Open Positions

The New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) mission is to protect and restore the environment and to foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for present and future generations. We implement our mission guided by four tenets:

1. Science: Using the best available science to inform our decision-making in protecting public health and the environment;
2. Innovation: Employing creative engineering and technological solutions to address environmental challenges;
3. Collaboration: Engaging communities and interested stakeholders in environmental decision-making outcomes;
4. Compliance: Ensuring meaningful compliance with state regulations and permits; leveling the playing field through enforcement.

The Environmental Health Division (EHD) Director is appointed by the Governor and serves at the pleasure of the Governor, and works closely with the Cabinet Secretary, Deputy Cabinet Secretaries and other Division Directors and Deputy Directors. The EHD Director maintains a robust portfolio while supporting the Department and Division priorities, goals and deadlines.

This position directly manages and supports the Occupational Health and Safety , Environmental Health, and Cannabis and Hemp Bureaus that collectively include 170 fulltime equivalents (FTEs) across 27 field offices. EHD’s budget is approximately $15M, which consists of state general fund, federal grants, and state special revenue funds.

The EHD Director, management team and staff are responsible for programs that directly impact the public health of New Mexicans, including permitting, technical assistance and compliance activities related to worker safety; retail food establishments; industrial food manufacturing; cannabis and hemp extraction, manufacturing facilities, and processing facilities; public swimming pools and spas; and industrial/residential liquid waste (septic) throughout the state. Additional Director responsibilities include leading collaboration with stakeholders; initiating, reviewing, and drafting legislation; informing legislators, local officials, community members, federal agencies, the Congressional delegation and others of Division projects; and serving as the Department representative to outside parties on priority environmental and public health protection matters

The ideal candidate must have demonstrated leadership experience in business acumen, leading people, managing change, driving results, and building coalitions. The ideal candidate must demonstrate exceptional customer service while working in structured and unstructured environments and managing multiple projects with competing deadlines. The ideal candidate must possess exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, knowing how to effectively communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders. Finally, the ideal candidate should have a passion for the protection of human health and New Mexico’s natural environment.

The Governor’s Office and Department expect to fill this position as soon as possible. The salary for this position is approximately $112,000 annually.