildlife safe passage projects and/or monitoring protocols as Department budgets allow, especially in collaboration with other agencies.  Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Designing; preparing all contract and grant, including compliance, paperwork associated with; and working with contractors and/or collaborating agencies to implement terrestrial habitat enhancement or wildlife safe passage projects; and
• Developing and conducting monitoring and sampling procedures to assess project locations and/or outcomes for terrestrial habitats and/or associated wildlife populations.

Who are the customers?

This position primarily prepares official Department recommendations regarding development, planning, and restoration projects proposed by a variety of entities, including state, federal, and local government agencies; private organizations; and non-profits. This position can also provide information pertinent to projects supported by the Department and, when budgets and schedules allow, develop and implement additional projects to benefit terrestrial habitats and associated wildlife on the Department’s behalf and/or in collaboration with other agencies.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will:

 1) Have experience with biological or ecological research, data collection/management, and analysis.

 2) Have experience in technical writing experience, including writing technical reports, environmental impact assessments, or scientific journal articles.

 3) Have experience in terrestrial ecology; other areas of natural resource assessment including forestry or rangeland management; or other areas of natural resources with an emphasis on management of terrestrial wildlife species or habitats.

 4) Have experience reviewing development and other projects to evaluate impacts to natural resources, including wildlife.

Minimum Qualification

 Bachelor’s degree in biology, fisheries science/management, wildlife science/management, animal science, forestry, ecology, or similar related natural resource degree and one (1) year 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 five (5) 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 soon after candidate is hired, but NOT required when they apply.  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

Typically works in an office setting. Work will occasionally occur in outdoor settings and require driving a vehicle, hiking, working in inclement weather, lifting up to 30 pounds, and potentially using a handheld GPS or binoculars. Employee will be expected to work extensively on a computer and will be exposed to extended periods of sitting or standing at a stand-up desk. Also expected to work with other office equipment including printers, scanners, and a cellular phone and to be able to travel for work, including driving, air travel, and attending meetings and conferences. May include some irregular hours and work on weekends.

Benefits:

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Agency Contact Information: Assistant Chief – Virginia Seamster. virginia.seamster@dgf.nm.gov (preferred contact method)

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.