Posting Details Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date. Our Mission It is the mission of

New Mexico's Department of Wildlife:

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 Department's recent acquisition of an 11,000 acre Wildlife Management Area near Mimbres, New Mexico, combined with ongoing stewardship of eight additional WMA's totaling more than 20,000 acres in the southwestern region of the state, has created a significant expansion in the scope and scale of WMA operations in southwestern New Mexico. The incumbent of this position will be assigned Department provided housing on-site near Mimbres, New Mexico and is expected to live there

• This position exists to provide on the ground leadership, technical expertise, and operational oversight across multiple wildlife management areas. From directing heavy equipment work and maintaining critical irrigation and water systems, to managing equipment and infrastructure, supervising staff, and overseeing complex contract work, this role ensures that these conservation properties are cared for responsibly, efficiently, and in alignment with the Department's mission. This position is essential to protecting wildlife habitat, supporting public access, and safeguarding the natural resources entrusted to the Department in southwestern New Mexico. How does it get done? Task 1 -- Direct WMA Operations and Maintenance These duties span nine separate WMAs that comprise ~31,000 acres. Major tasks will include use of light and heavy machinery to accomplish road grading and wash-out repair, well maintenance, wildlife drinker maintenance, field and road-side mowing, planting seed in irrigated fields, maintaining irrigation schedules, conducting fence maintenance and repair, upkeep of wetland/pond areas and tracking of well water usage, as well as implementing and overseeing habitat restoration projects. Chainsaws will also be used as needed for downed tree clean-up. Additional responsibilities include facility maintenance and upkeep, and being the Department point of contact on five (5) Irrigation Ditch Associations. Task 2 -- Budget Oversight and Responsibility Work with supervisor to develop program budget requests annually for WMAs in southwestern New Mexico, and to ensure the lawful and responsible expenditure of approved budgets. Ensure adherence to obligations and reporting requirements regarding a variety of federal assistance grants that provide the Department with significant annual reimbursements of state expenditures. Work cooperatively with financial staff to ensure requests for expenditures are evaluated, approved if appropriate, and tracked. Task 3 -- Supervision of Employees Provide for oversight and management of three (2) permanent positions. Consistent with Department policies and procedures: develop employee performance evaluation forms that provide clear and concise job tasks and verify mutual understanding of expectations. Conduct interim performance reviews as directed. Review employee performance appraisal forms and ratings with immediate supervisor prior to final reviews with employees. Ensure staff is meeting professionalism standards as set by Agency Administration. Task 4 -- Contract Management Plan and oversee contracts for the management of wildlife habitat, irrigated pastures, and infrastructure development on WMAs in southwestern New Mexico as required. Determine and define project scope and objectives. Develop and manage detailed project schedules and work plans. Track project costs and schedules. Provide on site contract and inspection management. Task 5 - Participate in WMA operations in other parts of the state (infrequent/occasional) As directed by supervisor and as staff are available, work with WMA statewide staff to schedule and participate in WMA operations and maintenance activities on staffed and unstaffed WMA's in other locations within New Mexico on a case by case basis. Work may include assisting with transportation of equipment from various locations, operating equipment to conduct operations or maintenance activities, assisting with other Department priority projects as requested. Who are the customers? The public who enjoy wildlife and wildlife habitat. Other Department of Wildlife staff, including biologists, district officers and administrators. Cooperating staff from other state, federal and non-governmental organizations. Ideal Candidate The public who enjoy wildlife and wildlife habitat. Other Department of Wildlife staff, including biologists, district officers and administrators. Cooperating staff from other state, federal and non-governmental organizations. Minimum Qualification A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Fisheries Science/Management, Wildlife Science/Management, Forestry, Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture Science, Range Management, Environmental Science or Zoology and four (4) years of professional level experience in fisheries or wildlife management. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) 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. This is a safety sensitive position and requires that the candidate has a Commercial Driver's License or is able to obtain one within 6 months of accepting the position. Working Conditions The incumbent of this position will be assigned Department provided housing on-site near Mimbres, New Mexico and is expected to live there

• Will work outside and in shop setting. This job requires both office work and field work. Office work - normal indoor environment with sitting, talking on phone, time using a computer and software including Microsoft Windows programs. 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 - Frequent lifting 10 - 50 lbs. Occasional lifting 80 lbs. Frequent twisting, bending, standing, climbing, and sitting. Will operate agricultural and heavy equipment including transport trucks, tractors, bulldozers, graders, and others with 20 various implement attachments. Will also utilize ATVs, UTVs, and a Department 4x4 vehicle on a daily basis. Will use hand tools, power tools, welders, cutting torches, plasma cutters, tire machines and pressure washers. Occasional overnight travel is required. Occasional weekend or evening work is required. The ability to work outside in inclement weather (hot, cold, rain, snow, mud, wind, etc.) is required. Office setting, exposure to VDT, extensive personal computer, printer, scanner, copier and phone usage. Supplemental Information Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Agency Contact Information:

Daniel Lusk, WMA Program Manager, Daniel.

Lusk@dgf.nm.gov 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.