Environmental Scientist

The State of New Mexico is hiring an Environmental Scientist for the Resource Protection Division in Santa Fe, NM, with a salary range of $66,880 - $100,320 annually. The role involves ensuring compliance with environmental regulations related to solid waste management and requires a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field along with two years of experience. The position offers five days of leave from the start date.
$32.15 - $48.23 Hourly

$66,880 - $100,320 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C9

Posting Details

Department Name: Resource Protection Division
Program Area: Resource Recovery Bureau

Looking for a rewarding career and growth opportunity? The New Mexico Environment Department (NMENV) 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:

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

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

Why does the job exist?

This position exists to protect the public and the environment by assuring compliance with the Solid Waste Act, New Mexico Solid Waste Rules, Recycling and Illegal Dumping Act, and the Recycling, Illegal Dumping and Scrap Tire Management Rule through implementation of the Solid Waste Rules and the Solid Waste Act. This purpose is achieved by making certain the construction, operation and monitoring activities at the active solid waste facilities comply with the regulatory requirements and are performed in a manner that is technically and scientifically appropriate. This purpose is further achieved by ensuring that inactive landfills undergo permanent closure and post-closure monitoring actions that are implemented in a manner consistent with regulatory requirements and are technically and scientifically sound.

How does it get done?

- Review solid waste facility permit and registration applications, closure plans and construction quality assurance plans for feasibility and compliance with general engineering design guidelines and relevant standards
- Evaluate groundwater, leachate and landfill gas management plan reports for compliance with regulatory requirements and technical adequacy
- Review environmental monitoring reports for compliance with regulatory requirements and technical adequacy
- Make determinations regarding monitoring including appropriate levels and corrective action requirements
- Disseminate information and regulatory requirements to the regulated community and the public, including preparation for and participation in Public Hearings

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:
- Hydrogeology and Environmental Science
- Strong written and verbal communications skills
- Analyzing environmental monitoring data and evaluating corrective action measures
- Understanding of Subtitle D Landfills and the engineered environmental control systems associated
- Interpreting and implementing environmental policies, statutes, and regulations including the New Mexico Solid Waste Act; New Mexico Solid Waste Rules; and Resource Conservation Recovery Act

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's Degree in Physical, Natural, or Environmental Science, Soil Science, or Engineering and two (2) 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 six (6) 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 Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire 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. Routine field work and frequent travel (10-20%), including occasional overnight travel to participate in public hearings; occasional walking on rough terrain and exposure to inclement weather; driving of state vehicles; possible exposure to dust, noise, and odors.

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