Water Resource Professional III (NMED #12049)

$35.15 - $56.24 Hourly

$73,112 - $119,979 Annually

This position is a Pay Band EF

Posting Details

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.

Department Name: Resource Protection Division
Program Area: Solid Waste Bureau/Permit Section

Looking for a rewarding career and growth opportunity? The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is seeking highly engaged talent to assist us in our mission to protect and restore the environment and foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for present and future generations. Come be a part of our great team for change! Learn more at: https://www.env.nm.gov/

As a valued new employee to the NMED, you will receive five (5) full days of leave in your leave balances right from your start date.

Why does the job exist?

The purpose of this position in the Solid Waste Bureau's (SWB) Permit Section ensures environmental protection and public safety by enforcing Solid Waste Rules and the Solid Waste Act. The role involves overseeing the construction, operation, and monitoring of active solid waste facilities to ensure regulatory compliance and scientific accuracy. It also includes ensuring that inactive landfills undergo proper closure and post-closure monitoring, consistent with regulatory standards.

How does it get done?

- Review solid waste facility permit applications, closure plans, and construction quality assurance plans for feasibility and compliance with engineering standards, including American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) Standards.
- Apply analytical groundwater flow models (e.g., MULTIMED) and hydrologic models (e.g., HELP) to evaluate computer simulation results submitted by applicants.
- Document findings, prepare written requests for additional information, public hearing notices, and technical testimony, and assemble Administrative Records for permit applications.
- Evaluate groundwater and vadose zone monitoring plans and reports for regulatory compliance and technical adequacy, including conducting field surveys and sampling to verify groundwater protection.
- Assess corrective measures and proposed remedies for groundwater contamination, providing oversight for corrective actions and the installation of monitoring wells and subsurface instruments.
- Evaluate methane and leachate monitoring plans and reports for regulatory compliance and technical adequacy, overseeing corrective actions and the installation of methane extraction wells and leachate collection systems.

Who are the customers?

- New Mexicans to protect and restore the environment
- Occasional contact with external Federal, State and Local regulatory bodies as well as contractors and environmental not for profit organizations
- Internal staff

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have experience in:
- Highly specialized technical fields such as Geology, Hydrology, Geochemistry, Hydrogeology, Chemistry, or Environmental Science.
- Reviewing solid waste facility permit applications and registrations to assess compliance and appropriate actions for operations and closure.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Interpreting and implementing environmental policies, statutes, and regulations, including:
New Mexico Solid Waste Act, New Mexico Solid Waste Rules, Recycling, Illegal Dumping Act, and Scrap Tire Management Rule

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Science, Hydrology, Geology, Environmental Science, Water Resources, Watershed Management, Physics, Natural Science, Physical Science, Life Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Forestry/Forest Science, Conservation Science, Wildlife Science Emergency Management or Engineering and four (4) years of relevant experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience. Substitutions Apply. See Substitution Table below.

Substitution Table

These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 8 years of experience 2 Associate's degree AND 6 years of experience 3 Bachelor's degree AND 4 years of experience 4 Master's degree AND 2 years of experience 5 PhD degree AND 0 years of experience
• Education and years of experience must be related to the purpose of the position.

• If Minimum Qualification requires a specific number of "semester hours" in a field (e.g. 6 semester hours in Accounting), applicants MUST have those semester hours in order to meet the minimum qualifications. No substitutions apply for semester hours.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive a Defensive Driving Course certificate as a condition of continued employment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. Occasional field work and occasional travel (10%), including occasional overnight travel to participate in public hearings; occasional walking on rough terrain and exposure to inclement weather; routine use of a personal computer, phone, and the driving of state vehicles. In-state and out of state travel may be required.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Daniele Berardelli (505) 670-2018 or Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.