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 Resource Protection Division (RPD) 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 RPD Director maintains a robust portfolio while supporting the Department and Division priorities, goals and deadlines. This position directly manages and supports the Hazardous Waste, Solid Waste, Petroleum Storage Tank, and Department of Energy Oversight Bureaus that collectively includes the equivalent of 138 fulltime equivalents (FTEs). RPD’s budget is approximately $16.5M which consists of state general fund, federal grants, and state special revenue funds.

The RPD Director takes a leadership role in protecting New Mexico’s land, air and water by developing environmental management policy and directing resources and operational activities in close collaboration with the RPD Deputy Director. Additional responsibilities include leading collaboration with stakeholders; initiating, reviewing, and drafting legislation; informing and advising board members and/or legislators; and serving as the Department representative to outside parties on priority environmental and public health protection matters. Specific projects include overseeing and coordinating hazardous waste management and corrective action activities at federal facilities across the state, including U.S. Department of Energy facilities including Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Sandia National Laboratory (SNL), Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), and U. S. Department of Defense facilities such as Kirtland, Cannon, and Holloman Air Force Bases, including on-going litigation actions. This position also coordinates Division efforts on perfluorinated compound (PFAS) related activities and oversees implementation of Division programs to protect and restore New Mexico’s natural resources, particularly ground and surface water sources that may be used for drinking water.

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 New Mexico’s natural environment and how it relates to human health.

The Governor’s Office and Department expect to fill this position as soon as possible. The salary for this position is between $95,000 and $105,000 annually, depending on experience.