Bernalillo County is 1,160 square miles and is New Mexico’s most populous county with more than 676,000 residents. Bernalillo County government provides a wide range of public services to residents who live in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos and Tijeras with approximately 106,000 residents living in unincorporated areas of the county. Bernalillo County employs approximately 2,500 people and has an annual operating budget, capital investments and other funds of more than $1 billion. Elected officials include five county commissioners, assessor, clerk, probate judge, sheriff and treasurer.

Bernalillo County

Department of Human Resources

Job Descriptions

What does the red Zia symbol mean? The Zia sun symbol represent the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, the four period of each day (morning, noon, evening, and night), and the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle age, and old age). The centre of the sun symbol stands for life itself. The yellow field with red symbol pays recognition to the Aragon Realm of the conquistadors and their homeland in Spain.
JCP226: Natural Resources/Environmental Scientist

Natural Resources/Environmental Scientist

Job Code
Grade
Bargaining Unit
JCP226
6
None
       
       
Hourly
As Hourly
As Annual
25.97 - 32.63 - 41.04 USD Hourly
$25.97 - $32.63 - $41.04
$54,017.60 - $67,870.40 - $85,363.20

POSITION SUMMARY

The Natural Resources Scientist supports the Public Works Division through technical expertise, project implementation, and regulatory oversight. This role assists in research and development of departmental programs and leads inspections, investigations, and enforcement of environmental ordinances. Responsibilities include reviewing and commenting on advanced permit applications, conducting public outreach and education, and representing the County at public hearings.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Enforce applicable laws and regulations related to wells, on-site wastewater systems, water conservation, stormwater discharge, and other assigned natural resource areas. Review plans and applications, perform inspections, and authorize permits.
  • Conduct detailed on-site inspections and investigations of permits, complaints, and violations involving water, wastewater, sewage systems, illicit or industrial discharges, stormwater, solid waste, and related environmental issues.
  • Apply relevant codes and ordinances to resolve violations, recommend corrective actions, and determine when referrals to other agencies are required.
  • Prepare and present written reports and recommendations to the public, contractors, County management, and County review boards or commissions.
  • Collect, process, analyze, and maintain electronic and paper records of field, office, and spatial data. Prepare documentation for public hearings and legal actions.
  • Lead public education and outreach activities related to water, wastewater, stormwater, or other natural resource topics.
  • Provide front-line customer service and issue permits. Support departmental events, programs, and low-income assistance initiatives with technical expertise.
  • Train, supervise, and assist junior staff as needed.
  • Support cross-departmental initiatives and perform additional related duties as assigned.


*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities. 


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Water Resources, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Studies, Earth Sciences, Planning, or a related field.
  • Two (2) years of experience requiring coordinating or direct interaction with local, state, and federal agencies.

*Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience may be considered for the above requirements. 


SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees in this position must meet the following certification and training requirements:

  • Complete required FEMA Emergency Management Institute courses during the 9-month probationary period: IS-3, IS-5.a, IS-100.b, IS-100.pwb, IS-700.a, IS-810, and IS-811.
  • Possess and maintain at least two of the following certifications or equivalent, and obtain at least two additional within nine (9) months of hire: HAZWOPER (24-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response), NM Certified Water Sampler Level II, Water I, or Wastewater I Operator NAWT or NSF Wastewater Inspector certification, Stormwater Quality Protection or Erosion and Sediment Control training, Landscape Irrigation Auditor or Water Efficiency Auditor certification
  • Complete 16 hours of continuing education related to water/wastewater systems, conservation, stormwater, environmental law, or similar topics, as approved by supervisor.
  • Attend two County Development Review Authority hearings and two County Planning Commission hearings to become familiar with public review procedures.
  • Complete any additional training or certification as pre-approved by the Natural Resource Services Manager.

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE


The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

  • Complete the post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
  • Comply with the safety guidelines of the County.
  • This position is safety sensitive. Employment is subject to a pre-employment and random drug testing in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state rules and regulations regarding alcohol and/or drug testing.
  • Complete required FEMA training(s) as assigned to position.
  • Possess a valid New Mexico driver's license by employment date and retain a valid New Mexico driver's license while employed in this position.


    WORKING CONDITIONS

    • Major duties are performed 50% indoors and 50% outdoors and the employee will be exposed to extremes of heat, cold and humidity, and dust.
    • Outdoor duties may be conducted on both even and uneven surfaces, inclines, hills, ditches, paved or natural surfaces. Work may involve hiking with heavy equipment pack, climbing, entering enclosed spaces such as well houses and spring boxes, working on wet or dry surfaces.
    • Indoor duties are performed in a temperature-controlled environment on even, carpeted, or tiled surfaces. duties may be performed on either hard or soft surfaces in a professional office environment.
    • Performs duties alone or as a member of a team or group.
    • Work hazards or potential hazards include exposure to chemicals, animals, bio-hazards, industrial and domestic waste, radiation, burns, lacerations, contusions, falls, intermittent noise, intermittent vibration, electrical and mechanical equipment, fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, poor ventilation and polluted water, driving a vehicle with trailer.


    EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

    • Computers, environmental monitoring equipment, laboratory equipment, telephone, two-way radio, fax, photocopier, metal probes, shovels, wrenches, ladders, paper forms, chemicals and Material Safety Data Sheets.
    • County vehicle is used by employee in traveling from site-to-site throughout the county.
    • Safety equipment may include hard hat, rubber boots, gloves, facemask and first aid kit.

    Revision: 8/21/2025 1:40:29 PM