THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.

The purpose of this position is to provide customer assistant to the public regarding water rights. Perform technical review of water right applications. This position will also monitor permit holders to insure compliance with permit conditions. Conduct investigations and compile water right documentation for alleged illegal uses as well as compiles water rights documentation for aggrieved or protested water rights applications. Perform water level measurements and make recommendations on well construction plans.

PERFORM ADMINISTRATION OF WATER RIGHT DOCUMENTS:
Prepare memorandum of recommendation on unprotected water rights applications, inclusive of review of associated pending applications for extension of time, compliance problem resolution, field checks, and change of ownerships.
Prepare Notices for Publication for complete applications. Initiate follow-ups contact or act as expert witness for administrative hearing, inclusive of full participation in all aspects of preparation of Water Rights' position, creation of administrative exhibits, collaborating with other witnesses and counsel and providing testimony.
Perform technical analysis as needed to accomplish job assignments.

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE:
Provide general water rights information to walk-in, sub office, e-mail and telephone inquiries in a responsive, courteous, and accurate manner.
Assist the public complete various water rights forms for filing. Represent the OSE in meetings and other public forms as requested.
Assist with coordination and staffing of outreach office.

COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT:
Perform investigations and follow-up for compliance problems inclusive of documentation of complaints, conduct field investigation as needed in a timely manner as appropriate to specific complaint.
Prepare field report for review inclusive of recommended action, prepare written responses to complaints, and follow-up to achieve desired outcome.
Input and tracking of diversion metering records and permit compliance.
Compile and submit annual meter data/diversion report. Prepare and send notices of violation pertaining to metering and/or other issues.

Incumbent will assist the general public regarding water rights inquiries whether in person, by telephone, in writing or email.

The ideal candidate will have:
Ability to work independently with little supervision.
Ability to express complex issues verbally and in writing to supervisors, coworkers and the general public.
Ability to perform technical writing and review complex water rights administration information/data; and
Possess excellent customer service skills and experience.

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. Substitutions Apply. See Substitution Table below.

This position is required to drive a state vehicle. 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.

State of New Mexico employees may be impacted by the Public Health Order dated December 19, 2022, which requires facilities licensed or certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS"), including all hospital types, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, hospice facilities and rehabilitation facilities, as well as assisted living facilities and adult day care settings, to adhere to all COVID-related requirements prescribed by CMS, including, but not limited to masking and staff vaccination.

Work is performed in an office setting where extensive computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting, and fieldwork will be required which can consist of rough terrain and heat/cold exposure. Incumbent will be required to follow safety protocols at all times.

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.