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Aquatic Biologist — New Mexico Department of Game & Fish

Posted: 
07/11/2025
Expiration Date: 
07/22/2025

Aquatic Biologist — New Mexico Department of Game & Fish

Salary
$23.07 - $36.91 Hourly

$47,989 - $76,782 Annually

This position is a Pay Band 65

Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.

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.

Please visit our website for more information at https://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/

Why does the job exist?
The primary purpose of this position is to lead conservation and management activities for native aquatic invertebrates across New Mexico. The position incumbent will have primary responsibility for conducting field work and data analysis necessary to make informed management decisions to enhance the conservation status of the species in their purview. The incumbent will work within an inter-agency/inter-state context to make decisions and recommendations for the development and implementation of conservation priorities, research, and management. The position exists within the Department of Game and Fish's Native Fish Program and will report to and work closely with the Lower Pecos and Canadian Native Fish Supervisor to execute projects. The position will require a high degree of technical expertise, field and office capabilities, and independent judgment.

How does it get done?
Major job tasks will include:

  • Develop and implement management actions for native aquatic invertebrates with emphasis on state and federally listed species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need
  • Conduct life history, population, and ecological studies of native aquatic invertebrates with emphasis on state and federally listed species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need
  • Develop and administer grants and contracts that support management, research, and conservation of aquatic invertebrates
  • Summarize and analyze biological data and prepare technical reports, outreach materials, and presentations based on the findings of survey and research efforts

Who are the customers?
This position serves the people of New Mexico by advancing the conservation of native aquatic species.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate:

  • Possess a degree in wildlife, fisheries, ecology or a related subject and at least four years of experience working with imperiled aquatic species or a closely related field.
  • Has experience working independently in remote settings.
  • Has participated in inter-agency conservation activities that include diverse public and private stakeholders.
  • Has at least two years experience working with threatened, endangered, or imperiled aquatic species.

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 New Mexico 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 in approximately equal proportions in both office and field settings. Field work and meeting attendance will require travel throughout the state and region. The position will require the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, hike long distances, and camp in remote locations. Use of invertebrate and fish sampling equipment (benthic samplers, scuba and snorkel equipment, electrofishers, nets, seines, traps, etc.), rafts, motor boats, OHVs, and other equipment will be required. The position will require significant walking, lifting, and bending, as well as working in and around water.

Supplemental Information
Benefits:

Agency Contact Information: Jane Trujillo, Lower Pecos & Canadian Basin Native Fish Supervisor. 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.