Wildlife Area Manager
NM Department of Game and Fish (State) | https://wildlife.state.nm.us
Details
Application Deadline:
10/30/2025
Published:
10/17/2025
Starting Date:
between 12/1/2025 and 2/1/2026
Hours per Week:
at least 40
Salary:
$55,273 to $82,909 per year
Education Required:
Bachelors
Experience Required:
at least 1 year
Location:
320 wildway (marquez, New Mexico)
Description
This position is posted in Albuquerque due to the closest DGF Office location; however, the incumbent will be required to live on-site at the Marquez/L-Bar WMA, approximately 34 driving miles from Laguna, NM which is the closest town. Housing is provided by the Department on-site at the Marquez/L-Bar Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
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.
Please visit our website for more information at https://www.wildlife.dgf.nm.gov
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
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.
Please visit our website for more information at https://www.wildlife.dgf.nm.gov
This non-supervisory position exists to manage the infrastructure, farm fields, wildlife habitat, and public use of the Marquez/L-Bar Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
The Marquez/L-Bar WMA is approximately 2 hours of driving time west of Albuquerque, NM. It encompasses nearly 68,000 deeded acres with elevation changes from 6,000 ft to 9,000 ft. The property is in a scenic, remote setting, with abundant wildlife and diverse habitat types.
Housing is provided by the Department on-site at the WMA. The Incumbent is expected to live on-site at the Marquez L-Bar WMA, approximately 34 driving miles from Laguna, NM which is the closest town.
The incumbent is responsible for carrying out day to day operations in a remote and isolated setting, often independently with minimal field supervision. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for ongoing aspects of infrastructure management, including road and fence maintenance, wildlife water and well development, crop production for wildlife to feed on ~ 55 acres, as well as inspection and maintenance on several homes and outbuildings on the property.
The Marquez/L-Bar WMA is approximately 2 hours of driving time west of Albuquerque, NM. It encompasses nearly 68,000 deeded acres with elevation changes from 6,000 ft to 9,000 ft. The property is in a scenic, remote setting, with abundant wildlife and diverse habitat types.
Housing is provided by the Department on-site at the WMA. The Incumbent is expected to live on-site at the Marquez L-Bar WMA, approximately 34 driving miles from Laguna, NM which is the closest town.
The incumbent is responsible for carrying out day to day operations in a remote and isolated setting, often independently with minimal field supervision. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for ongoing aspects of infrastructure management, including road and fence maintenance, wildlife water and well development, crop production for wildlife to feed on ~ 55 acres, as well as inspection and maintenance on several homes and outbuildings on the property.
Task 1 - Development of Operations and Maintenance Project List
Work with direct supervisor, the WMA Program Manager, to develop and organize a List of operations and maintenance projects for the Property. The List will be developed with respect to Department objectives to conserve natural resources, manage recreational access, and maintain/upgrade infrastructure on the Property. The List will organize management activities such as wildlife habitat restoration, infrastructure maintenance, and facility repairs, along with public access management, public outreach and partnership development. Responsibilities may include all aspects of project planning, field work, and project management, including coordination and oversight of contractor activities. This List will be a living document as items or tasks are completed and new priorities get identified and added to the List.
Task 2 - Perform Operations and Maintenance
This position will perform field duties necessary to support wildlife, wildlife habitat, and public access on the Property. On an annual basis, these duties may consist of infrastructure maintenance, including fence repair/build, wildlife water development, road grading, and agricultural work including planting, cultivating, pesticide application, and irrigation and habitat manipulation (groundwater well and ~55 acre agricultural pivot) on the Property. This position will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment and farm equipment such as tractors, plows, cultivators, sprayers, grain drills, discs and mowers, bulldozers, backhoes, and road graders, in addition to other similar types of equipment. This position will be responsible for oversight and inspections of contracted operations and maintenance tasks on the Property. The Incumbent must obtain NMDA Pesticide Applicator's License.
Task 3 - Wildlife Habitat Enhancement
In coordination with the Habitat Manager and the the Area Habitat Biologists, plan, develop, and implement new and ongoing habitat restoration projects on the Property. As required, act as project manager for the expenditure of habitat management funds; supervise contractors, inspect projects, and write completion reports. Collect spatial data related to habitat condition, habitat management/restoration actions, and habitat restoration priorities. Be a part of a team to build a habitat management priority and implementation spatial database for the Property.
Task 4 - Data Collection and Reporting
As requested by supervisor and species biologists, collect data related to the management of game and non-game wildlife populations and their habitats to meet Department goals, objectives, mission and policies. Collect and compile biological data obtained from wildlife and wildlife habitat surveys according to accepted statistical procedures set by species leads at the Department. Work cooperatively with other department personnel, personnel of other state and federal agencies, and neighboring private landowners as required. Work with species specific biologists to ensure data collection needs are met across the Property.
Work with direct supervisor, the WMA Program Manager, to develop and organize a List of operations and maintenance projects for the Property. The List will be developed with respect to Department objectives to conserve natural resources, manage recreational access, and maintain/upgrade infrastructure on the Property. The List will organize management activities such as wildlife habitat restoration, infrastructure maintenance, and facility repairs, along with public access management, public outreach and partnership development. Responsibilities may include all aspects of project planning, field work, and project management, including coordination and oversight of contractor activities. This List will be a living document as items or tasks are completed and new priorities get identified and added to the List.
Task 2 - Perform Operations and Maintenance
This position will perform field duties necessary to support wildlife, wildlife habitat, and public access on the Property. On an annual basis, these duties may consist of infrastructure maintenance, including fence repair/build, wildlife water development, road grading, and agricultural work including planting, cultivating, pesticide application, and irrigation and habitat manipulation (groundwater well and ~55 acre agricultural pivot) on the Property. This position will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment and farm equipment such as tractors, plows, cultivators, sprayers, grain drills, discs and mowers, bulldozers, backhoes, and road graders, in addition to other similar types of equipment. This position will be responsible for oversight and inspections of contracted operations and maintenance tasks on the Property. The Incumbent must obtain NMDA Pesticide Applicator's License.
Task 3 - Wildlife Habitat Enhancement
In coordination with the Habitat Manager and the the Area Habitat Biologists, plan, develop, and implement new and ongoing habitat restoration projects on the Property. As required, act as project manager for the expenditure of habitat management funds; supervise contractors, inspect projects, and write completion reports. Collect spatial data related to habitat condition, habitat management/restoration actions, and habitat restoration priorities. Be a part of a team to build a habitat management priority and implementation spatial database for the Property.
Task 4 - Data Collection and Reporting
As requested by supervisor and species biologists, collect data related to the management of game and non-game wildlife populations and their habitats to meet Department goals, objectives, mission and policies. Collect and compile biological data obtained from wildlife and wildlife habitat surveys according to accepted statistical procedures set by species leads at the Department. Work cooperatively with other department personnel, personnel of other state and federal agencies, and neighboring private landowners as required. Work with species specific biologists to ensure data collection needs are met across the Property.
Ideal Candidate
- At least 3 years of experience directly related to agriculture, wildlife, forestry, ecology, biology and/or habitat restoration.
- At least 3 years of experience with the use and maintenance of heavy machinery including tractors, plows, discs, bobcats, road graders, etc.
- At least 3 years of experience with maintenance of infrastructure including fences, water wells, buildings, etc.
- At least 3 years of experience evaluating habitats and developing restoration plans to benefit free-ranging wildlife species such as such as mule deer, elk, quail, and wild turkey.
- At least 3 years experience managing or participating in farm, ranch or wildlife habitat improvement projects such as fence construction/removal, well maintenance and operations, forestry work, etc.
- At least 1 year of experience with state or federal procurement.
- A strong history of experience spending prolonged periods of time in an isolated and remote setting.
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.
This position is posted in Albuquerque due to the closest DGF Office location; however, the incumbent will be required to live on-site at the Marquez/L-Bar WMA, approximately 34 driving miles from Laguna, NM which is the closest town. Housing is provided by the Department on-site at the Marquez/L-Bar Wildlife Managment Area (WMA).
This position is posted in Albuquerque due to the closest DGF Office location; however, the incumbent will be required to live on-site at the Marquez/L-Bar WMA, approximately 34 driving miles from Laguna, NM which is the closest town. Housing is provided by the Department on-site at the Marquez/L-Bar Wildlife Managment Area (WMA).
Working Conditions
This job requires both field and office work. Normal indoor environment with sitting, computer use and talking on the phone. Some standing at fax and copy machines, lifting moderately heavy items (10-40 lb), such as boxes of paper, envelopes and annually-prepared documents. Will work with computer software including Microsoft Windows programs. Frequent lifting 10 - 60 lbs. Occasional lifting 80 lbs. Frequent twisting, bending, standing, climbing, and sitting. Will operate agricultural and heavy equipment including tractors, road graders, various implement attachments, transport trucks, ATVs, UTVs, and a passenger truck. Will use hand tools, power tools, welders, cutting torches, plasma clutters, and pressure washers. Will work outside approximately 80% of time. Work may be in inclement weather.
This position is posted in Albuquerque due to the closest DGF Office location; however, the incumbent will be required to live on-site at the Marquez/L-Bar WMA, approximately 34 driving miles from Laguna, NM which is the closest town. Housing is provided by the Department on-site at the Marquez/L-Bar Wildlife Managment Area (WMA).
This position is posted in Albuquerque due to the closest DGF Office location; however, the incumbent will be required to live on-site at the Marquez/L-Bar WMA, approximately 34 driving miles from Laguna, NM which is the closest town. Housing is provided by the Department on-site at the Marquez/L-Bar Wildlife Managment Area (WMA).
Supplemental Information
For information about the State of New Mexico's employee benefits, please visit:
https://www.spo.state.nm.us/career-services/total-compensation/
It is recommended that applicants reach out to discuss this opportunity and to ask any questions that they may have.
Agency Contact Information: Daniel Lusk, WMA Program Manager, Daniel.Lusk@dgf.nm.gov
https://www.spo.state.nm.us/career-services/total-compensation/
It is recommended that applicants reach out to discuss this opportunity and to ask any questions that they may have.
Agency Contact Information: Daniel Lusk, WMA Program Manager, Daniel.Lusk@dgf.nm.gov
Contact
Daniel Lusk
daniel.lusk@dgf.nm.gov (preferred contact method)