Assistant Chief of Wildlife (DGF #5058)

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?

This position is responsible for the guidance, oversight, management, and allocation of personnel and fiscal resources dedicated to the terrestrial and avian game and non-game programs. This position will be responsible for Department activities related to research and management of terrestrial and avian game and non-game species across the state. This position will provide oversight to Department biologists and program managers over terrestrial and avian species, including the development of management driven research, recommendations for harvest seasons and limits for game species, and recovery plans or conservation strategies for non-game species.
How does it get done?

Work with the Division Chief to develop annual budgets that will meet the goals, requirements, and needs of the wildlife section. Responsible for the expenditure of approved budgets, and developing, monitoring, and implementing grant proposals, amendments, and reports for all projects. Work with staff to ensure that expenditures are appropriate to accomplish the goals set forth for wildlife section. Work with program managers, financial staff, and the Administrative Services Division to ensure requests for expenditures are evaluated, approved if appropriate, and tracked.

Supervision of Staff: Consistent with SPO rules and procedures and DGF policies and procedures; develop employee performance evaluations that provide clear and concise job tasks and verify mutual understanding of expectations and conduct interim reviews as directed by SPO.

Work with the Chief to determine priority of work performed by staff directly under the wildlife section. This will include prioritization of work for the Department big game program manager, bird program manager, carnivore and small mammal program manager, species of greatest conservation need program manager, and wildlife disease specialist, and to work closely with the Financial Specialist. Additionally, work with the Division Chief to prioritize activities related to research and management of terrestrial game and non-game species.
Who are the customers?

The public who enjoy wildlife and outdoor recreation in New Mexico; other Department of Game and Fish staff, including biologists, district officers, administrators; hunters, stakeholders, cooperators, and all natural resource aficionados.
Ideal Candidate

The public who enjoy wildlife and outdoor recreation in New Mexico; other Department of Game and Fish staff, including biologists, district officers, administrators; hunters, stakeholders, cooperators, and all natural resource aficionados.
Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited college or university and nine (9) years of professional level experience operating within parameters and guidelines directly related to the purpose of the position defined by the agency at the time of recruitment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling thirteen (13) years may substitute for the required education and experience. A hiring agency will designate a portion of the required experience to include supervisory and/or specialized experience. Any required licensure, certification or registration shall be defined at the time of recruitment and will be in addition to the above requirements.
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

This job is primarily an office job but does require overnight travel to meetings, and occasionally requires field work. Office work consists of a normal indoor environment with continuous sitting, a significant amount of time using a computer and talking on the phone. Some standing and lifting of heavy items (10-40lbs). Field work consists of normal outdoor environments including exposure to the sun, wind, rain, snow, and biting insects. Must be able to operate a 4x4 vehicle on rough roads. The ability to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50lbs and sometimes more) is required. Overnight travel is required as is periodic weekend, early morning, or evening work, as dictated by project needs. The ability to work outside in inclement weather (hot, cold, rain, snow, etc.) is occasionally required. Specific tool use may include long-range thermal camera, GPS, GIS, telemetry, cameras, spotting scopes, binoculars, environmental measuring instruments, capture equipment such as drop nets, dart guns, and corral traps, and construction tools such as drills, fencing tools, and shovels.
Supplemental Information

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Stewart Liley, Chief of Wildlife (505) 476-8038 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.