Attorney

Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Department Name: Office of General Counsel (OGC)
Program Area: Resource Management Division (RMD)
Looking for a rewarding career and growth opportunity? The New Mexico Environment Department (NMENV) 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 NMENV, you will receive five (5) full days of leave in your leave balances right from your start date.
Why does the job exist?
The purpose of the position is to provide direct legal services to the Department's Air Quality Bureau (Bureau) of the Environmental Protection Division (EPD), including the director, program management, and technical staff, and provide legal and policy advice regarding complex situations involving a full array of matters regulated by the Bureau. Position will provide legal advice to the Cabinet Secretary and Deputy Cabinet Secretary regarding legal issues involving this Bureau's regulations. Incumbent will perform advanced and complex legal work for clients. Coordinate development and preparation of Bureau rule-makings. Handle a complex and considerable legal workload for the Bureau.
How does it get done?

• Provide legal advice, representation, and advocacy for the Bureau and its programs including advice and representation regarding complex, difficult, and sensitive regulatory issues. Provide advice regarding the interpretation of statutes including the Air Quality Control Act, the Environmental Improvement Act, and a wide array of rules, and court orders
• Advise and recommend alternative courses of action to the Department Secretary and Deputy Secretary on air quality issues and related natural resource legal and policy issues
• Draft documents that are required for complex regulatory and compliance matters, including letters, memoranda, notices of violation, orders, and agreements
• Work closely with the EPD personnel regarding agency procedures and practices and consult with EPD and Department management to ensure consistent and correct application of existing statutes and rules. Advise EPD management and staff regarding interpretation of court opinions, statutes, and rules where serious legal issues exist
• Develop or revise rules, requiring in-depth familiarity with the relevant subject matter, statutory requirements, and EPD resources and processes; understand objectives to be achieved by the rule or rule revision. Represent EPD and AQB in rule-making proceedings
• Represent the Department at all stages of administrative and judicial hearings, understand factual and legal issues requiring independent decisions as to strategy and tactics, conduct cross-examination of witnesses, present opening and closing statements, draft proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, and prepare and file briefs persuasively presenting the Departments legal positions

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

• 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

Minimum Qualification
Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited school of law. Must be licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license (Rules 15-301.1 and 15-301.2 NMRA). For more information on limited practice licenses, please visit http://nmexam.org/limited-license/.
Employment Requirements
Must possess and maintain a valid drivers 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.
Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited school of law. Licensed as an attorney by the Supreme Court of New Mexico or qualified to apply for limited practice license, which requires graduation from an accredited school of law, licensure (in good standing) in another state and sitting for the next eligible State Bar exam.
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. Maybe required to travel to hearings and meetings.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Ray Romero, (505) 469-6471 or Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining unit.