General Counsel (SPO #3602)

Posting Details

The State Personnel Office is responsible for the administration and oversight of the classified service personnel system which consists of approximately 17,000 state employees from approximately 69 executive state agencies, boards and commissions. A comprehensive system of human resource management is achieved through the integration of several functional areas which are administered by the State Personnel Director including NMAC Rules the Board enacts to maintain and support the classified workforce.

This posting is used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
Why does the job exist?

The General Counsel anticipates and identifies legal issues, counsels State Personnel Office management and staff, as well as other state agencies, to develop legal strategies and solutions in labor and employment law. In addition, the General Counsel, along with the State Personnel Office, manages compliance with the Personnel Act, the State Personnel Board Rules, and other federal and state laws and ensures the agency's legal obligations are met.
How does it get done?

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the Labor Relations Division
• Leading or supporting bargaining strategy, proposals, and negotiations with represented employee groups; draft, review, and interpret CBAs and Public Employee Bargaining Act to align operational needs with legal requirements
• Serving as the principal legal advisor to SPO on federal and state employment and labor laws (e.g., Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, NLRA, and relevant New Mexico statutes), ensuring policies, procedures, and practices are compliant and defensible
• Monitoring legal and regulatory developments and proactively update agency policies, handbooks, and training to mitigate risk
• Drafting and reviewing statewide and SPO-specific policies
• Drafting and reviewing professional services agreements, settlement agreements, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), and other contracts

and Ensuring the State Personnel Offices public records request response process complies with the Inspection of Public Records Act

• Engaging in rulemaking - develops and prepares proposed changes to State Personnel Board Rules, including preparation of documents to ensure compliance with statutory rulemaking requirements,
• Handling and overseeing State Personnel Office litigation
• Responding to subpoenas and discovery requests on behalf of the agency
• Reviewing and analyzing proposed legislation
• Assisting with State Personnel Board meeting preparation, ensuring compliance with the Open Meetings Act, the Boards Open Meetings Resolution, and the Boards Operating Procedures

Who are the customers?

State Personnel Office Management and Staff, State Personnel Board, Legal and Regulatory Bodies, Public and External Stakeholders, and other State Agencies, Boards, and Commissions.
Ideal Candidate

State Personnel Office Management and Staff, State Personnel Board, Legal and Regulatory Bodies, Public and External Stakeholders, and other State Agencies, Boards, and Commissions.
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: late hours, weekends, on-call and callback work may be required. Will be exposed to regular periods of video display terminal and keyboard usage and stressful situations. Travel may be required.
Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Heather Vigil Clark (505) 365 - 3300 or via email: Heather.VigilClark@spo.nm.gov Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.