Senior Natural Resources Specialist

Description

CEHMM is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that offers a wide verity of environmental services to clients throughout southern New Mexico. Our Environmental Services Department specializes in natural resources assessment and environmental permitting at the federal and state levels. A successful candidate may have experience with plant & wildlife surveys, environmental assessments (EAs), a working knowledge of the NEPA, and environmental planning. 

The Senior Natural Resource Specialist position is a permanent full-time position located in Carlsbad, NM, reporting to the Environment Services Environmental Services Manager. The Senior NRS position is an advanced technical role responsible for overseeing complex natural resource projects, reviewing environmental assessments and planning documents, and providing senior-level technical guidance. Senior Natural Resources Specialists ensure the accuracy and quality of environmental deliverables, mentor junior staff, and contribute to the development of procedures and standards. This position serves as a key resource to project managers by providing policy interpretation, technical review, and leadership in regulatory agency and client coordination. The Senior Natural Resource Specialist will accomplish a wide variety of client needs including but not limited to:

• Oversee and review natural resource surveys, mapping outputs, and environmental planning or permitting deliverables
• Provide senior-level technical and policy review of NEPA documents (Environmental Assessments, Environmental Site Assessments) and permitting applications
• Ensure accuracy, quality, and regulatory compliance of technical reports, permit applications, studies, and environmental assessments
• Coordinate complex natural resource projects, including progress tracking and regulatory agency and client communications
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Natural Resource Specialists and Field Technicians to support skill development and consistency in deliverables
• Contribute to the development, revision, and implementation of SOPs, guidelines, and best practices for the Environmental Services Program
• Consult at a senior level with federal, state, and local agencies, clients, and subcontractors on natural resource issues and compliance requirements
• Support Project Managers with technical expertise, policy interpretation, and problem-solving on complex or sensitive projects· Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Environmental Science, Wildlife Science, Ecology, Biology, Geology, or related field
• Minimum of five years of professional experience in natural resource management, consulting, or environmental permitting
• At least two years of experience providing technical leadership, mentoring, or project coordination
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Strong technical writing and review skills.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

Preferred

• Master’s degree (MS) in Environmental Science, Wildlife Science, Ecology, Biology, Geology, or related field
• Over six years of experience with natural resource consulting or regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing and approving NEPA documents and permit applications
• Advanced knowledge of ArcGIS Pro
• Experience developing SOPs, guidance documents, or best practices
• Established relationships with federal and state regulatory agencies
• Experience mentoring and training technical staff

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Required

• Advanced knowledge of natural resource management practices, regulatory frameworks, and compliance requirements
• Proficiency in reviewing and ensuring quality of NEPA documents, permit applications, and environmental assessments
• Ability to mentor and provide technical guidance to junior staff
• Strong project coordination, organizational, and time-management skills
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and standard office software (Word, Excel)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical review and interagency coordination.

Preferred

• Demonstrated ability to lead or coordinate complex natural resource projects
• Experience developing SOPs, procedures, or best practices for environmental programs
• Established professional relationships with regulatory agencies and stakeholders
• Expertise in advanced GIS, modeling, or analytical tools for environmental planning
• Working Conditions and Physical Effort:
• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises
• Considerable physical activity
• Work involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials, equipment, or chemicals and situations that may require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment

This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Candidate will be required to present official transcripts, certificates, licenses, etc. as verification of qualifications.