Wildlife Biologist

Sowela; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

CEHMM in Carlsbad, NM seeks a full-time Wildlife Biologist to implement conservation practices and support CEHMM’s programs. The senior technical role conducts wildlife and habitat surveys, analyzes data, prepares technical reports, and ensures compliance with conservation agreements.

The position reports to the Project Manager and offers a relaxed environment, competitive compensation, benefits including 401K, relocation and education reimbursement, and a clothing allowance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five years of professional experience in wildlife biology, conservation, or natural resource management.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to perform strenuous fieldwork in variable and extreme conditions.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or related field.
• ArcGIS Pro familiarity for mapping and data visualization.
• Experience with sensitive species programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wildlife and habitat surveys, including population monitoring and habitat suitability assessments.
• Collect, compile, analyze, and interpret biological data.
• Prepare technical reports, grant applications, research summaries, and project completion reports.
• Present findings at scientific conferences, stakeholder meetings, and agency briefings.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with ranchers, industry representatives, and agencies.
• Assist with the development of conservation proposals and funding applications.
• Manage landowners and oil & gas companies’ conservation agreements to ensure conservation measures are followed.
• Ensure compliance with conservation agreements, permits, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical guidance to project managers and conservation staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Wildlife ecology

Field survey techniques

Data analysis

Technical writing

Interpersonal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

Wildlife Biologist - Carlsbad

CEHMM a 501(c)3 non-profit conservation and environmental services organization, is seeking a full-time Wildlife Biologist senior technical role responsible for implementing wildlife conservation practices and supporting CEHMM’s conservation programs. The Wildlife Biologist conducts surveys and habitat assessments, analyzes biological data, prepares technical reports, and ensures compliance with conservation agreements. This position provides subject-matter expertise on wildlife biology and supports project managers in advancing conservation objectives

The Wildlife Biologist position is a permanent full-time position located in Carlsbad, NM, reporting to the Conservation District I Project Manager. The Wildlife Biologist will accomplish a wide variety of tasks including but not limited to:

• Conduct wildlife and habitat surveys, including population monitoring and habitat suitability assessments
• Collect, compile, analyze, and interpret biological data
• Prepare technical reports, grant applications, research summaries, and project completion reports
• Present findings at scientific conferences, stakeholder meetings, and agency briefings
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with ranchers, industry representatives, and agencies
• Assist with the development of conservation proposals and funding applications
• Manage landowners and oil & gas companies’ conservation agreements to ensure conservation measures are being followed in accordance with CCA/CCAA
• Ensure compliance with conservation agreements, permits, and regulatory requirements
• Provide technical guidance to project managers and conservation staff
• Other duties as assigned

The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $100,000 per year depending on experience. CEHMM offers a very relaxed work environment with flexible schedules, competitive compensation, benefits including 401K, quality insurance options, relocation reimbursement, education reimbursement, and clothing allowance.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field
• Minimum of five years of professional experience in wildlife biology, conservation, or natural resource management
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Ability to perform strenuous fieldwork in variable and extreme conditions

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field
• Over five years of professional experience in wildlife conservation, research, or natural resource management
• Proficiency ArcGIS Pro for mapping and data visualization
• Familiarity with sensitive species conservation programs (e.g., candidate conservation agreements or habitat conservation plans)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Required

• Advanced knowledge of wildlife ecology, management practices, and survey techniques
• Ability to design, conduct, and analyze wildlife and habitat surveys
• Proficiency in technical writing for scientific reports and regulatory documents
• Ability to develop and follow research methodology and protocol
• Ability to identify priority regional species in the field, including Lesser Prairie-Chicken (LPC), Dunes Sagebrush Lizard (DSL), and Texas Hornshell Mussel (THM)
• Ability to work independently, set priorities, and ensure accuracy in data collection and reporting
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with agencies, landowners, and industry partners.

Preferred

• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro for mapping and analysis
• Ability to present research findings to stakeholders, agencies, and at professional meetings
• Experience mentoring junior staff or field technicians

Special Requirements

Able to lift 50 lbs.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises
• Considerable physical activity
• Work involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials, equipment, or chemicals and situations that may require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment

CEHMM is an Equal Opportunity Employer.