Surface Water Quality Standards Specialist (NMED #29125)
Apply NowCompany: State of New Mexico
Location: Albuquerque, NM 87121
Description:
$35.15 - $56.24 Hourly
$73,112 - $119,979 Annually
This position is a Pay Band EF
Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Department Name: Water Protection Division (WPD)
Program Area: Surface Water Quality Bureau (SWQB)
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 a Water Quality Standards Specialist and supports the Surface Water Quality Bureau's mission by investigating, developing, and proposing surface Water Quality Standards (WQS) amendments and revisions in accordance with the federal Clean Water Act and New Mexico Water Quality Act.
How does it get done?
- Define water quality goals by assigning designating uses (e.g., recreation, irrigation, wildlife habitat, etc.) for New Mexico's streams, rivers, lakes, and other surface waters
- Set criteria to protect designating uses
- Establish provisions to preserve water quality
- Assist with quality assurance and public outreach
- Conduct independent reviews and evaluations of complex scientific studies and environmental data
- Perform statistical and other complex technical assessments of water quality data
- Review federal and state laws, regulations, policies, guidelines and scientific information
- Prepare technical and scientifically defensible water quality standards proposals, such as Use Attainability Analyses (UAAs) and site-specific criteria demonstrations
- Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and the public regarding WQS proposals
- Review, analyze, and prepare written comments and technical recommendations on new or amended water quality standards proposals, including proposals from outside entities
- Collaborate with the WQS team, other coworkers, and state, federal, tribal, and municipal agencies to develop WQS proposals
- Testify before the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) on regulatory changes to the water quality standards
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
The ideal candidate will have experience with the following:
- Reviewing, analyzing, and summarizing surface water quality data to determine water quality concerns and existing conditions
- Working with a variety of data sources and tools to evaluate data including Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Using excellent communication and technical writing skills, including rule/regulation development
- Having knowledge of New Mexico's surface waters and the state and federal rules that help manage and protect them
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 four (4) 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 eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Substitution Table
These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 8 years of experience 2 Associate's degree AND 6 years of experience 3 Bachelor's degree AND 4 years of experience 4 Master's degree AND 2 years of experience 5 PhD degree 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
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 a Defensive Driving Course certificate as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. Occasional field work requires long hours in or around water in all weather conditions with moderate hiking. Skills needed include ability to drive large four-wheel drive vehicles in off-road and unpredictable conditions. Must be able to lift and carry 40 lbs. in outdoor terrain. May be exposed to hazardous substances.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Michael Baca (505) 470-1652, 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 covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
$73,112 - $119,979 Annually
This position is a Pay Band EF
Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Department Name: Water Protection Division (WPD)
Program Area: Surface Water Quality Bureau (SWQB)
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 a Water Quality Standards Specialist and supports the Surface Water Quality Bureau's mission by investigating, developing, and proposing surface Water Quality Standards (WQS) amendments and revisions in accordance with the federal Clean Water Act and New Mexico Water Quality Act.
How does it get done?
- Define water quality goals by assigning designating uses (e.g., recreation, irrigation, wildlife habitat, etc.) for New Mexico's streams, rivers, lakes, and other surface waters
- Set criteria to protect designating uses
- Establish provisions to preserve water quality
- Assist with quality assurance and public outreach
- Conduct independent reviews and evaluations of complex scientific studies and environmental data
- Perform statistical and other complex technical assessments of water quality data
- Review federal and state laws, regulations, policies, guidelines and scientific information
- Prepare technical and scientifically defensible water quality standards proposals, such as Use Attainability Analyses (UAAs) and site-specific criteria demonstrations
- Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and the public regarding WQS proposals
- Review, analyze, and prepare written comments and technical recommendations on new or amended water quality standards proposals, including proposals from outside entities
- Collaborate with the WQS team, other coworkers, and state, federal, tribal, and municipal agencies to develop WQS proposals
- Testify before the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) on regulatory changes to the water quality standards
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
The ideal candidate will have experience with the following:
- Reviewing, analyzing, and summarizing surface water quality data to determine water quality concerns and existing conditions
- Working with a variety of data sources and tools to evaluate data including Geographic Information System (GIS)
- Using excellent communication and technical writing skills, including rule/regulation development
- Having knowledge of New Mexico's surface waters and the state and federal rules that help manage and protect them
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 four (4) 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 eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Substitution Table
These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 8 years of experience 2 Associate's degree AND 6 years of experience 3 Bachelor's degree AND 4 years of experience 4 Master's degree AND 2 years of experience 5 PhD degree 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
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 a Defensive Driving Course certificate as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required. Occasional field work requires long hours in or around water in all weather conditions with moderate hiking. Skills needed include ability to drive large four-wheel drive vehicles in off-road and unpredictable conditions. Must be able to lift and carry 40 lbs. in outdoor terrain. May be exposed to hazardous substances.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Michael Baca (505) 470-1652, 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 covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.