Utility Operator Certification Program Manager (NMED #10117781)
Apply NowCompany: State of New Mexico
Location: Albuquerque, NM 87121
Description:
$46.97 - $75.15 Hourly
$97,701 - $156,322 Annually
This position is a Pay Band EI
Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Department Name: Water Protection Division (WPD)
Program Area: Drinking Water Bureau (DWB)
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 will be part of a new Utility Operator Certification Program Group (UOCP). Water and wastewater utility operators are vital to public health and environmental protection, managing systems that provide safe, sustainable drinking water and prevent pollution. With increasingly stringent regulations for contaminants such as Lead, Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), and other emerging contaminants, operators must adapt to more complex, advanced treatment systems across New Mexico. Simultaneously, aging infrastructure demands vigilant oversight to avoid violations, treatment failures, contamination events, or service outages.
The UOCP, managed by NMED's DWB, certifies around 1,100 water operators, 1,900 wastewater operators, and 168 sampling professionals. However, the program is facing an increased need for staffing and resources to meet new regulatory demands, heightened public health standards, and the growing needs of the regulated community. To address these challenges, the Bureau has initiated an expansion and overhaul of the UOCP, including establishing new managerial roles to direct its evolving functions effectively.
How does it get done?
Position Responsibilities and Classification:
- Oversee all UOCP operations, including managing program budgets, resource allocation, staff supervision, and strategic program planning
- Crucial in leading the UOCP's expanded responsibilities, including curriculum development, certification processing, recruitment and retention programs
- Implement training programs designed to support operators managing advanced and complex systems
Key Functions of the Position:
- Direct budget planning, allocation, and management to ensure program sustainability and resource efficiency
- Lead the development of standardized training curricula and certification materials aligned with current regulatory and technological needs in water and wastewater treatment
- Implement recruitment and workforce development strategies to address the pipeline gap and ensure a steady supply of qualified operators
- Provide strategic oversight of application processing, certification renewals, and support services, enabling operators to maintain compliance with public health standards and regulatory mandates
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 in the following:
- Intermediate knowledge of Utility Operator Certification requirements and regulations
- Solid understanding of best operational practices for water and wastewater systems
- Managing large-scale budgets
- Overseeing operator training curriculum development
- Implementing effective recruitment and retention strategies to strengthen the utility operator workforce
- Proven track record of leadership in managing complex work groups
- Skilled in fostering collaboration, setting clear goals, and driving team performance to ensure program success
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities are essential for navigating the dynamic challenges of utility operations and workforce development
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree in a related Water Resources discipline (Agriculture Science, Hydrology, Geology, Environmental Science, Water Resources, Watershed Management, Physics, Biology, Natural Science, Physical Science, Life Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geography Forestry/Forest Science, Conservation Science, Wildlife Science, Emergency Management, or Engineering) and eight (8) years of relevant experience, six (6) years of which must be in a supervisory role. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling twelve (12) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Substitution Table
These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
Education Experience Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 12 years of experience OR High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 12 years of experience 2 Associate's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 10 years of experience Associate's degree or higher in any field AND 12 years of experience 3 Bachelor's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 8 years of experience 4 Master's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 6 years of experience 5 PhD degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 4 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. This position will be required to be able to operate a vehicle, occasionally be outdoors, to walk, lift up to 75 pounds, carry up to 90 pounds and presenting in front of large audiences. Responding to various important deadlines or other work related emergencies may require work on the weekends or during non-standard work hours.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Joe Martinez (505) 467-9415 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.
$97,701 - $156,322 Annually
This position is a Pay Band EI
Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Department Name: Water Protection Division (WPD)
Program Area: Drinking Water Bureau (DWB)
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 will be part of a new Utility Operator Certification Program Group (UOCP). Water and wastewater utility operators are vital to public health and environmental protection, managing systems that provide safe, sustainable drinking water and prevent pollution. With increasingly stringent regulations for contaminants such as Lead, Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), and other emerging contaminants, operators must adapt to more complex, advanced treatment systems across New Mexico. Simultaneously, aging infrastructure demands vigilant oversight to avoid violations, treatment failures, contamination events, or service outages.
The UOCP, managed by NMED's DWB, certifies around 1,100 water operators, 1,900 wastewater operators, and 168 sampling professionals. However, the program is facing an increased need for staffing and resources to meet new regulatory demands, heightened public health standards, and the growing needs of the regulated community. To address these challenges, the Bureau has initiated an expansion and overhaul of the UOCP, including establishing new managerial roles to direct its evolving functions effectively.
How does it get done?
Position Responsibilities and Classification:
- Oversee all UOCP operations, including managing program budgets, resource allocation, staff supervision, and strategic program planning
- Crucial in leading the UOCP's expanded responsibilities, including curriculum development, certification processing, recruitment and retention programs
- Implement training programs designed to support operators managing advanced and complex systems
Key Functions of the Position:
- Direct budget planning, allocation, and management to ensure program sustainability and resource efficiency
- Lead the development of standardized training curricula and certification materials aligned with current regulatory and technological needs in water and wastewater treatment
- Implement recruitment and workforce development strategies to address the pipeline gap and ensure a steady supply of qualified operators
- Provide strategic oversight of application processing, certification renewals, and support services, enabling operators to maintain compliance with public health standards and regulatory mandates
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 in the following:
- Intermediate knowledge of Utility Operator Certification requirements and regulations
- Solid understanding of best operational practices for water and wastewater systems
- Managing large-scale budgets
- Overseeing operator training curriculum development
- Implementing effective recruitment and retention strategies to strengthen the utility operator workforce
- Proven track record of leadership in managing complex work groups
- Skilled in fostering collaboration, setting clear goals, and driving team performance to ensure program success
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities are essential for navigating the dynamic challenges of utility operations and workforce development
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree in a related Water Resources discipline (Agriculture Science, Hydrology, Geology, Environmental Science, Water Resources, Watershed Management, Physics, Biology, Natural Science, Physical Science, Life Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geography Forestry/Forest Science, Conservation Science, Wildlife Science, Emergency Management, or Engineering) and eight (8) years of relevant experience, six (6) years of which must be in a supervisory role. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling twelve (12) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Substitution Table
These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position:
Education Experience Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 12 years of experience OR High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 12 years of experience 2 Associate's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 10 years of experience Associate's degree or higher in any field AND 12 years of experience 3 Bachelor's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 8 years of experience 4 Master's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 6 years of experience 5 PhD degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 4 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. This position will be required to be able to operate a vehicle, occasionally be outdoors, to walk, lift up to 75 pounds, carry up to 90 pounds and presenting in front of large audiences. Responding to various important deadlines or other work related emergencies may require work on the weekends or during non-standard work hours.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Joe Martinez (505) 467-9415 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.