Environmental Protection Division Director

Mission

The New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) Mission Is To Protect And Restore The Environment And To Foster a Healthy And Prosperous New Mexico For Present And Future Generations. We Implement Our Mission Guided By Four Tenets Science: Using the best available science to inform our decision-making in protecting public health and the environment; Innovation: Employing creative engineering and technological solutions to address environmental challenges; Collaboration: Engaging communities and interested stakeholders in environmental decision-making outcomes; Compliance: Ensuring meaningful compliance with state regulations and permits, leveling the playing field through enforcement.

Overview

The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Director is appointed by the Governor and serves at the Governor's pleasure. This position directly manages and supports the Air Quality Control Bureau, Climate Change Bureau, and the Radiation Control Bureau, which collectively includes the equivalent of 140 full-time equivalents (FTEs). EPD’s budget is approximately $18M, consisting of state general fund, federal grants, and state special revenue funds.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing public health and environmental management policy, regulatory, and compliance assurance strategies;

• Directing operational activities in close collaboration with the Cabinet Secretary, Deputy Cabinet Secretaries, EPD Deputy Director, Bureau Chiefs, and others;

• Leading collaboration efforts with stakeholders;

• Initiating, reviewing, and drafting legislation;

• Informing and advising board members and/or legislators;

• Serving as the Department representative to outside parties;

• Implementing the Department’s strategic plan and meeting performance measures.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate must have demonstrated leadership experience in business acumen, leading people, managing change, driving results, and building coalitions. Exceptional customer service skills are required, along with the ability to work in structured and unstructured environments and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, are essential, as is a passion for protecting the public health of New Mexicans and their natural environment.

Benefits

The salary for this position is approximately $105,000 annually.

Contact Information

To apply, please submit your resume, letter of interest, and message via the provided form.