New Mexico Public Lands Coordinator

~ Today Trout Unlimited (TU) is a national organization with about 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils from Maine to Montana to Alaska. ~

This dedicated grassroots army is matched by a respected staff of lawyers, policy experts and scientists, who work out of more than 30 offices nationwide. These conservation professionals ensure that TU is at the forefront of fisheries restoration work at the local, state and national levels.

The organization remains committed to applying "the very best information and thinking available" in its conservation work and has developed cutting-edge tools such as the Conservation Success Index (CSI), a sophisticated framework for assessing the health of coldwater fish species throughout their native range. Whether this range encompasses a few hundred miles or multiple states, the CSI helps the organization target its efforts toward those populations most in need of protection or restoration.

Position Overview

The New Mexico Public Lands Coordinator will report directly to the Southwest Region Director (SCP) and will be responsible for working with industry, businesses, political leaders, agriculture, sportsmen, and local communities on a variety of campaigns and projects to conserve quality habitat for native fish, elk, deer, and other game animals throughout New Mexico. This position is supported through The Wyss Fellows Program.

This program provides campaign experience and training for individuals who have the potential to become future conservation leaders. Fellows work at sponsoring organizations on a variety of projects and campaigns determined by the sponsoring organization during their two-year fellowship.

Wyss Fellowships are ideal for talented and committed individuals just completing their education and looking to launch their career in conservation, or for those looking to make a career change. Fellows gain experience in all aspects of conservation advocacy, including policy development, grassroots and grasstops organizing, coalition building, research and writing, media and communications, and fundraising. Fellows also participate in annual week-long training programs, where they have the chance to meet and learn about other Wyss Fellows’ work. The position location is in Santa Fe, New Mexico but other New Mexico communities will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Grassroots organizing with local and state hunters/anglers, organizations, local businesses and community leaders.
• Work with the New Mexico TU Council and chapter leaders, local elected officials, legislative officials, and state and federal land management agencies to achieve protection of key fish and wildlife habitats.
• Leading a collaborative team effort to maintain and protect critical fish and wildlife values in New Mexico.
• Working with sportsmen’s organizations, and others, to advocate against public land seizure.
• Advancing a sportsmen’s vision for public land management through ongoing national forest planning processes and other place-based campaigns.
• Achieving native trout protection and restoration goals through implementation of TU’s Southwest Native Trout Strategy.

Note: This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree or equivalent professional experience.
• No more than 2 years professional conservation experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and be a team player.
• Knowledge of New Mexico public land and coldwater conservation issues.
• Experience in developing and leading advocacy oriented campaigns preferred.
• Positive attitude with energy and willingness to do what it takes to get the job done.
• Passion for protecting and restoring coldwater fisheries.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and social media.
• Strong inter-personal skills.
• Avid angler/hunter a plus.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Preferred location is in the Santa Fe although other locations in the state will be considered.