Senior Environmental Scientist; EMNRD

Senior Environmental Scientist (EMNRD #)

Locations:
Albuquerque, Artesia, Hobbs, Santa Fe.

This position can be based in the four Division locations. The Oil Conservation Division of EMNRD regulates oil and gas activity in New Mexico. Its core responsibilities include issuing permits for new wells, enforcing state and division rules, collecting data on well production, managing the spill reporting process, ensuring abandoned wells are properly plugged, and requiring the responsible restoration of land affected by oil and gas operations.

This position is part of the Division’s Environmental Bureau, which is responsible for regulating the environmental aspects of oil and gas operations throughout the state.

As a new employee you will receive five (5) full days of leave in your leave balances right from your start date.

This Senior Environmental Scientist assists the Environmental Special Project Program of the Oil Conservation Division’s Environmental Bureau. The program works on remediating contaminated lands and water around active, abandoned, or orphaned wells and facilities. The position will assist with oversight and coordination of funds to support OCD‑awarded vendor contracts for environmental assessment, remediation, restoration, and monitoring services associated with oil and gas operations in New Mexico.

This includes reviewing remediation plans, closure plans, groundwater abatement plans, bid requests, invoices, and other documentation associated with the environmental salvage, remediation, reclamation, and revegetation of oil and gas well sites and facilities.

This position plays a vital role in the Division’s regulatory responsibilities of fluid management and waste disposal; handling of produced water and drilling fluids; environmental assessment, remediation, and restoration.

This job supports the oil and gas industry, other state and federal agencies, and the general public. The position plays a vital role in protecting natural resources, public health, the environment, and groundwater resources of New Mexico.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who understands the environmental aspects of the oil and gas industry. The ideal candidate should have expertise in environmental and regulatory reviews and be passionate about helping the state identify and implement oil and gas regulations to protect human health, the environment, and the proper utilization of New Mexico resources during oil and gas operations.

• Experience in environmental compliance
• Regulatory experience
• Oil and gas experience
• Procurement and contracting experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Physical, Natural, or Environmental Science, Soil Science, Engineering, or Chemistry and four (4) years of experience in public/environmental health, environmental science, animal science, natural science, biological science, physical science, air quality management, 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/direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and obtain a Defensive Driving Certificate.

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to visual/video display terminals (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some travel may be required and some field/facility site inspections are required.