Senior Tailwater Fisheries Biologist (DGF#5092)
$26.57 - $39.86 Hourly
$55,273 - $82,909 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C7
Posting Details
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
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.
The Department's Fisheries Management Division is organized into three sections: Hatchery, Compliance and Habitat, and Research and Management. This position exists within the Research and Management Section's Sportfish Program. The Sportfish Program is charged with managing New Mexico's coldwater and warmwater sport fisheries to provide quality angling opportunities for the people and anglers of New Mexico.
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Why does the job exist?
From sparkling streams and high mountain lakes to productive reservoirs and the world-famous San Juan River tailwater, New Mexico is home to incredible fisheries for trout and other coldwater fish species. The primary responsibility of this position is to develop and implement science-based management actions to enhance trout populations on the San Juan River and other tailwaters throughout the State. The incumbent will apply sound scientific principles to evaluate the San Juan River and other tailwaters, make management recommendations, and develop and oversee projects to address specific management needs. This position will also require frequent engagement with partner agencies, NGOs, and the public, a high degree of technical expertise, strong field and office capabilities, and independent judgment. The position exists within the Department of Game and Fish's Sportfish Program and will report to and work closely with the Coldwater Sportfish Supervisor. The duty station for this position is Navajo Dam, NM but may be based from nearby New Mexico communities.
How does it get done?
Major job tasks include:
- Conduct studies and identify means of improving the San Juan River and other tailwater fisheries
- Analyze data and prepare reports summarizing the results of fisheries evaluations
- Develop, recommend, and implement management actions to improve the quality of the San Juan River and other tailwater fisheries
- Design and implement long-term monitoring protocols to assess trout abundance, size structure, and age composition
- Evaluate habitat quality and identify restoration or enhancement projects to improve the San Juan River and other tailwater fisheries
- Coordinate with hatchery personnel to refine number of fish stocked and frequency of stocking to balance angler demand and habitat capacity
- Provide information to the public and collaborating agencies regarding tailwater fisheries in New Mexico
Who are the customers?
This position serves the people of New Mexico and New Mexico's anglers by advancing the conservation and management of the San Juan River.
Ideal Candidate
- Experience in fisheries, wildlife, ecology, or a related subject and working in fisheries or a closely related field
- At least one year experience working with coldwater sportfish
- Experience operating motorboats and rafts, fish sampling gear (electrofishers, nets, seines, traps), conducting angler surveys, conducting habitat assessments
- Familiarity with experimental design and strong data analysis/interpretation skills
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. 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
Work will occur both in the office (35%) and field (65%). Field work and meeting attendance will require travel statewide. This position requires the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, hike long distances, and camp in remote locations. Use of fish sampling gear (electrofishers, nets, seines, traps, etc.), 4x4 trucks, rafts, motor boats, OHV's, stock (horses and mules), and other equipment will be required. The position will require significant walking, lifting, and bending as well as working in and around water. Working irregular hours, sometime on nights, weekends, and holidays, travel across the state, occasionally for extended periods, and camping will be required.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact: Ian Taylor Booth, Coldwater Sportfish Supervisor (505) 487-3747. 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.