Salary
$27.30 – $43.69 Hourly
$56,792 – $90,867 Annually
This position is a Pay Band EF
Purpose of Position
Interviews are anticipated to be held within two (2)weeks after the job posting closes.
Why does the job exist?
The primary purpose of the position is to assist in the management of the state’s water resources by providing analyses of water right permit applications of a moderate to complex nature, and makes recommendations for administrative decisions. The Incumbent determines the nature and extent of water rights using historical water right documents, surveys, aerial photography, field Inspections, and geographic information system (GIS); analyzing for detriment/Impairment of other rights through hydrologlc modeling; analyzing for detriment to the public welfare of the state; and analyzing for conservation of water within the state.
How does it get done?
1. Perform advanced water rights analyses for water right applications, and makes recommendations for administrative decisions on subject applications.
Major Tasks/Activities performed to produce product/service/outcome: Series and performs review for water rights applications of a moderate to complex nature, makes technical recommendations for water right applications and determinations, including hydrologic modeling parameters, model sensitivity analysis, validity and pertinence of water right supporting documentation, and analyses of variance requests for artesian well construction and well abandonment. The incumbent may provide technical guidance to lower level professional staff, and may direct work effort of entry level and junior level professionals. The incumbent will also determine appropriate actions on non-consumptive use permit applications in accordance with New Mexico statutes, the New Mexico Administrative Code, agency policies and guidelines, and professional judgment. Works with the OSE Administrative litigation Unit to litigate or settle protested and aggrieved water right applications, Including serving as an expert witness.
The Incumbent will communicate and coordinate with various staff levels and bureaus in order to manage the state’s water resources. This requires 5kill in communicating complex water right issues to other agency staff In the Administrative Litigation Unit, Hearings Unit, Water Rights Abstract Bureau, Hydrology Bureau, Water Use & Conservation Bureau, and the Interstate Stream Commission. In addition, it requires an understanding of legal and technical issues In order to work with attorneys, hydrologists, and engineers from the agency’s other bureaus.
2. Process water right documents in a timely and consistent manner using established guidelines, policies and procedures and state statues. Workload Is comprised with complex scenarios requiring detailed analyses of water right applications involving a number of components such as validity, quantity, availability, impairment, conservation, enforcement and public welfare. The incumbent may be tasked with investigations for which no agency specific guidelines yet exist.
3.Confer with customers regarding specific needs relating to the water right administrative process. The Incumbent will assist in describing technical issues to the lay public and dealing with difficult situations. This requires an ability to translate technical terms to language that lay people can understand. It also requires patience, tact, and empathy.
4.Participate in special projects Including, but not limited to, field water level measurements, major compliance efforts, and make recommendations for corrective actions.
Who are the customers?
Incumbent will assist the general public regarding water rights inquiries whether in person, by telephone, in writing or email.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will:
Understand, Implement, and promote adherence to state water law, OSE Rules and Regulations, and permit conditions of approval.
Perform complete file review, and prepare memoranda with appropriate supporting documentation to take action on applications
Document water rights history and finalize water rights transactions
Perform field checks and resolve complaints when necessary
Become proficient with tools available to perform job duties (Office suite, WATERS database, GIS, GPS, Flowtracker, etc.)
Do quality control checks on meter readings and permit conditions of approval
Perform quality customer service to the citizens of NM
Continue to learn water rights administration and increase value to OSE and customers
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Science, Hydrology, Geology, Environmental Science, Water Resources, Watershed Management, Physics, Natural Science, Physical Science, Life Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Forestry/Forest Science, Conservation Science, Wildlife Science Emergency Management or Engineering and six (6) years of relevant experience. Substitutions Apply.
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 Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions
Executive Order 2021-057 requires all employees with the State of New Mexico to provide either proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a COVID-19 viral test every week.
The Public Health Order (on Vaccination) dated August 17, 2021, requires Congregate Care Facility Workers and Hospital Workers to be fully vaccinated.
If you have questions about whether these requirements apply to this specific position, contact the agency contact listed on this advertisement.
Links to the referenced Executive Order and Public Health Order can be found on the State Personnel Office website homepage: www.spo.state.nm.us
Work is conducted in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal, extensive personal computer, telephone usage with extended periods of sitting and researching large amounts of data. Work is also conducted in the field, which can consist of rough terrain and heat/cold exposure. Overnight travel may be required. Must be able to lift 25lbs. Incumbent will be required to follow safety protocols at all times, including all guidelines in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Supplemental Information
Benefits:
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Agency Contact Information: Juan Hernandez, 505-622-6521 Email
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.
