Bureau Chief

Posting Details

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.

Department Name: Compliance and Enforcement Division (CED)

Program Area: Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB)

Looking for a rewarding career and growth opportunity? The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is seeking highly engaged talent to assist us in our mission to protect and restore the environment and foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for present and future generations. Come be a part of our great team for change Learn more at:

As a valued new employee to the NMED, you will receive five (5) full days of leave in your leave balances right from your start date.

Why does the job exist?

The Bureau Chief provides strategic leadership and direction for New Mexico's Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, ensuring a safe and healthy workforce that supports the state's economic vitality and public well-being. This position exists to uphold and advance New Mexico's occupational safety and health standards through effective program administration, statewide enforcement, and proactive engagement with employers and workers. By guiding policy, fostering collaboration with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and key stakeholders, and promoting a culture of prevention, the Bureau Chief ensures that workplaces across all industries operate safely and in compliance with state and federal requirements.

How does it get done?

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of New Mexico¿s occupational safety and health programs, including enforcement, consultation, and compliance assistance
• Direct bureau operations, managing resources, staff, budget, and policy implementation to ensure effective and efficient service delivery
• Maintain compliance with federal OSHA State Plan requirements and ensure alignment with U.S. Department of Labor standards and expectations
• Oversee complex inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions to uphold workplace safety and ensure legal integrity
• Build partnerships with other state agencies, industry, and labor stakeholders to advance statewide workplace safety initiatives
• Represent the bureau in public, legislative, and interagency forums, promoting awareness and support for occupational health and safety programs
• Foster a culture of professional growth, accountability, and technical excellence through training and staff development

Who are the customers?

• New Mexicans to protect and restore the environment
• Occasional contact with external Federal, State and Local regulatory bodies as well as contractors and environmental not for profit organizations
• Internal staff

Ideal Candidate

• New Mexicans to protect and restore the environment
• Occasional contact with external Federal, State and Local regulatory bodies as well as contractors and environmental not for profit organizations
• Internal staff

Minimum Qualification

Associate's Degree in Occupational Health, Safety, or a related field such as Industrial Safety, Engineering, Biology, or Chemistry and six (6) years of experience in a risk management or a safety related field (e.g. loss control, safety, and Worker's Compensation case management activities and/or workplace inspections). Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico 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.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending, and reaching may be required.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information: Robert Genoway or Email

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

For more information on how to apply, please check out the Application Guide: link

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining unit.