$39.11 - $62.58 Hourly

$81,349 - $130,159 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

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.

How does it get done?

- 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

Who are the customers?

- 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:
- Excellent writing skills
- Drafting regulations, negotiating settlements, representing clients
- Ability to multitask 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 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. 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 exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Raymond Romero (505) 469-6471 or Email

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

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining unit.