Closing Date: 13th May, 2026
Description:
Salary$39.11 - $62.58 Hourly
$81,349 - $130,159 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C11
Posting Details
The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) works to position New Mexico as a leader in energy and natural resource stewardship. The agency is responsible for developing reliable energy resources, conserving renewable and nonrenewable resources, supporting responsible land reclamation, improving forest and watershed health, and managing a statewide system of state parks.
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides legal representation, guidance, and support to all EMNRD divisions. OGC ensures the Departments' programs operate in compliance with state and federal law, supports rulemaking and policy development, manages litigation, and advises senior leadership. This position is housed within the Office of General Counsel and is assigned to provide primary legal support to the State Parks Division.
Why does the job exist?
This position exists to provide specialized legal representation and counsel to the State Parks Division on behalf of the Office of General Counsel. The role ensures the Division's park operations, law enforcement activities, resource management programs, procurement and contracting processes, rulemaking, community engagement initiatives, legislation, and administrative actions comply with state and federal law. It supports senior leadership by managing litigation, developing policies, drafting and reviewing legal documents, advising on complex statutory and regulatory requirements, and guiding the Division's collaboration with local communities, partner organizations, local, state, and federal agencies and law enforcement agencies so State Parks can fulfill their mission safely, effectively, and lawfully.
This position exists to provide specialized legal representation and counsel to the State Parks Division on behalf of the Office of General Counsel. The role ensures the Division's park operations, law enforcement activities, resource management programs, procurement and contracting processes, rulemaking, community engagement initiatives, legislation, and administrative actions comply with state and federal law. It supports senior leadership by managing litigation, developing policies, drafting and reviewing legal documents, advising on complex statutory and regulatory requirements, and guiding the Division's collaboration with local communities, partner organizations, local, state, and federal agencies and law enforcement agencies so State Parks can fulfill their mission safely, effectively, and lawfully.
How does it get done?
This position provides comprehensive legal services to the State Parks Division on behalf of the Office of General Counsel. Key responsibilities include advising on park operations, natural and cultural resource management, visitor safety, and law enforcement matters. The role drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, agreements, permits, and procurement documents to ensure compliance with local, state and federal requirements. It supports rulemaking by preparing regulations and ensuring legal sufficiency, and it contributes to policy development by interpreting statutes and advising leadership on operational impacts. The position manages administrative and judicial litigation, including enforcement actions and appeals, and provides legal guidance for the Division¿s engagement with local communities, partner organizations, local, state, and federal agencies, tribal governments, and coordinating law-enforcement entities. Additional responsibilities include drafting and analyzing legislation affecting State Parks, preparing legal memoranda and interagency agreements, and ensuring that programs, grants, and community initiatives operate within applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.
This position provides comprehensive legal services to the State Parks Division on behalf of the Office of General Counsel. Key responsibilities include advising on park operations, natural and cultural resource management, visitor safety, and law enforcement matters. The role drafts, reviews, and negotiates contracts, agreements, permits, and procurement documents to ensure compliance with local, state and federal requirements. It supports rulemaking by preparing regulations and ensuring legal sufficiency, and it contributes to policy development by interpreting statutes and advising leadership on operational impacts. The position manages administrative and judicial litigation, including enforcement actions and appeals, and provides legal guidance for the Division¿s engagement with local communities, partner organizations, local, state, and federal agencies, tribal governments, and coordinating law-enforcement entities. Additional responsibilities include drafting and analyzing legislation affecting State Parks, preparing legal memoranda and interagency agreements, and ensuring that programs, grants, and community initiatives operate within applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.
Who are the customers?
This job is done for the State Parks Division and its leadership, staff, and law enforcement personnel, providing them with the legal guidance necessary to administer and operate the state park system safely, effectively, and in compliance with the rules and laws. The position also serves the Office of General Counsel by ensuring consistent legal representation across the agency. In carrying out these duties, the attorney supports the public by helping ensure that park facilities, programs, community partnerships, and enforcement activities are legally sound and responsive to the needs of visitors and local communities.
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is a skilled and versatile attorney with strong experience in administrative law, contracts, and regulatory compliance, preferably within a governmental or natural resource setting. They understand the unique legal issues facing state parks, including park operations, public safety, natural and cultural resource protection, law enforcement coordination, and community engagement. They demonstrate excellent judgment, clear communication, and the ability to provide practical, solutions oriented legal advice in a fast-moving operational environment. The ideal candidate is comfortable managing a diverse workload including contracts, rulemaking, litigation, legislation, and interagency agreements and can work collaboratively with leadership, park staff, law enforcement officers, local communities, and partner organizations. They are proactive, detail oriented, and committed to supporting the Division's mission by ensuring its programs and activities are legally sound and effectively implemented.
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 qualified to apply for limited practice license.
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 and obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment. The position may require occasional evening or weekend hours, as well as on call or callback work during urgent or time sensitive matters. Responsibilities involve extensive computer and keyboard use, managing deadlines, and navigating stressful situations. Travel may be required.
Supplemental Information:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)
Agency Contact Information: Cindy Pino, (505) 607-5571 Email (Cindy.Pino@emnrd.nm.gov)
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.
This job is done for the State Parks Division and its leadership, staff, and law enforcement personnel, providing them with the legal guidance necessary to administer and operate the state park system safely, effectively, and in compliance with the rules and laws. The position also serves the Office of General Counsel by ensuring consistent legal representation across the agency. In carrying out these duties, the attorney supports the public by helping ensure that park facilities, programs, community partnerships, and enforcement activities are legally sound and responsive to the needs of visitors and local communities.
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is a skilled and versatile attorney with strong experience in administrative law, contracts, and regulatory compliance, preferably within a governmental or natural resource setting. They understand the unique legal issues facing state parks, including park operations, public safety, natural and cultural resource protection, law enforcement coordination, and community engagement. They demonstrate excellent judgment, clear communication, and the ability to provide practical, solutions oriented legal advice in a fast-moving operational environment. The ideal candidate is comfortable managing a diverse workload including contracts, rulemaking, litigation, legislation, and interagency agreements and can work collaboratively with leadership, park staff, law enforcement officers, local communities, and partner organizations. They are proactive, detail oriented, and committed to supporting the Division's mission by ensuring its programs and activities are legally sound and effectively implemented.
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 qualified to apply for limited practice license.
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 and obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment. The position may require occasional evening or weekend hours, as well as on call or callback work during urgent or time sensitive matters. Responsibilities involve extensive computer and keyboard use, managing deadlines, and navigating stressful situations. Travel may be required.
Supplemental Information:
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)
Agency Contact Information: Cindy Pino, (505) 607-5571 Email (Cindy.Pino@emnrd.nm.gov)
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.
