New Mexico Spaceport Authority Attorney (SPA #10111002)

Posting Details

The New Mexico Spaceport Authority was created by the Spaceport Development act (NMSA 58-31-1) for the purpose of:

(1) Encourage and foster development of the state and its cities and counties by developing spaceport facilities in New Mexico;

(2) Actively promote and assist public and private sector infrastructure development to attract new industries and businesses, thereby creating new job opportunities in the State:

(3) Create the statutory framework that will enable the state to design, finance, construct, equip and operate spaceport facilities necessary to ensure the timely, planned and efficient development of a southwest regional spaceport; and

(4) Promote education involvement in spaceport activities and education and training of the workforce to develop the skills needed for spaceport operations.

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Why does the job exist?

Performs legal, administrative, and regulatory functions necessary for the law department to serve New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) and its customers.
How does it get done?

This position reports to Spaceport America's General Counsel and applies a broad knowledge of the law to achieve specific objectives of agency programs. The attorney who fills this role will be responsible for a wide range of legal work which will supplement and support the ongoing caseload of the General Counsel including interpreting legal issues in federal and state regulatory and administrative law, contract law, litigation, environmental and cultural requirements, and corporate/agency legal policy and governance standards. The subject matter is broad and wide-ranging, including intellectual property, basic contract drafting and interpretation, statutory analysis, public utility law, private and public real estate, statutory and international space law, and constitutional and financial liability issues.
The incumbent will perform legal analysis and functions for the agency including:
(1) evaluating potential legal issues in the regulatory environment of the space industry;
(2) identifying pending legal issues and insurance liabilities to protect the agency and the state from potential claims;
(3) interpreting Federal and State statutes as they pertain to operational plans and policies;
(4) negotiating with key stakeholders regarding ongoing regulatory issues;
(5) evaluating, researching, drafting and amending policies that the spaceport and its employees must follow;
(6) tracking all intellectual property applications, requirements and deadlines;
(7) conducting legal research in a variety of legal areas including real estate, insurance, physical liability, IPRA requirements, constitutional due process issues, licensing and certification requirements for launch and reentry and construction law;
(8) overseeing legal RFP processes;
(9) evaluating legal requirements for NMFA financing and bond obligations;
(1O) providing support to the executive director for agency participation in legislative affairs and
(11) serving as administrative assistant for the Board of Directors meetings and supporting the Regional Tax Board meetings.

The position requires interaction with the public, private space launch customers, public officials, and professional organizations and thus requires the capable of presenting the agency in a public role.
Who are the customers?

Spaceport Authority Staff and the State of New Mexico.
Ideal Candidate

Spaceport Authority Staff and the State of New Mexico.
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).
Duties of this job can involve exposure to data and technology that is export-controlled by either the Department of State U.S. Munitions List (USML), through the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), or by the Department of Commerce, Commerce Control List (CCL), through the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Employees in this position are subject to the requirements of ITAR (22 CFR 120-130) and EAR (15 CFR 730-774). Please review ITAR and EAR requirements to ensure you are eligible for employment.

Must possess and maintain a valid 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.

Must pass a background check.
Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting: late hours, weekends, on-call and callback work may be required.
Work is performed in an office setting with extensive personal computer and phone usage.
Some sitting, standing, bending, and reaching may be required.
Incumbent will work under stress and frequent time constraints.
Supplemental Information

Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Agency Contact Information: Julie Dolan (505) 469-3185 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 unit.