Local recruitment: Lead Water Resources Professional

New Mexico Office of the State Engineer

Las Cruces, NM, USA 🇺🇸

Salary

$46.33 – $74.12 Hourly

$96,358 – $154,173 Annually

This position is a Pay Band C12

Posting Details

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.

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

Why does the job exist?

The position will serve as the Bureau’s lead technical expert for settlement accounting methodologies, development and maintenance of accounting tools and databases, reconciliation of accounting records, and coordination with federal agencies and other parties to the settlement.

How does it get done?

1. Lead Texas v. New Mexico Settlement Compact Accounting Program-Serves as the Bureau’s lead technical expert responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and evaluating the water accounting methodologies required under the Texas v. New Mexico settlement. Develops and maintains accounting tools, databases, models, and procedures necessary to accurately account for project operations, water deliveries, depletions, return flows, and other settlement accounting requirements. Performs complex hydrologic and water accounting analyses; evaluates technical data; prepares accounting reports; identifies discrepancies; and develops recommendations to ensure compliance with settlement provisions and interstate obligations.

2. Technical Analysis and Water Resources Evaluation-Conducts advanced hydrologic, engineering, and water resources analyses to support implementation of settlement requirements and other Bureau programs. Interprets complex technical information, evaluates water management alternatives, develops analytical methodologies, and prepares technical reports, memoranda, and recommendations for Bureau leadership. Reviews technical work prepared by consultants and partner agencies for consistency with settlement requirements and accepted scientific principles.

3. Coordination with Federal, State, Tribal, and Local Partners-Serves as the Bureau’s primary technical representative on settlement accounting matters. Coordinates with federal agencies, interstate partners, irrigation and conservancy districts, tribal governments, local governments, consultants, and other stakeholders regarding accounting methodologies, technical data, project operations, and compliance activities. Participates in technical working groups, interagency meetings, and negotiations to resolve accounting issues and ensure consistent application of settlement provisions.

4. Data Management and Reporting-Develops and maintains technical databases, quality assurance and quality control procedures, and documentation supporting settlement accounting activities. Ensures the integrity, accuracy, and traceability of hydrologic, operational, and accounting data. Prepares periodic technical reports, presentations, compliance documentation, and briefing materials for Bureau leadership, the Interstate Stream Commission, state officials, and federal partners.

5. Program Support and Technical Assistance-Provides technical expertise to Bureau staff and agency leadership on water accounting, hydrology, water rights administration, and settlement implementation. Assists with development of program procedures, strategic planning efforts, grant applications, legislative requests, and other special projects as assigned. Serves as a technical resource to support the Commission’s mission of protecting New Mexico’s water resources and ensuring compliance with interstate water obligations.

Who are the customers?

This position serves the state of New Mexico, stakeholders, State Engineer, ISC Commission, Director and will directly report to the Lower Rio Grande Bureau Chief.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate should have:
– In depth knowledge of interstate water compacts and compact accounting methodologies
– Specific familiarity with the Rio Grande Compact and the TX v. NM settlement
-Experience in water resources management, hydrology, engineering, and project management
-Previous experience with data analytics and hydrologic modeling
-Strong leadership to guide teams and collaborate with other partners effectively.
-Ability to meet strict deadlines with multiple demands.
-Experience with large report preparation and technical writing procedures
-Strong presentation and communication skills
– Excellent interpersonal skills
– Able to travel as needed

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. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling ten (10) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

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

Work is performed in the office with extensive computer and phone usage where it requires a considerable amount of sitting. This position will be required to work in the field as needed with exposure to inclement weather and there may be periods of extended standing or kneeling , and walking on rugged terrain while working out in the field.  This position is required to meet with the public and may be required to travel to different job sites. The incumbent in the position will need to lift up to 25 pounds, drive an agency vehicle, measure stream flow, collect data. The incumbent must ensure to follow all safety protocols while conducting fieldwork.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Ryan Serrano, Lower Rio Grande Bureau Chief 505-490-5408 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 6 August, 2026

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development