Closing Date: 5th November, 2026
Description:
Salary$40.28 - $64.45 Hourly
$83,790 - $134,063 Annually
This position is a Pay Band C11
Posting Details
This Posting Will Be Used for Ongoing Recruitment and May Close at Any Time. Applicant Lists May Be Screened More than Once. Interviews Will Be Conducted After the Hiring Manager Receives a List of Qualified Applicants.
This Position Is Located in The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (nmisc) Office of General Counsel in Santa Fe, Nm and Will Support the Nmisc's Lower Rio Grande Bureau.
To Learn More About the Nmisc, Please Visit Our Website at Https://www.Ose.Nm.Gov/isc/index.Php.
Why Does the Job Exist?
This Term Position Exists to Provide Dedicated Legal Counsel for The Lower Rio Grande Bureau to Assist with Implementation of The Texas v. New Mexico Settlement and Support Other Bureau Activities. the Position Provides Specialized Legal Expertise to Support Complex Water Resource Projects, Negotiation and Purchase of Water Rights, Contract and Funding Agreement Administration, and Other Legal Matters Essential to The Commission's Statutory Responsibilities. by Providing In-House Legal Support Dedicated to These Programs, the Position Helps Ensure that Commission Actions Are Legally Sound, Consistent with Settlement Requirements, and Protective of New Mexico's Interests. to Learn More About the Settlement, Please Visit Https:// Www.Ose.Nm.Gov/isc/texas_V_Nm_Settlement.Php.
This Term Position Exists to Provide Dedicated Legal Counsel for The Lower Rio Grande Bureau to Assist with Implementation of The Texas v. New Mexico Settlement and Support Other Bureau Activities. the Position Provides Specialized Legal Expertise to Support Complex Water Resource Projects, Negotiation and Purchase of Water Rights, Contract and Funding Agreement Administration, and Other Legal Matters Essential to The Commission's Statutory Responsibilities. by Providing In-House Legal Support Dedicated to These Programs, the Position Helps Ensure that Commission Actions Are Legally Sound, Consistent with Settlement Requirements, and Protective of New Mexico's Interests. to Learn More About the Settlement, Please Visit Https:// Www.Ose.Nm.Gov/isc/texas_V_Nm_Settlement.Php.
How Does It Get Done?
Provide Legal Counsel for Texas v. New Mexico Settlement Implementation
Provide Legal Advice and Guidance Regarding Implementation of The Texas v. New Mexico Settlement and Related Interstate Water Obligations, with Primary Focus on Implementation of Water Rights Purchases and Related Activities Under the Groundwater Settlement Agreement. Review Settlement Requirements; Interpret Federal and State Statutes, Regulations, Contracts, Agreements, and Court Documents; Identify Legal Risks; and Develop Recommendations to Support Compliance with Settlement Provisions. Advise Bureau Chief on Legal Issues Associated with Settlement Implementation, Project Operations, Water Accounting, Governance, and Program Administration.
Provide General Legal Support for Lower Rio Grande Water Resource Programs
Provide Legal Support for Lower Rio Grande Water Management Initiatives, Including Water Rights Acquisition, Water Supply Development, Infrastructure Projects, Conservation Programs, and Other Bureau Activities. Draft and Review Contracts, Memoranda of Agreement, Easements, Cooperative Agreements, Funding Agreements, and Other Legal Documents. Conduct Legal Research and Prepare Written Legal Opinions, Memoranda, and Recommendations Regarding Water Law, Property Law, Administrative Law, Procurement, and Regulatory Compliance.
Provide Legal Counsel for Texas v. New Mexico Settlement Implementation
Provide Legal Advice and Guidance Regarding Implementation of The Texas v. New Mexico Settlement and Related Interstate Water Obligations, with Primary Focus on Implementation of Water Rights Purchases and Related Activities Under the Groundwater Settlement Agreement. Review Settlement Requirements; Interpret Federal and State Statutes, Regulations, Contracts, Agreements, and Court Documents; Identify Legal Risks; and Develop Recommendations to Support Compliance with Settlement Provisions. Advise Bureau Chief on Legal Issues Associated with Settlement Implementation, Project Operations, Water Accounting, Governance, and Program Administration.
Provide General Legal Support for Lower Rio Grande Water Resource Programs
Provide Legal Support for Lower Rio Grande Water Management Initiatives, Including Water Rights Acquisition, Water Supply Development, Infrastructure Projects, Conservation Programs, and Other Bureau Activities. Draft and Review Contracts, Memoranda of Agreement, Easements, Cooperative Agreements, Funding Agreements, and Other Legal Documents. Conduct Legal Research and Prepare Written Legal Opinions, Memoranda, and Recommendations Regarding Water Law, Property Law, Administrative Law, Procurement, and Regulatory Compliance.
Ensure Regulatory Compliance. Ensure Compliance with Applicable Federal and State Laws, Agency Policies, Settlement Requirements, and Funding Conditions. Advise Program Staff Regarding Legal Obligations Associated with Federal Financial Assistance, Land Transactions, Water Rights Acquisitions, Environmental Compliance, and Project Implementation.
Coordinate with Federal, State, Tribal, and Local Partners
Serve as Legal Counsel During Coordination with Federal Agencies, Tribal Governments, Local Governments, Irrigation and Conservancy Districts, Consultants, and Other Settlement Participants. Participate in Technical and Policy Meetings; Assist with Negotiations; Review Legal Issues Arising During Project Development and Implementation; and Help Resolve Complex Legal and Administrative Issues Affecting Bureau Programs. Represent the Nmisc in Meetings and Negotiations as Assigned.
Legislative, Policy, and Administrative Support
Assists with The Development and Review of Legislation, Administrative Rules, Policies, and Procedures Affecting the Nmisc's Programs. Prepare Legal Analyses, Briefing Papers, Correspondence, and Presentations for Executive Management, the Interstate Stream Commission, Legislative Committees, and Other Governmental Entities. Provide Legal Training and Guidance to Bureau Staff on Applicable Laws, Regulations, Ethical Requirements, and Agency Procedures.
Coordinate with Federal, State, Tribal, and Local Partners
Serve as Legal Counsel During Coordination with Federal Agencies, Tribal Governments, Local Governments, Irrigation and Conservancy Districts, Consultants, and Other Settlement Participants. Participate in Technical and Policy Meetings; Assist with Negotiations; Review Legal Issues Arising During Project Development and Implementation; and Help Resolve Complex Legal and Administrative Issues Affecting Bureau Programs. Represent the Nmisc in Meetings and Negotiations as Assigned.
Legislative, Policy, and Administrative Support
Assists with The Development and Review of Legislation, Administrative Rules, Policies, and Procedures Affecting the Nmisc's Programs. Prepare Legal Analyses, Briefing Papers, Correspondence, and Presentations for Executive Management, the Interstate Stream Commission, Legislative Committees, and Other Governmental Entities. Provide Legal Training and Guidance to Bureau Staff on Applicable Laws, Regulations, Ethical Requirements, and Agency Procedures.
Who Are the Customers?
The Interstate Stream Commission and The State of New Mexico.
Ideal Candidate:
The Ideal Candidate Would Have:
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 Daily Computer and Telephone Usage, Including Video Conferencing. Extensive Interaction with Other Stakeholders and The Public in Person or Through Video Conferencing. May Also Lift up To 20 Pounds. Travel Is Required. This Position Must Also Follow All Safety Protocols in The Office and In the Field.
Supplemental Information:
Do You Know What Total Compensation Is? Click Here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)
Agency Contact Information: Lisa Henne, Isc General Counsel Email (Lisa.Henne@ose.nm.gov)
505-487-0781
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.
The Interstate Stream Commission and The State of New Mexico.
Ideal Candidate:
The Ideal Candidate Would Have:
- Excellent Interpersonal Skills, Ability to Work Well as Part of A Multidisciplinary Team, and Able to Adapt to Sometimes Rapidly Changing Conditions or Priorities.
- Excellent Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills.
- Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills, Including the Ability to Tailor Communication to Diverse Audiences, Including the General Public, Legislators and Other Government Officials, Leadership, and Technical Staff.
- Knowledge or Experience with Nm Water Law, Including Water Rights Administration.
- Experience in Handling and Prioritizing Multiple Issues Concurrently and Working Under Tight Deadlines with Accuracy;
- Experience with Drafting or Reviewing Contracts and Agreements;
- Experience with Property Law and Drafting Real Property Agreements, Including Easements and Other Agreements;
- Experience in Providing Legal Support and Advice to State and Local Government, Including Procurement Law, Multi-Party Contracts and Administrative Proceedings;
- Experience Working with Technical Personnel Involving Issues of Environmental and Water Law;
- Experience Working with And Drafting Agreements with Subdivisions of State Government Including Irrigation Districts and Other Special Water Districts;
- Experience Working with Federal Government Agencies on Issues of Environmental and Water Law;
- Experience with Inspection of Public Records Act and Open Meeting Act Requirements for Public Entities.
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 Daily Computer and Telephone Usage, Including Video Conferencing. Extensive Interaction with Other Stakeholders and The Public in Person or Through Video Conferencing. May Also Lift up To 20 Pounds. Travel Is Required. This Position Must Also Follow All Safety Protocols in The Office and In the Field.
Supplemental Information:
Do You Know What Total Compensation Is? Click Here (http://www.spo.state.nm.us/total-compensation.aspx)
Agency Contact Information: Lisa Henne, Isc General Counsel Email (Lisa.Henne@ose.nm.gov)
505-487-0781
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.
