Water Resources Professional (OSE/ISC #73063)

Posting Details

This position is located in the Water Resources Allocation Program (WRAP),  District 6 - Water Rights Division in Santa Fe, NM.

To learn more about the Office of the State Engineer, please visit our website: https://www.ose.nm.gov

This posting is for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

Why does the job exist?

This position will provide support in a professional water resources administration role in the District VI Office. The water professional will administer water resources in accordance with New Mexico statutes, court adjudications, and rules and regulations of the state engineer through processing applications for permits, changes of ownership, and other water rights administration documents. The water professional is responsible for performing work in support of Active Water Management and other water master duties such as, field work, collecting and reporting of surface and ground water diversion data in District VI. In addition, the water professional will assist the public with filing documents, providing guidance, and answering questions concerning water rights administration.

How does it get done?

PERFORM ADMINSTRATION OF WATER RIGHT DOCUMENTS - The water professional will review applications for permit, assist the public with corrections to applications, prepare notices for publication, perform technical analyses as needed, and prepare memorandums of recommendation on water rights applications. They will also review and process changes of ownership, title work and prepare overlay maps. The water professional will prepare recommendation memorandums for other water rights administration documents such as extensions of time and proofs of beneficial use. In addition, they may participate as an expert witness in administrative hearings to explain decisions on water rights applications, which may include creation of administrative exhibits, collaborating with other witnesses and counsel, and providing testimony. Special projects may be assigned.

SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER ADMINISTRATION-The water professional will perform field work in support of Active Water Resource Management (AWRM) and will coordinate with water users. Field work will consist of maintaining diversion measurement equipment, monitoring diversions, post-processing diversion measurement records, and rating water control structures. The water professional will also identify, map, and prepare reports on irrigated lands in District VI. In addition, they will be responsible for locating wells with GPS, increasing compliance with metering water diversions from wells, and measuring well levels.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE - The water professional will provide general water rights information to walk-in, telephone, and email inquiries in a responsive, courteous, and accurate manner. They will also assist the public to complete various water rights forms for filing. The water professional will also represent the NMOSE in meetings and other public forums as requested.

COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT - The water professional will perform field investigations and follow-ups for compliance problems as needed, in a timely manner, and as appropriate to specific complaints. They will prepare complaint reports with recommended actions, prepare written responses to complaints, and follow through to achieve resolutions. The water professional will also track diversion records, permit compliance, and assist with the compilation of an annual report. In addition, they will prepare and send notices of violation pertaining to water use.

Who are the customers?

This position will work with agency staff, the public, stakeholders, other state agencies, county government entities, and tribal and non-tribal communities.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will:

1.  Communicate clearly with water rights owners.
2.  Conduct field checks and handle compliance problems.
3.  Write, review, and edit professional business and technical documents.
4.  Possess education, knowledge and experience with NM Water laws, agency rules and regulations, policies and statutes.
5.  Represent and speak on behalf of the agency at meeting and public events.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Science, Hydrology, Geology, Environmental Science, Water Resources, Watershed Management, Physics, Natural Science, Physical Science, Life Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Forestry/Forest Science, Conservation Science, Wildlife Science, Emergency Management, or Engineering and two (2) years of relevant experience. 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 an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT). Use of Xerox machine, computer, telephone, fax machine and calculator. Field work/travel is required. Some lifting of up to 60 pounds and periods of extended standing or kneeling while working may be required. Some sitting, standing, bending, hiking, climbing and reaching may be required. May be required to occasionally work at alternate work sites and extended hours and weekends. Field work requires use of digital cameras and a global positioning system. May be required to occasionally work at alternate work sites and extended hours and weekends. Travel will be required to include driving a state vehicle. May be exposed to inclement weather.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Ramona Martinez, (505) 470-2145 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 agreement.

Salary : $73,568 - $110,352