Closing Date: 15th September, 2026
Description:
Salary$40.28 - $64.45 Hourly
$83,790 - $134,063 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C11
Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date
Department Name: Resource Management Division
Program Area: Office of General Counsel
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: https://www.env.nm.gov/
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.
NMED participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility upon hire
Why does the job exist?
The purpose of this position is to provide expert legal counsel that enables the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) to effectively fulfill its mission and comply with applicable laws and regulations. This role ensures the Department's actions and decisions are legally sound, supporting leadership in achieving environmental protection goals while minimizing legal risk. By offering strategic advice, representation, and interpretation of laws and policies, this position adds value by strengthening NMED's ability to make informed, defensible decisions and advance its regulatory and enforcement objectives.
The purpose of this position is to provide expert legal counsel that enables the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) to effectively fulfill its mission and comply with applicable laws and regulations. This role ensures the Department's actions and decisions are legally sound, supporting leadership in achieving environmental protection goals while minimizing legal risk. By offering strategic advice, representation, and interpretation of laws and policies, this position adds value by strengthening NMED's ability to make informed, defensible decisions and advance its regulatory and enforcement objectives.
How does it get done?
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:
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. 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 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)
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 to hearings and meetings is required.
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 (ray.romero@env.nm.gov)
Bargaining Unit Position:
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
- Provide legal counsel and representation to NMED divisions and bureaus 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:
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. 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 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)
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 to hearings and meetings is required.
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 (ray.romero@env.nm.gov)
Bargaining Unit Position:
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
