Environmental Scientist and Specialist Operational (RLD #10110450)

The State of New Mexico is hiring an Environmental Scientist to evaluate cannabis laboratory environments for pollutants and hazards. Responsibilities include reviewing applications, conducting inspections, testing cannabis products for compliance, and managing administrative holds and recalls. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field and two years of experience in environmental health or related areas. This position is based in Albuquerque, NM.
Posting Details

The Cannabis Control Division provides efficient licensing, compliance, and regulatory services to ensure the safe production, testing, sale, and consumption of commercial and medical cannabis by ensuring that licensed individuals are qualified to provide services in the cannabis industry. The Division issues licenses to cannabis producers, microbusiness producers, integrated, microbusinesses, manufacturers, retailers, consumption areas, vertically integrated establishments, couriers, and testing and research laboratories. Additionally, the Division works in concert with the Department of Public Safety, Office of the State Engineer, Environment Department, other state agencies, tribes and pueblos to assist applicants to get licensed and assure compliance with all applicable state and local laws.
Why does the job exist?

The Environmental Scientist will review, evaluate and analyze cannabis laboratory environments to identify or eliminate sources of pollutants or hazards that affect the environment or health of the cannabis consumers.
How does it get done?

This position will be the first point-of-contact for all laboratory initial, renewal and amendment applications. This position will perform a range of compliance, inspection, and testing tasks including, but not limited to: review laboratory applications for completeness and eligibility; notify laboratories regarding the status of their applications or amendments; retain and file completed laboratory applications or amendments; conduct on-site inspections of all licensed laboratory facilities to ensure laboratories licensed with the CCD follow department, state and federal laws, policies and procedures; create reports; collect and test samples of cannabis and cannabis products for compliance with testing and label requirements; review, track and follow up on cannabis product testing failure reports; investigate licensee cannabis product failures; and project management of cannabis administrative holds and cannabis recalls. In addition, this position will evaluate method calibration, accuracy, precision, detection limits, system background, analyte identification, use of internal standards, and reporting of results.
Who are the customers?

Our customers are licensed individuals, establishment owners or applicants from the cannabis industry and members of the public who are dependent on, or have an interest in the products and services the cannabis industry provides.
Ideal Candidate

Our customers are licensed individuals, establishment owners or applicants from the cannabis industry and members of the public who are dependent on, or have an interest in the products and services the cannabis industry provides.
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

Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid drivers license and be able to successfully pass a background investigation. This position does not require supervision of employees.
Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office and field setting; extensive personal computer and phone usage; long periods of sitting, standing and driving; frequent overnight in-state travel; and exposure to cannabis, cannabis products, UV Lights, pesticides, allergens, flammable chemicals, and various weather conditions.
Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Laura Romero Halama. 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.