Middle Rio Grande Restoration Ecologist; DOW

Why does the job exist?

This position exists to lead and advance large scale wetland and habitat restoration within the Middle Rio Grande Valley, one of New Mexico's most important wintering areas for migratory waterfowl. The Department manages thousands of acres of wetlands, riparian corridors, and managed moist soil units that support tens of thousands of migratory waterfowl each winter, along with an abundant diversity of other native wildlife species.

As the Department expands its conservation footprint and transitions former agricultural lands into functioning wildlife habitat, this role is critical to ensuring that restoration efforts are scientifically sound, operationally effective, and sustainable over the long term.

This is a unique opportunity for a wetland ecologist, waterfowl biologist, or habitat restoration specialist to directly shape the future of one of the Department's most important managed wetland systems.

• Restore and enhance wetland and riparian systems that sustain wintering waterfowl populations.
• Guide the transition of working lands into high quality wildlife habitat.
• Develop and implement restoration strategies grounded in hydrology, soil science, and ecological principles in the face of challenges due to drying conditions and changing climate.
• Build partnerships across agencies and organizations to deliver meaningful, lasting conservation outcomes.

Key responsibilities include soil and vegetation sampling, monitoring of surface and groundwater usage, developing a water budget with available water resources, identifying and coordinating necessary environmental and regulatory compliance, developing operational restoration plans for new and existing properties, assisting with irrigation of agricultural fields and moist soil units, regular reporting on all compliance, water meters, well status, soil health and vegetation, and fostering partnerships with NGOs and state and federal agencies.

This position will work to develop expertise in restoration ecology, land restoration techniques, soil science, cross‑boundary partnership, migratory waterfowl biology, and requires additional skills with strong scientific writing and proficiency in GIS.

The public who enjoys wildlife and wildlife habitat, other Department of Wildlife staff, including biologists, district officers and administrators, and staff from other state and federal agencies.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated restoration ecologist, wetland specialist, and/or waterfowl habitat professional who is driven by the opportunity to implement meaningful, landscape‑scale habitat restoration and conservation within a dynamic riverine, wetland, and agricultural system. This individual combines strong scientific training with practical field experience and is equally comfortable developing restoration strategies as they are implementing them on the ground.

They bring a deep understanding of wetland function, hydrology, soils, and vegetation management, and are passionate about improving habitat for wintering migratory waterfowl and other native species.

• Applied Restoration Expertise – Experience designing and implementing wetland, riparian, or moist soil habitat projects, with the ability to translate ecological principles into effective outcomes.
• Water and Habitat Systems Thinking – Strong understanding of hydrology, irrigation systems, soil processes, and vegetation dynamics in managed wetland environments, especially in water‑limited or highly managed landscapes.
• Field Leadership – Confidence leading projects in the field, coordinating contractors, troubleshooting issues in real time, and ensuring projects are completed safely and efficiently.
• Waterfowl and Wildlife Habitat Focus – Familiarity with the habitat needs of wintering migratory waterfowl and the ability to apply that knowledge to habitat design, timing of management actions, and adaptive management strategies.
• Analytical and Technical Skills – Proficiency in GIS, data collection, and monitoring techniques, with the ability to evaluate habitat conditions, track outcomes, and inform future management…