Salary
$27.27 – $43.63 Hourly
$56,719 – $90,750 Annually
This position is a Pay Band ED
Posting Details
THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
The Office of the State Engineer is charged with administering the state’s water resources. The State Engineer has authority over the supervision, measurement, appropriation, and distribution of all surface and groundwater in New Mexico, including streams and rivers that cross state boundaries.
To learn more about the Office of the State Engineer, please visit our website: https://www.ose.state.nm.us/
Why does the job exist?
The purpose of this position is to assist with the processing of water rights applications and evaluation of the validity of water rights through a standardized process of historical documents review and aerial photography interpretation, preparation of memoranda including recommendations for appropriate action, administer surface water and groundwater permits and other actions within the administrative boundaries of the District I Office, assist the general public by answering water rights inquiries utilizing a working knowledge of New Mexico Statutes and Office of the State Engineer Rules and Regulations with respect to water rights administration, ensure compliance with conditions of approval of all permits and implement remedies to gain compliance, review well records for accuracy and completeness, and conduct field investigations. Will also record and process meter readings, changes of ownership, and other water rights administration activities. The incumbent may testify as an administrative water rights expert in hearings on aggrieved and protested water right applications.
How does it get done?
The Water Resources Professional I reviews water rights applications of a low to moderately complex nature, makes recommendations for water right applications and determinations, including hydrological modeling, validity and pertinence of water right supporting documentation, and analyses of variance requests for artesian well construction and well abandonment. The incumbent will determine appropriate actions on various water-right permit applications in accordance with New Mexico statutes, the New Mexico Administrative Code, agency policies and guidelines using professional judgment under the guidance of a Supervisor and Senior Water Resources Professional.
1. Assist the public with water right applications by providing technical information needed to complete the application for various surface water and groundwater applications for permit, as well as agency policies and procedures. Conduct presentations and educate the general public with respect to water rights in New Mexico and represent the state engineer in public meetings.
2. Prepare recommendation memorandum for water rights applications, research water right files, survey maps, aerial photography, and other historical data as required in the preparation of recommendations for pending water right applications.
3. Assist with the preparation of memoranda of recommendation to the Water Resource Manager, District Manager or staff attorney assigned to the case for protested or aggrieved water rights applications and prepare exhibits in support of written recommendations on pending water right applications.
4. Conducts field investigations when necessary to obtain information for field reports or for technical memoranda and reports.
Who are the customers?
This job assists the citizens of the State of New Mexico. Duties may include interacting with other OSE Departments, other government (local, city, county, state, federal) agencies, private corporations, legal counsel, science professionals, etc.
Ideal Candidate
– Education, knowledge and experience with New Mexico water laws, agency rules, regulations, policies and practices
– Basic knowledge of New Mexico Statutes and Administrative Guidelines, Rules & Regulations as they relate to water rights and/
or natural resources administration
– Experience with basic groundwater and surface water flow modeling, and aquifer testing
– Public administration and customer relations experience.
– Some experience and some knowledge of New Mexico water rights issues and current water issues in the state
– Basic experience using GIS software, including creating and maintaining maps and geodatabases
– Basic experience evaluating water resources data, and the preparation of moderately complex water resources reports
– Ability and enthusiasm to work closely with water rights managers to ensure objectives of the Water Rights Divisions are met
consistently and equitably with sound, defensible judgment
– Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
– Ability to represent and speak on behalf of the agency at meetings and public events.
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. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Substitution Table
These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
| Education | Experience | Education | Experience | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | High School Diploma or Equivalent | AND | 4 years of experience | OR | High School Diploma or Equivalent | AND | 4 years of experience |
| 2 | Associate’s degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification | AND | 2 years of experience | Associate’s degree or higher in any field | AND | 4 years of experience | |
| 3 | Bachelor’s degree or higher in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification | AND | 0 years of experience |
• Education and years of experience must be related to the purpose of the position.
• If Minimum Qualification requires a specific number of “semester hours” in a field (e.g. 6 semester hours in Accounting), applicants MUST have those semester hours in order to meet the minimum qualifications. No substitutions apply for semester hours.
Employment Requirements
This position must drive a state vehicle and maintain a valid NM Driver’s License and current defensive driving certification.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending, and reaching may be required, Use of Xerox machine, scanners, printers and telephone. Occasional field work requires the use of digital cameras and a global positioning system. Occasionally reporting to remote work sites and field work that may encounter adverse weather and difficult terrain. Off-road vehicle operation, as well as climbing/hiking short distances to identify source water locations. May require brief periods of work in cold and/or inclement weather.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Anthony Thompson (505) 383-4021. Email and Jennifer Allred (505) 383-4005. 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.
