Range Conservation Scientist

The Range Conservation Scientist position is a permanent full-time position located in Milnesand, NM, reporting to the Conservation District II Project Manager. The Range Conservation Scientist will accomplish a wide variety of client needs including but not limited to:
 

• Develop, implement, or administer plans for livestock grazing operations, rangeland habitat analyses and enhancements, rangeland improvements, wildlife habitat protection and improvement, watershed protection and improvement.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to landowners/ranchers for grazing systems, range improvements, and wildlife management.
• Work with federal and state land management agencies to identify rangeland health needs, provide assistance with grazing permit compliance, and collect and analyze data.
• Study forage plants and their growth requirements to determine varieties best suited to particular range.
• Study rangeland management practices and research range problems to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.
• Study grazing patterns to determine number and kind of livestock that can be most profitably grazed and to determine the best grazing seasons.
• Identify and develop rangeland improvement projects.
• Conduct vegetation, soil, hydrological condition and trend surveys and analysis.
• Collect field samples, monitor experiments, make observations, calculate, and record results.
• Compile, prepare, analyze, and manage survey data.
• Construct and repair habitat improvement structures.
• Produce maps using GIS.
• Assure compliance with government regulations and habitat protection.
• Keep accurate and complete records.
• Assist with preparation of technical reports and scientific papers.
• Adhere to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.
• Various other projects and duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in range science or equivalent required.
• Five years’ experience or equivalent required.
• Ability to obtain licenses and certifications as required.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of range science and wildlife, including the ability to develop grazing plans and wildlife habitat management.
• Experience in rangeland inventory, plant identification, and grazing management planning.

• Master’s degree in range science or equivalent
• Ability to identify and differentiate between species in the field, in particular lesser prairie-chickens and dunes sagebrush lizards.
• Experience with GPS.
• Experience with GIS.
•  Ability to pull a trailer and operate a UTV.