$23.07 - $36.91 Hourly
$47,989 - $76,782 Annually
This position is a Pay Band 65
Posting Details
Our Mission
It is the mission of New Mexicos 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 Bear and Cougar Biologist is responsible for the conservation and management of bear and cougar populations across the state through the development and execution of research, management actions, and public education in the context of biological, social, and political needs. This position will collaborate with internal and external partners to identify research needs, coordinate monitoring efforts, and ultimately develop management recommendations and a comprehensive, sustainable management program. The Bear and Cougar Biologist serves the public as a leading expert on these species and will develop educational materials to foster public understanding and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. This position is responsible for conducting field research, surveys, and analysis of diverse data sets to advance the Bear and Cougar program, as well as to support other programs in the Department.
How does it get done?
Research and monitoring - Identify research needs and priorities for bears and cougars, and develop and execute statistically robust research and monitoring projects for those species. Analyze data to determine population dynamics, spatial ecology and other metrics critical to informing management actions, and draft publications and reports to communicate results from that analysis, to include publication of scientific papers. Collaborate with land management agencies, private landowners, contractors, and universities to design and implement studies statewide.
Conservation and management Oversee the monitoring and processing of pelt-tagging efforts for bear and cougar mortalities through coordination with Department staff. Develop guidelines, protocols, and management strategies or recommendations for bear and cougar conservation and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
Education and outreach - Develop and disseminate educational materials and presentations for public consumption pertaining to bears and cougars, with an emphasis on safely living and recreating in bear and cougar country.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
Who are the customers?
The general public, in particular conservationists, sportspersons, and wildlife enthusiasts throughout New Mexico. Other Department of Game and Fish staff, including biologists, conservation officers, administrators and support staff. Cooperating agency staff from other state, federal, and non-governmental organizations.
Ideal Candidate
Experience developing and conducting research or surveys on large carnivores, including capturing and handling large carnivores.
Experience independently navigating remote outdoor settings in rough terrain on foot and with 4 wheel drive vehicles and hand held navigation equipment.
Experience with statistical analysis of wildlife data to develop written reports for a variety of audiences ranging from scientists to the general public.
Experience working with diverse groups of stakeholders on contentious issues.
Experience with speaking and presenting in front of the public and decision-makers to communicate wildlife management decisions.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree in biology, fisheries science/management, wildlife science/management, animal science, forestry, ecology, or similar related natural resource degree and two (2) years 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 six (6) 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.
Working Conditions
Working conditions can often be in a fast-paced environment with short deadlines. Work schedules can change to include long hours or weekends to capitalize on opportunities in the field or for travel to meetings. This position has both office and field work elements. While in the office, extended periods will be spent sitting at desks, working on a computer, attending meetings, and talking to the public by telephone and in person. In the field this person will spend extended periods traveling to various locations around the state. The ability to work in inclement weather (hot, cold, rain, snow, etc.) is often required. This person will need physical strength (e.g. carrying/lifting >25lbs) and stamina to hike and work at high elevations and drive 4-wheel drive vehicles over highways and narrow mountainous roads safely. Some work may require the person to ride in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for survey, capture, and other wildlife related work. Field work will require the ability to independently navigate in wilderness setting for extended periods of time. This position requires occasional use of a firearm to deliver immobilization drugs and projecting nets for wildlife capture, euthanizing injured or sick wildlife, collecting animals for research or monitoring, and protection from dangerous animals in close quarters. Specific tool use may include GPS, GIS, radio telemetry, cameras, spotting scopes, binoculars, capture equipment such as net guns, dart guns, drop nets, drive nets, clover traps, corral traps, and laboratory items such as centrifuges, syringes, needles, scalpels, microscopes, stethoscopes, thermometers, scissors, and standard construction tools such as drills, saws, hammers, shovels, wrenches, axes, and chainsaws.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact: Nicholas Forman, Carnivore and Small Mammal Program Manager. 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.
