Attorney (NMED #12301)

Posting Details

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

Department Name: Resource Management Division
Program Area: Office of the Secretary

Looking for a rewarding career and growth opportunity? The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is seeking highly engaged talent to assist us in our mission to protect and restore the environment and foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for present and future generations. Come be a part of our great team for change! Learn more at: https://www.env.nm.gov/

As a valued new employee to the NMED, you will receive five (5) full days of leave in your leave balances right from your start date.
Why does the job exist?

This position serves as an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) responsible for conducting administrative rule-making, permitting, and adjudicatory hearings on behalf of the New Mexico Environment Department, the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC), and the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB). The incumbent prepares recommended decisions for the appropriate final decision-makers, supporting the protection of public health and the environment for all New Mexicans. Core responsibilities include managing all aspects of administrative hearings such as docketing and scheduling cases, issuing procedural orders, ruling on motions, eliciting and reviewing testimony, questioning witnesses, interpreting relevant statutes and regulations, and issuing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and hearing officer reports. This position issues subpoenas, administers oaths and affirmations, explains hearing processes and applicable laws to participants, and ensures appropriate administrative support for WQCC and EIB meetings. Additionally, the incumbent will devote a substantial portion of time assigning and directing work to the two full-time staff members within the Office of Public Facilitation. Acting on behalf of the Secretary of Environment, the WQCC, and the EIB, this position plays a critical role in safeguarding public health and environmental quality through fair, consistent, and effective administration of environmental regulations and statewide public health orders.
How does it get done?

• Preside over complex and sensitive administrative and judicial proceedings for the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED)
• Apply all relevant statutory and administrative laws, procedures, and deadlines while thoroughly researching and preparing each case
• Develop innovative legal and management strategies to address emerging issues affecting NMED
• Prepare witnesses, motions, findings of fact, conclusions of law, briefs, and other case-related documents
• Assist NMED divisions with all aspects of judicial and administrative proceedings
• Collaborate with hearing staff to conduct hearings, including scheduling, issuing subpoenas, administering oaths, ruling on motions, guiding parties through applicable laws, and drafting hearing officer reports and recommended decisions
• Provide written guidance and procedural support to the Secretary, designees, and board or commission members serving as hearing officers

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

• 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

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 (Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA). For more information on limited practice licenses, please visit http://nmexam.org/limited-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).
Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting: late hours, weekends, on-call and callback work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel is required. Possible exposure to irate clientele. Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.
Supplemental Information

Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Agency Contact Information: Danielle Gilliam (505) 470-1704 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.