Environmental Scientist & Specialist Supervisor (NMED #10116367)

The State of New Mexico is hiring an Environmental Scientist & Specialist Supervisor to assist in managing the Solid Waste Bureau's Permit Section in Santa Fe, NM. The role involves supervising staff, ensuring compliance with solid waste regulations, reviewing permits, conducting inspections, and providing technical expertise in environmental science. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
$32.84 - $52.54 Hourly

$68,302 - $109,283 Annually

This position is a Pay Band 80

Posting Details

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

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.

Why does the job exist?

This purpose of this position is to assist the Permit Section Manager with operations and staff management. It is an advanced professional position in the Solid Waste Bureau's Permit Section and is responsible for ensuring consistency and timely action in the protection of the environment, natural resources, and the public against the adverse impacts from solid waste facilities through the implementation of the Solid Waste Rules and the Solid Waste Act. This purpose is achieved by devoting a substantial portion of time to assigning and directly supervising the work of at least two full-time Permit Section employees. The position makes certain that construction, operation, monitoring, closure and post-closure activities at solid waste facilities comply with regulatory requirements and are performed in a manner that is technically and scientifically appropriate. This purpose is further achieved by training, mentoring, and directing staff to ensure a coordinated team moves forward the goals of the Section.

How does it get done?

- Provide expertise in Geology, Hydrology, Geochemistry, Hydrogeology, Chemistry, or Environmental Science for reviewing solid waste facility permits and registrations.
- Assess facility operations and closure plans to ensure compliance with solid waste facility permits.
- Supervise at least two full-time employees and lead a team to ensure regulatory oversight.
- Provide guidance, training, and review of staff-prepared documents, including reports, letters, comments, and regulatory documentation.
- Review solid waste facility permit applications, closure plans, and construction quality assurance plans for feasibility and compliance with engineering design guidelines and standards
- Apply groundwater flow models and hydrologic models to analyze applicant-submitted simulations.
- Document findings and prepare requests for additional information, public hearing notices, technical testimony, and Administrative Records for permit applications.
- Evaluate groundwater and vadose zone monitoring plans and reports for regulatory compliance and technical adequacy.
- Conduct field inspections, measure water levels, perform groundwater sampling, and analyze data to verify groundwater protection at solid waste facilities.
- Assess corrective measures for groundwater contamination and oversee the installation of monitoring wells, vadose zone wells, and other subsurface monitoring instruments.
- Evaluate methane and leachate monitoring plans and reports for compliance and technical accuracy.
- Oversee corrective action measures, including 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 the following:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Supervising and training scientific staff
- Hydrogeology and Environmental Science
- Reviewing solid waste permit and registration applications
- Interpreting and implementing environmental policies, statutes, and regulations, including New Mexico Solid Waste Act, New Mexico Solid Waste Rules, Recycling and Illegal Dumping Act, Recycling, Illegal Dumping, and Scrap Tire Management Rule

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.

Substitution Table

These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
Education Experience Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 9 years of experience OR High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 9 years of experience 2 Associate's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 7 years of experience Associate's degree or higher in any field AND 9 years of experience 3 Bachelor's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 5 years of experience 4 Master's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 3 years of experience 5 PhD degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 1 year 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 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 under sometimes stressful situations. 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; and the driving of state vehicles.

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.
For more information on how to apply, please check out the Application Guide: link

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining unit