District Environmental Coordinator (DOT/GO/PINF #18861)

The District Environmental Coordinator at the State of New Mexico oversees environmental clearance for federally funded construction projects, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. This role involves close collaboration with project teams and various agencies, managing project schedules, budgets, and environmental assessments. The position is based in Santa Fe, NM, and requires extensive communication and coordination with stakeholders to achieve project objectives.
Posting Details

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

The mission of the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is to provide a safe and efficient transportation system for the traveling public, while promoting economic development and preserving the environment of New Mexico. The Environmental Bureau work with many elements of the NMDOT and the public to ensure that transportation projects protect, mitigate, and enhance the environment and preserve cultural resources while meeting the mission of the Department. The Environmental Bureau is composed of three Sections: Natural Resources/NEPA, Cultural Resources, and Roadside and Community Design. This position is in the Natural Resources/NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) Section.
Why does the job exist?

The District Environmental Coordinator oversees the Environmental Clearance certification process for all federally funded construction projects statewide, and provides environmental clearances for all state-funded and maintenance projects as well. An Environmental Clearance is required to obligate all federal funding for all NMDOT projects. The position is assigned to one of the NMDOT six (6) transportation districts, and maintains close contact with Project Design Engineers and design teams, consultants, and other stakeholders to maintain projects schedules, budgets, and deadlines. The position reports to the Natural Resources Supervisor and provides weekly and monthly updates on potential projects issues including delays, complications, and problems that need to be escalated to upper management. The coordinator position has extensive communication with consultants to define the level of environmental effort, monitor progress, and review and comment on reports. The coordinator position will lead and/or assist in consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NM Environmental Department, US. Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and other federal, state, and local agencies.
How does it get done?

This position ensures that the environmental components and final environmental certification of all construction design projects are on-schedule and budget. The coordinator position will receive internal training and extensive opportunities for external training to become a subject matter expert on NEPA: National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act Section 404/401, Endangered Species Section 7 consultant, and cross training with cultural resources. In the process of assessing the impacts of transportation projects, the coordinator will assist with tribal consultation, wetland impacts and mitigation, cultural and historic resources, and other diverse subjects. The coordinator will assist with consultant contract management, proposal selection, deliverable evaluation, and extensive coordination.
Who are the customers?

This position serves the one of the Regional Design Centers (North, Central or South) and one of the six (6) NMDOT District Offices. The position also consults with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, New Mexico Environmental Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Cultural Affairs, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and other federal and state regulatory, advisory and land management agencies.
Ideal Candidate

This position serves the one of the Regional Design Centers (North, Central or South) and one of the six (6) NMDOT District Offices. The position also consults with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, New Mexico Environmental Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Cultural Affairs, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and other federal and state regulatory, advisory and land management agencies.
Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree in Physical, Natural, or Environmental Science, Soil Science, or Engineering and five (5) years of work experience in public/environmental health, environmental science, Air Quality Management, Biology, Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, Hazardous Waste Management, Wildlife Management, and/or Water Resources. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling nine (9) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements

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 a Defensive Driving Course certificate as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions

Working Conditions for individual positions in this classification will vary based on each agency's utilization, essential functions, and the recruitment needs at the time a vacancy is posted. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer, virtual meetings and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting/standing (optional standing desk provided). Position is primarily in the office, but will require occasional field visits, possible overnight trips, working outside in inclement weather, and visiting active construction sites in highway environments.
Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: James Hirsch (505) 469-5535. 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.