Environmental Scientist (NMED #12341)

New Mexico Department of Justice; Clovis (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Department of Justice, Environmental Health Division, seeks an Inspector responsible for protecting public health and groundwater resources by conducting inspections of regulated facilities and supervising compliance with NMED regulations.

The role involves field activities, plan reviews, and enforcement actions to ensure proper construction, installation, and operation of facilities across Food, Liquid Waste, and Aquatic Programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Physical, Natural, or Environmental Science, Soil Science, or Engineering and two (2) years of work experience in public/environmental health, environmental science, Air Quality Management, Biology, Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, Hazardous Waste Management, Wildlife Management, and/or Water Resources.

Responsibilities

• Inspect foods establishments, liquid waste systems, public aquatic facilities, and temporary events to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Investigate complaints, evaluate public health risks, document findings, and recommend corrective actions.
• Review plans and permit applications; conduct plan reviews; issue permits; maintain records.

Skills

Environmental health regulations

Strong communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physical, Natural, Environmental Science, Soil Science, or Engineering

Job description

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For more Job Requirements & Classification Description:

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

Department Name: Environmental Health Division
Program Area: Environmental Health Bureau

Why does the job exist?

The purpose of this position is to protect public health and groundwater resources in New Mexico by conducting inspections and oversight of regulated facilities and systems in accordance with applicable NMED regulations. The position independently plans and manages field activities to promote compliance within the regulated community, utilizing voluntary measures or enforcement actions as necessary. This position ensures that facilities and sites are properly constructed, installed, and operated to meet regulatory requirements and exercises delegated authority to review and issue permits for the Food, Liquid Waste, and Aquatic Programs. It investigates and responds to complaints across these program areas, taking appropriate action to achieve compliance with NMED standards. Additionally, the position provides technical and programmatic support to the general public and regulated community, ensuring the Bureau and Department achieve their goals, objectives, and policy priorities.

How does it get done?

• Conduct inspections of food establishments, liquid waste systems, public aquatic facilities, and temporary events to ensure compliance with regulations. Maintain complete and accurate inspection records.

Investigate complaints, evaluate public health and environmental risks, document findings, and recommend or implement appropriate corrective actions.

Review plans and permit applications, conduct plan reviews, issue permits, and maintain accurate permitting records in accordance with regulatory requirements. Maintain complete and accurate permitting records.

Perform compliance and enforcement activities, including regulatory inspections, enforcement actions, and responses to food recalls in coordination with management. Maintain complete and accurate enforcement records.

Provide technical assistance and regulatory guidance to the public, regulated facilities, contractors, and other stakeholders to promote voluntary compliance.

Participate in public outreach, education, training, and community engagement activities to increase awareness of Environmental Health Bureau programs.

Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing professional development, agency training, and continuous learning.

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:

• Environmental health regulations
• Strong Communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to work independently and with a team

Bachelor's Degree in Physical, Natural, or Environmental Science, Soil Science, or Engineering and two (2) years of work experience in public/environmental health, environmental science, Air Quality Management, Biology, Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, Hazardous Waste Management, Wildlife Management, and/or Water Resources. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

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 within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in both an office setting and outdoors, with considerable travel to field locations, for meetings, trainings, and to permit and inspect facilities to enforce regulatory rules. Occasional weekend work may be required.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Dominic Romero (575) 49-4106 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.