State of New Mexico
Salary
$19.97 – $29.95 Hourly
$41,527 – $62,291 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C4
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 non-supervisory position exists to assist with managing the infrastructure, farm fields, wildlife habitat, and public use of the Ladd S. Gordon Wildlife Management Complex (WMA).
WMA Management is organized under the Habitat and Lands Section of the Wildlife Management Division. This position is the senior farm worker and is required to perform the duties of planting, cultivating, pesticide application, irrigation and habitat manipulation (agriculture, moist soil and upland habitats) for resident/wintering waterfowl and all other wildlife on the properties that make up the WMA. This person 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, road graders, scrapers and transports. This position must monitor and track the daily operations and production of the farm to ensure its success. This position will recommend changes for necessary improvements to the WMA Manager. This person will assist in the development of farm plans and be active in implementing new plans as well. This position will aid the WMA Manager in work duties pertaining to personnel and projects as deemed necessary by the Manager. This position will work with other state and federal agencies and must know statutory regulations for the WMA and respond to the public’s inquiries and needs to satisfy the requirements in the Middle Rio Grande Waterfowl Management Plan. This position will also work with WMA manager to identify off-site work activities on other WMA’s or lands, which may require long travel days and overnight travel. This position will also assist less experienced workers with education and training.
How does it get done?
Task 1 — This position will perform field duties necessary to support wildlife, wildlife habitat, and public access on the properties that make up the Ladd S. Gordon Wildlife Management Complex. 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 flood irrigation and habitat manipulation on the property. This position will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment such as backhoes, bulldozers, road graders, wheel loaders and farm equipment such as agriculture tractors and implements such as planters, rippers, cultivators, herbicide sprayers, grain drills, discs, and mowers. Must obtain NMDA Pesticide Applicator’s License. Must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or be able to obtain one within 6 months of accepting the position.
Task 2 — Maintain facilities, equipment, and grounds. The Senior Farm Worker is responsible for the agricultural fleet management of assets on the WMA. This includes working with the WMA Manager to develop an inspection schedule and log book to keep track of heavy equipment maintenance and operations. The Senior Farm Worker will work to ensure proper and safe operation of equipment and vehicles. Clean and monitor equipment, facilities, and grounds on a regular basis. Perform maintenance needs for equipment and vehicles as required. Report any repair needs to the WMA Manager.
Task 3 — Irrigate agricultural crops and monitor water levels in moist soil units (ponds) using flood and pump/pivot irrigation systems. Irrigate crops without over-watering to prevent crop damage. This position will be responsible for the irrigation wells on the WMA, and will work with the WMA Manager to develop an inspection schedule and log book to track maintenance and operations of the irrigation wells. This position will report any maintenance or repair needs to the WMA Manager.
Task 4 — Purchase supplies, handle monthly paperwork, and communicate and interact with Department personnel and personnel from other agencies. Plan and oversee projects for the management of wildlife habitat and infrastructure development on the WMA. Work with WMA Manager to develop and manage detailed project schedules and work plans. Track project costs. In addition, this position must manage various, ongoing contracts with multiple vendors and suppliers as part of project management responsibilities.
Who are the customers?
Hunters, anglers, and other conservationists 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
The Ideal Candidate will have:
3 years of experience directly related to agriculture production
3 years of experience with the use and maintenance of heavy machinery including agriculture tractors and implements as well as heavy equipment
3 years of experience with maintenance of infrastructure including fences, water wells, buildings, etc
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.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science, Aquaculture, Animal Science, or Wildlife Science, or other closely related, applicable field. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education.
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. Must obtain NMDA Pesticide Applicator’s License. Must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or be able to obtain one within 6 months of accepting the position.
Working Conditions
This job requires both office work and field work. Normal indoor environment with sitting, talking on phone, time using a computer and software including Microsoft Windows programs. Some standing at fax and copy machines, lifting of moderately heavy items (10-40 lb), such as boxes of paper, envelopes and annually prepared documents. Frequent lifting 10 – 50 lbs. Occasional lifting 80 lbs. Frequent twisting, bending, standing, climbing, and sitting. Will operate agricultural and heavy equipment including transport trucks, tractors, bulldozers, graders, and others with 20 various implement attachments. Will also utilize ATVs, UTVs, and a Department 4×4 vehicle on a daily basis. Will use hand tools, power tools, welders, cutting torches, plasma clutters, tire machines and pressure washers. Occasional overnight travel is required. Occasional weekend or evening work is required. The ability to work outside in inclement weather (hot, cold, rain, snow, mud, wind, etc.) is required.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Daniel Lusk, WMA Program Manager, Daniel.Lusk@dgf.nm.gov. 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.
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