Current Position: Bureau Chief Law Enforcement and Boating Safety
How long have you been with New Mexico State Parks?
I have worked 8 1/2 years with New Mexico State Parks. I started as a seasonal laborer and progressed to Park Ranger, Park Manager, Regional Manager, until I reached my current position of Bureau Chief.
How did you become interested in working as Bureau Chief for New Mexico State Parks?
Growing up in rural northern New Mexico, I was active in the outdoors and learned about and appreciated their value and positive impact on individuals and communities. Thus, I have always loved the outdoors and enjoyed participating in preservation and conservation of our natural & cultural resources. More importantly, I have always enjoyed working and helping folks understand and experience their natural environment.
Describe a typical day at your job.
(If there is no such thing as a typical day, then please tell us about your primary responsibilities and duties.)
There really is no typical day but my primary responsibilities and duties are to oversee and direct statewide boating safety, law enforcement, and boat access programs. Major elements of this program are administration, law enforcement, boater education, navigational aids, and vessel registration and titling. All functions are to support safe and enjoyable boating experiences on the state’s waters, serve as the chief of law enforcement for the division, and manage for quality boat access facilities for the public.
How many hours a week do you work in this position?
No less than 40 with extra hours worked as required.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy working with staff and the public to ensure quality outdoor experiences. Working towards supporting our field staff to achieve a high level of customer service, stewardship, and job performance ultimately benefits the visitors and natural and cultural resources within state parks.
What do you find to be the greatest challenges of your job?
Position vacancies and turnover statewide have proven to be quite a challenge. If we struggle to fill positions with qualified and dedicated employees, we inevitably fall short on our commitment to our visitors and the natural and cultural resources.
What kind of training/schooling is required in your position?
Work experience in Parks & Recreation Management, Natural Resources, Biology, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Criminal Science, and/or Wildlife Management and (4) of these years should have been conducted within a supervisory capacity. In addition, (4) years of related education and/or (6) years of related experience of which (4) years of experience should be as a supervisor, will meet minimum qualifications. You must also have a valid NM Driver’s license, pass a background clearance, fitness test, and physical & psychological exam and drug test prior to hiring. Finally, you must become a certified and commissioned law enforcement officer from the N.M. Law Enforcement Academy within (1) year of hire.
Is there any kind of training or general experience that you wish you had before taking your job?
After college I began my career from an entry level position within the Division and worked my way up through field operations learning the system as I progressed. This process prepared me adequately for each level but I would have benefited from more government business and finance management training/courses along the way.
What are a few of the projects that you've been working on recently that have been the most interesting?
The most interesting project has been program implementation of new legislation that required mandatory boating education for boat operators born on or after January 1, 1989 and mandatory wear of Personal Flotation Device (PFD’s) also known as lifejackets for children 12 and under when aboard a vessel that is underway. Being able to work on helping folks have a fun, memorable, and safe outdoor experience is very rewarding.
If someone were interested in working in your position, what advice could you give them?
The best advice I can give is to identify their interest and get started early on working towards building relevant work experience, education, training, and overall awareness of their interest. Secondly, I would advise them to find a mentor, counselor, or advocate that could aid them with navigating through the process and can provide support along the way. Finally, I would encourage folks not to give up on their interest because the end result is well worth the hard work.
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