Middle Rio Grande Restoration Ecologist (DOW #5078)

New Mexico Department of Justice; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Department of Wildlife is seeking a restoration ecologist/waterfowl habitat specialist to lead large-scale wetland restoration in the Middle Rio Grande Valley. You will guide land transitions to wildlife habitat and develop strategies grounded in hydrology, soil science, and ecology, coordinating with NGOs and state/federal agencies.

The role requires field leadership, strong scientific writing, GIS proficiency, and the ability to work across disciplines to deliver landscape-scale

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of experience in forestry, range management, wildlife biology, environment science, or related areas.
• Experience designing and implementing wetland, riparian, or moist soil habitat projects is preferred.
• Ability to work in field conditions and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale wetland and habitat restoration within the Middle Rio Grande Valley.
• Guide transition of working lands into wildlife habitat and develop restoration strategies.
• Coordinate with agencies, NGOs, and partners to deliver projects at scale.
• Conduct soil and vegetation sampling and monitor water usage; prepare reports.

Skills

Applied Restoration

Hydrology & soils

Field Leadership

Waterfowl habitat

GIS data collection

Partnership building

Self-directed

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Range Management, Range Science, Wildlife Biology, Environment Science, Conservation Science, Natural Resources, Watershed Management, Anthropology, or Archeology

Tools

GIS

GPS

Job description

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For more Job Requirements & Classification Description:

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.dgf.nm.gov

Why does the job exist?

This position exists to lead and advance large scale wetland and habitat restoration within the Middle Rio Grande Valley, one of New Mexico's most important wintering areas for migratory waterfowl. The Department manages thousands of acres of wetlands, riparian corridors, and managed moist soil units that support tens of thousands of migratory waterfowl each winter, along with an abundant diversity of other native wildlife species.
As the Department expands its conservation footprint and transitions former agricultural lands into functioning wildlife habitat, this role is critical to ensuring that restoration efforts are scientifically sound, operationally effective, and sustainable over the long term.
This is a unique opportunity for a wetland ecologist, waterfowl biologist, or habitat restoration specialist to directly shape the future of one of the Department's most important managed wetland systems.

How does it get done?

• Restore and enhance wetland and riparian systems that sustain wintering waterfowl populations
• Guide the transition of working lands into high quality wildlife habitat
• Develop and implement restoration strategies grounded in hydrology, soil science, and ecological principles in the face of challenges due to drying conditions and changing climate.
• Build partnerships across agencies and organizations to deliver meaningful, lasting conservation outcomes

Key responsibilities include soil and vegetation sampling, monitoring of surface and ground water usage, developing a water budget with available water resources, identifying and coordinating necessary environmental and regulatory compliance, developing operational restoration plans for new and existing properties, assisting with irrigation of agricultural fields and moist soil units, regular reporting on all compliance, water meters, well status, soil health and vegetation and fostering partnerships with NGOs and state and federal agencies. This position will work to develop expertise in restoration ecology, land restoration techniques, soil science, cross boundary partnership, migratory waterfowl biology, and requires additional skills with strong scientific writing and proficiency in GIS.

Who are the customers?

The public who enjoys wildlife and wildlife habitat, other Department of Wildlife staff, including biologists, district officers and administrators, and staff from other state and federal agencies.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated restoration ecologist, wetland specialist, and/or waterfowl habitat professional who is driven by the opportunity to implement meaningful, landscape scale habitat restoration and conservation within a dynamic riverine, wetland, and agricultural system.
This individual combines strong scientific training with practical field experience and is equally comfortable developing restoration strategies as they are implementing them on the ground. They bring a deep understanding of wetland function, hydrology, soils, and vegetation management, and are passionate about improving habitat for wintering migratory waterfowl and other native species.

• The successful candidate will demonstrate:
  Applied Restoration Expertise
  Experience designing and implementing wetland, riparian, or moist soil habitat projects, with the ability to translate ecological principles into effective outcomes.
• Water and Habitat Systems Thinking
  Strong understanding of hydrology, irrigation systems, soil processes, and vegetation dynamics in managed wetland environments, especially in water-limited or highly managed landscapes.
• Field Leadership
  Confidence leading projects in the field, coordinating contractors, troubleshooting issues in real time, and ensuring projects are completed safely and efficiently.
• Waterfowl and Wildlife Habitat Focus
  Familiarity with the habitat needs of wintering migratory waterfowl and the ability to apply that knowledge to habitat design, timing of management actions, and adaptive management strategies.
• Analytical and Technical Skills
  Proficiency in GIS, data collection, and monitoring techniques, with the ability to evaluate habitat conditions, track outcomes, and inform future management decisions.
• Collaboration and Partnership Building
  Experience working with partner agencies, NGOs, and interdisciplinary teams to advance conservation goals and deliver projects at scale.
• Self Direction and Accountability
  A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and take ownership of long-term restoration projects.

This role is best suited for someone who wants to see the direct results of their work on the landscape, where planning, science, and field implementation come together to support thousands of acres of functioning habitat and the wildlife that depend on it.

Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Range Management, Range Science, Wildlife Biology, Environment Science, Conservation Science, Natural Resources, Watershed Management, Anthropology, or Archeology and two (2) years of experience in Forestry or Range Management, Range Science, Wildlife Biology, Environment Science, Watershed Management, Anthropology, or Archeology. 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 employment 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 position operates in a combination of field and office environments, with a primary emphasis on outdoor work in wetland, riparian, and managed habitat systems. The role requires regular exposure to variable and sometimes harsh environmental conditions and involves physically demanding tasks associated with habitat restoration and land management.
Field work is conducted year-round and may include:
Working in extreme hot or cold temperatures, frequent exposure to wet and/or humid environments, including wetlands, flooded fields, and irrigated habitats with mosquito's and other biting or stinging insects, Walking, standing, and working on uneven, muddy, or unstable terrain for extended periods, exposure to dust, noise, vegetation, and environmental elements, as well as occasional chemical use associated with habitat management, operation of and travel in 4WD vehicles on paved and unpaved roads daily.
The position requires regular physical activity, including:
Continuous standing, walking, bending, and stooping during field operations, frequent lifting, carrying, and use of tools and equipment, including fencing tools, augers, and power tools use of monitoring and technical equipment such as GPS units, cameras, and vegetation/hydrologic sampling tools, occasional night or early morning work to support irrigation management or time-sensitive habitat operations.
In addition to field responsibilities, the position includes office based work involving:
Use of computers, GIS software, and data management systems, preparation of reports, planning documents, and regulatory compliance materials, coordination with internal staff, contractors, and partner organizations.

Supplemental Information

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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.