Environmental Scientist & Specialist III (NMED #58543)

  • State of New Mexico
  • Santa Fe, New Mexico
  • Full Time
Environmental Scientist & Specialist III (NMED #58543)

AgencyDepartment of Environment

Posting End Date06/01/2025

Job Posting TypeContinuous Job Opening

Job ID154485

Location

Santa Fe

Full/Part TimeFull-Time

Regular/TemporarySponsored Term

Salary

$29.58 - $47.33 Hourly

$61,531 - $98,449 Annually

This position is a Pay Band 75

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 (RPD)

Program Area: Hazardous Waste Bureau (HWB)

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:

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

Why does the job exist?

This position serves as an advanced regulatory compliance specialist to promote adherence to all applicable state and department laws, rules, policies and procedures. This position provides senior-level regulatory compliance expertise to improve oversight of hazardous waste generators and permitted hazardous waste management facilities including federal Department of Energy and Department of Defense facilities throughout New Mexico.

How does it get done?

- Assist in the development of compliance and enforcement efforts

- Respond and document environmental complaints

- Oversee hazardous waste cleanups from incident spills

- Coordinate rule adoption and authorization with Bureau management

- Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and guidance documents

- Review inspection reports and enforcement documents

- Complete hazardous waste facility inspections and technical assistance visits

- Administer federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations

- Conduct compliance evaluation inspections (CEI) of hazardous waste generators and permitted facilities to meet EPA Work Plan Commitments and staff assignments

- Respond and investigate public complaints input into the Environmental Notification and Tracking System (ENTS)

- Perform Compliance Assistance Visits for hazardous waste generators

- Prepare technical and legal documents including inspection reports, enforcement letters, and penalty calculations

- Compile and maintain documentation files for each inspection in accordance with HWB policies, protocols, and procedures

- Submit documentation to supervisor according to established timetables for policies, protocols, and procedures

- Ensure technical and grammatical validity and accuracy of documents prior to submittal

- Deliver educational outreach and technical assistance to the regulated community on waste management issues

- Learn and abide by all Department/Bureau/Program directives, policies, and procedures

- Mentor and train less experienced compliance staff on hazardous waste management regulations and enforcement activities

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

- Contact with internal staff

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have experience in the following:

- Understanding the processes, procedures, and relevant concerns regarding hazardous waste management at Federal Facilities and at other complex hazardous waste management facilities

- Assisting with the management of environmental emergencies and incidents, including being able to recognize potential health hazards from spills and releases of hazardous substances

- Performing environmental sampling procedures using best practices

- Applying and enforcing the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and other environmental regulatory requirements

- Working in a collaborative, team environment

- Leading environmental investigations

- Technical writing skills

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 ExperienceEducation Experience

1High School Diploma or EquivalentAND9 years of experienceORHigh School Diploma or EquivalentAND9 years of experience

2Associate's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualificationAND7 years of experienceAssociate's degree or higher in any fieldAND9 years of experience

3Bachelor's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualificationAND5 years of experience

4Master's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualificationAND3 years of experience

5PhD degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualificationAND1 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 a 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. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. Moderate physical work will be performed during the execution of field inspections and incident responses in all weather conditions including standing, walking, hiking, bending, reaching and lifting. Driving state vehicles is required. There is also potential exposure to various hazardous materials and conditions during field investigations. This position involves regular travel throughout the state of New Mexico including over-night stays. Out of state travel may be required. Outdoor field work is required in all types of weather conditions.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Peter J. Garcia, Sr. ... or Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Job ID: 479395272
Originally Posted on: 6/2/2025

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