Senior Environmental Scientist (EMNRD #10115186)

The State of New Mexico is hiring a Senior Environmental Scientist for the Oil Conservation Division. This role involves permitting and registering oil and gas operations to protect groundwater and public health. Responsibilities include field inspections, compliance checks, and advising on legal requirements. The position can be based in various locations in New Mexico, including Albuquerque, Artesia, Aztec, Hobbs, and Santa Fe.
Posting Details

This position can be based in any of the Division's five locations: Albuquerque, Artesia, Aztec, Hobbs, Santa Fe.

The Oil Conservation Division of EMNRD regulates oil and gas activity in New Mexico. The Division's core responsibilities include issuing permits for new wells, issuing permits/registrations for activities and facilities associated with oil and gas operation, enforcing state and division rules, collecting data on well production, managing the spill reporting process, ensuring abandoned wells are properly plugged, and requiring the responsible restoration of land affected by oil and gas operations.

This position is part of the Division's Environmental Bureau, which is responsible for regulating the environmental aspects of oil, gas, operations throughout the state. Its primary goal is to protect groundwater, public health, and the environment by permitting/registering activities and facilities associated with oil and gas operation.

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

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Why does the job exist?

This Senior Environmental Scientist assists the Administrative Permitting Program of the Oil Conservation Division's Environmental Bureau; this program works on registering/permitting activities and facilities associated with oil and gas operation with a focus on protecting groundwater, public health, and the environment. This position will primarily register/permit pits, below-grade tanks, surface waste management facilities, produced water recycling facilities, and issue ground water discharge permits. This position will have the expertise to help coordinate and implement OCD programs to ensure that they meet legal requirements; help advise senior management on legal and management issues, policies and rules, and have in-depth familiarity with the Oil and Gas Act and Rules and the Water Quality Act and Rules, that govern the OCD's Environmental Bureau.
How does it get done?

1. Assist the Conservation Division's (OCD) Environmental Bureau in the registering/permitting process and conduct periodic field Inspections.
2. Ensure operators are in compliance with requirements of the rules and permits including OCD, OCC, or WQCC orders.
3. Ensure that all forms, reports, and correspondence are properly archived and assist in the development of new forms and the modification of existing forms when needed.
4. Locate and inspect well sites and facilities in need of field inspection. Collect technical site information and use the information for detailed investigations and reviews.
5. Locate, evaluate, investigate and document reported issues. Perform site assessments and review the technical aspects of the identified issue(s). Advise the responsible parties of the rule requirements and provide guidance on the how to accomplish the requirements.
6. Assist the Conservation Division's (OCD) Environmental Bureau in Administrative Application Processing, which includes: Review applications for surface waste management facilities, groundwater discharge permits, temporary pits, multi-well fluid management pits, and permanent pits, registrations of below-grade tanks and closure reports for pits and tanks, registrations for produced water recycling facilities and containments, review monthly produced water volumes, and evaluate and approve hydrogen sulfide contingency plans; draft and issue permits and inspect permitted/registered facilities, including refineries.
7. Other duties as assigned.
Who are the customers?

This job supports the oil and gas industry, other state and federal agencies and the general public. This position plays a vital role in protecting natural resources, public health, the environment, and groundwater resources of New Mexico.
Ideal Candidate

This job supports the oil and gas industry, other state and federal agencies and the general public. This position plays a vital role in protecting natural resources, public health, the environment, and groundwater resources of New Mexico.
Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's Degree in Physical, Natural, or Environmental Science, Soil Science, Engineering, or Chemistry and four (4) years of experience in public/environmental health, environmental science, animal science, natural science, biological science, physical science, air quality management, 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 eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience
Employment Requirements

Must possess, maintain a valid driver's license and obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.
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 travel may be required. Some field/facility site inspections required.
Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Leigh Barr, (505) 476-3441, 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.