Closing Date: 30th September, 2026
Description:
Salary$40.28 - $64.45 Hourly
$83,790 - $134,063 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C11
Posting Details
Department Name: Resource Management Division
Program Area: Office of General Counsel
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: https://www.env.nm.gov/
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.
NMED participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility upon hire.
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Program Area: Office of General Counsel
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: https://www.env.nm.gov/
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.
NMED participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility upon hire.
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Why does the job exist?
The Climate Change Bureau (CCB) Attorney represents the Environment Department in complex and difficult Administrative and Judicial Proceedings which require strict adherence to applicable statutory and administrative law as well as applicable procedures and time deadlines. This position works as co-counsel and lead counsel on cases which will include: research and preparation all aspects of a case thoroughly and competently; negotiation, drafting, and finalization of disputes, agreements, and settlements; witness preparation; drafting motions, findings of fact and conclusions of law, and briefs as needed. The CCB Attorney will also provide regular general advice to Department staff on climate change-related matters.
How does it get do
The Climate Change Bureau (CCB) Attorney represents the Environment Department in complex and difficult Administrative and Judicial Proceedings which require strict adherence to applicable statutory and administrative law as well as applicable procedures and time deadlines. This position works as co-counsel and lead counsel on cases which will include: research and preparation all aspects of a case thoroughly and competently; negotiation, drafting, and finalization of disputes, agreements, and settlements; witness preparation; drafting motions, findings of fact and conclusions of law, and briefs as needed. The CCB Attorney will also provide regular general advice to Department staff on climate change-related matters.
How does it get do
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Who are the customers?
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will have experience in the following:
Minimum Qualification:
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or obtain a limited law license within six (6) months of hire (See Rule 15-304 NMRA). Individuals pursuing the limited law license may not engage in the practice of law until the limited law license has been granted.
Employment Requirements:
All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).
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. Travel is required to hearings and meetings.
Supplemental Information:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)
Agency Contact Information: Ray Romero, (505) 469-6471 or Email (ray.romero@env.nm.gov)
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 (https://www.spo.state.nm.us/work-for-new-mexico/faq/)
- Provide legal counsel and representation to NMED divisions and CCB to ensure compliance with state and federal environmental laws and regulations
- Advise leadership and staff on the interpretation and application of statutes, rules, court orders, and legal opinions affecting departmental operations
- Draft and review legal and regulatory documents, including orders, agreements, memoranda, and enforcement actions to support sound decision-making
- Represent the Department in administrative, regulatory, and judicial proceedings, including rulemaking, hearings, and appeals
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including industry, other agencies, and the public to develop, revise, and implement rules and policies that advance environmental protection goals
- Support consistency and legal integrity in departmental procedures and enforcement activities through consultation, training, and coordination with management and program staff.
- 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:
- Writing and drafting regulations
- Negotiating settlements
- Representing clients
- Working on multiple tasks under tight deadlines
Minimum Qualification:
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or obtain a limited law license within six (6) months of hire (See Rule 15-304 NMRA). Individuals pursuing the limited law license may not engage in the practice of law until the limited law license has been granted.
Employment Requirements:
All Attorney classifications must be and remain licensed as an attorney, in good standing, by the Supreme Court of New Mexico, or licensed as an attorney and in good standing by the highest court of another state and eligible pursuant to the limited license provisions (See Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA).
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. Travel is required to hearings and meetings.
Supplemental Information:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)
Agency Contact Information: Ray Romero, (505) 469-6471 or Email (ray.romero@env.nm.gov)
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 (https://www.spo.state.nm.us/work-for-new-mexico/faq/)
Bargaining Unit Position:
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining unit.
