Local recruitment: Water Resources Professional II 

New Mexico Office of the State Engineer

Santa Fe, NM, USA 🇺🇸

Salary

$35.37 – $53.05 Hourly

$73,568 – $110,352 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C10

Posting Details

This position is located in the Water Resources Allocation Program (WRAP), Water Rights Division in Santa Fe, NM.

To learn more about the Office of the State Engineer, please visit our website: https://www.ose.nm.gov

This posting is for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant listings may be screened more than once.

Why does the job exist?

This position will provide support in a professional water resources administration role in the District VI Office. The water professional will administer water resources in accordance with New Mexico statutes, court adjudications, and rules and regulations of the state engineer through processing applications for permits, changes of ownership, and other water rights administration documents. The water professional is responsible for performing work in support of Active Water Management and other water masters duties such as, field work, collecting and reporting of surface and ground water diversion data in District VI. In addition, the water professional will assist the public with filing documents, providing guidance, and answering questions concerning water rights administration.

How does it get done?

The water professional will review applications for permit, assist the public with corrections to applications, prepare notices for publication, perform technical analyses as needed, and prepare memorandums of recommendation on water rights applications. They will also review and process changes of ownership, title work and prepare overlay maps. The water professional will prepare recommendation memorandums for other water rights administration documents such as extensions of time and proofs of beneficial use. In addition, they may participate as an expert witness in administrative hearings to explain decisions on water rights applications, which may include creation of administrative exhibits, collaborating with other witnesses and counsel, and providing testimony. Special projects may be assigned.

Who are the customers?

This position will work with agency staff, other state agencies, county and federal government entities, parciantes, mayordomos, tribal and non-tribal communities, the general public and other stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for this position will have:
1.  Basic understanding of surface and groundwater laws and regulations in the State of New Mexico.
2.  Excellent technical writing skills.
3.  Experience using mapping software, including but not limited to ArcMap, ArcPro, and ArcGIS Online.
4.  Experience dealing with the public and assisting them in interpreting and understanding complex concepts and documents.
5.  Experience measuring surface water flows in the field including using Flowtracker or similar equipment.

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 two (2) years of relevant experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

This position is required to drive a state vehicle. 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 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). Use of Xerox machine, computer, telephone, fax machine and calculator. Field work/travel is required. Some lifting of up to 60 pounds and periods of extended standing or kneeling while working may be required. Some sitting, standing, bending, hiking, climbing and reaching may be required. May be required to occasionally work at alternate work sites and extended hours and weekends. Field work requires use of digital cameras and a global positioning system. May be required to occasionally work at alternate work sites and extended hours and weekends. Travel will be required to include driving a state vehicle. May be exposed to inclement weather.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Ramona Martinez, telephone (505)827-3870: 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.

1 days remaining

Apply by 22 May, 2026

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development