Environmental economist Jobs in Albuquerque, NM

19.82 - $31.71 Hourly

41,218 - $65,949 Annually

This position is a Pay Band 60

Posting Details

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

Why does the job exist?

The job directly assists with the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) levels in wastewater at various congregate settings across the state of New Mexico. Information provided from this type of monitoring is utilized by the decision makers responsible for making public health actions that can help control the spread of COVID-19.

This position also maintains FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) certification for testing in support of the Environmental Microbiology section and maintains adherence to (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), Scientific Laboratory and Department of Health policies.

How does it get done?

Conducting real-time quantitative RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase - Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID)on raw wastewater samples that come from various types of state facilities throughout the state of New Mexico. The samples are first pasteurized and then concentrated.

Nucleic acid extractions and purifications are carried out on the resulting wastewater concentrates using a paramagnetic bead kit. Digital PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) for SARS-CoV-2 is then carried out on the nucleic acid eluates so that the levels SARS-CoV-2 in the wastewater samples can be determined. Maintaining orderly hard copy and electronic records of sam pie demographics, purchasing documents of testing supplies, testing operations, and testing results.

Who are the customers?

Citizens of New Mexico and external partners including New Mexico Department of Agriculture, Environment Department, Epidemiology and Response Division and Centers for Disease Control.

Ideal Candidate

Two years Environmental Laboratory experience in Microbiology, Biology or Chemistry conducting regulatory testing work. Bachelor's degree in Biological Science from an accredited college / university. The Ability to communicate with external partners Comfort with analytical calculations that involve mathematical knowledge

Minimum Qualification

Associate degree in biological sciences with emphasis on chemistry, mathematics, and / or computer science and two (2) years experience in biology, microbiology, virology, parasitological and / or molecular biology specialization in a laboratory setting. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and / or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Substitution Table

These combinations of education and experience qualify you for the position :

Education Experience Education Experience 1 High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 4 years of experience OR High School Diploma or Equivalent AND 4 years of experience 2 Associate's degree in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 2 years of experience Associate's degree or higher in any field AND 4 years of experience 3 Bachelor's degree or higher in the field(s) specified in the minimum qualification AND 0 years of experience

• Education and years of experience must be related to the purpose of the position.
• If Minimum Qualification requires a specific number of "semester hours" in a field (e.g. 6 semester hours in Accounting), applicants MUST have those semester hours in order to meet the minimum qualifications. No substitutions apply for semester hours.

Employment Requirements

This position is designated a safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and / or drug testing.

Capable of passing Department of Justice / Federal Bureau of Investigation (DOJ / FBI) security clearance for access to laboratories holding Select Agents, as defined by 42CFR73, Possession, Use, and Transfer of Select Agents and Toxins. Must obtain Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccination, able to differentiate colors, use of sterile techniques, and good manual dexterity. 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 a Defensive Driving Course certificate. In state and out of state travel may be required. Successful completion of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is required.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a fully functional laboratory containing biological, chemical, physical, and radiological hazards. Incumbent will be required to use all applicable safety equipment provided by the employer and follow all safety precautions specified by the employer. There will be extended standing, repetitive trunk / arm / hand / neck movements with computer usage or assay / methodologies utilized. Work involves using high voltage electronic instrumentation, and high-pressure gas cylinders. Ability to lift / push up to 50 lbs.

Supplemental Information

Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Agency Contact Information : Sheila Martinez, Human Resource. Email

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

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms / conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.