Water Protection Division Director

The New Mexico Environment Department

Water Protection Division (WPD) Director

Job Summary

The Water Protection Division (WPD) Director is appointed by the Governor and works closely with the Cabinet Secretary, Deputy Cabinet Secretary, and other Division Directors. The WPD Director oversees 15 programs to ensure the cleanest and safest water supplies for New Mexicans today and into the future through the protection of surface water and groundwater quality.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the WPD Deputy Director and manage and support the Ground Water Quality, Surface Water Quality, Drinking Water, and Construction Programs Bureaus.

• Develop environmental management policy and direct resources and operational activities in collaboration with the WPD Deputy Director.

• Lead collaboration with stakeholders, initiate, review, and draft legislation, and inform legislators, local officials, community members, federal agencies, the Congressional delegation, and others about Division projects.

• Serve as the Department representative on priority environmental and public health protection matters.

• Manage more than 60 funding sources, including approximately 50 active federal grants.

• Oversee public water systems and drinking water testing, water and wastewater utility operator certification, loans for infrastructure projects, remediation of contaminated properties, discharge permits, surface water quality monitoring and restoration, and compliance and enforcement of drinking water and water quality regulatory programs.

• Participate in special projects such as the New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium and addressing PFAS and other emerging contaminants.

Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership experience in business acumen, leading people, managing change, driving results, and building coalitions.

• Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, to effectively communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders.

• A passion for the protection of New Mexico's natural environment and its relation to human health.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Public Health, Engineering, or a related field.

• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in environmental protection, preferably in a governmental or regulatory agency setting.

• Experience in managing large budgets and overseeing multiple programs.

• Strong background in water quality management and regulatory compliance.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and navigate complex political environments.

Benefits

The WPD Director position offers a competitive salary range of $95,000 to $105,000 annually, depending on experience.

Pay

$95,000 to $105,000 annually, depending on experience.

Schedule

N/A

Contact Information

To apply, please submit your letter of interest, resume, and any additional relevant documents via the provided link. For questions, contact [Contact Information].