Wildlife Management Area Equipment Operator (DOW #5083)

Onsite$42,765 - $64,168/yrPosted Sep 17, 2026

Job details

Location
Artesia, New Mexico
Work type
Onsite
Compensation
$42,765 - $64,168/yr
Posted
Sep 17, 2026
Apply on
careers.share.nm.gov

About this role

Salary

 

$20.56 - $30.85 Hourly

$42,773 - $64,160 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C4

Posting Details

 
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

Our Mission

It is the mission of New Mexico's Department of Wildlife: 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 will work within a team environment to support wildlife habitat and public access projects on the William S. Huey Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Artesia, NM, a 3,500-acre conservation property managed by the NM Department of Wildlife in southeastern New Mexico. This is a senior farm worker position that is required to perform the duties of planting, cultivating, pesticide application, irrigation and habitat manipulation for resident/wintering waterfowl and all other wildlife on the WMA in agricultural, wetland, and upland habitats. 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, tillage tools, cultivators, herbicide sprayers, grain drills, discs, roller/crimper and mowers. This position will assist in the development of habitat and agricultural plans across the WMA, and will aid the WMA Manager in directing work duties pertaining to personnel and projects as deemed necessary by the Manager.

How does it get done?

 
Task 1 -- This position will perform field duties necessary to support wildlife, wildlife habitat, and public access on the William S. Huey WMA. 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, pivot irrigation and habitat manipulation on the WMA. 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, tillage tools, cultivators, herbicide sprayers, grain drills, discs, roller/crimper and mowers.

Task 2 -- Maintain facilities, equipment, and grounds. 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 using irrigation well and monitor water levels in moist soil units (ponds) using flood and pump/pivot sprinkler irrigation systems.

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?

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

Ideal Candidate

 
The ideal candidate will have the following experience and education:

* Experience studying, manipulating, and/or improving wildlife habitat.

* Experience in agriculture production, including experience in planting, cultivating, soil preparation, and irrigation.

* Experience with the use and maintenance of heavy machinery including agriculture tractors, implements, and heavy equipment.

* Experience with the maintenance of infrastructure including fences, water wells, buildings, 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.

This is a safety sensitive position and requires that the candidate has a Commercial Driver's License or is able to obtain one within 6 months of accepting the position.

Working Conditions

 
Will work outside approximately 90% of time.

This job requires both office work and field work. Office 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 (10-40lb), such as boxes of paper, envelopes and annually prepared documents.

Field work - Frequent lifting 10 - 50lbs.  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 4x4 vehicle on a daily basis.  Will use hand tools, power tools, welders, cutting torches, plasma cutters 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

 

Benefits:

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Agency Contact Information: Sam Cordova 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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About New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
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