Environment Secretary James Kenney

NMED News:

SANTA FE — New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) employees continue to report high levels of engagement, job satisfaction and commitment to public service, according to results from the agency’s 2026 Employee Engagement Survey.

Launched in 2020, the survey measures NMED staff opinions on the department’s workplace culture and helps identify opportunities to strengthen employee engagement and organizational effectiveness. This year’s report, along with the prior six annual reports, is available here. 

“For the past seven years, our employees demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to protecting New Mexico’s environment and public health,” Environment Secretary James Kenney said. “The results of this survey reflect the dedication of our workforce to our mission, our management to our staff, and our continued efforts to foster a workplace culture where employees are valued, supported, and empowered to serve the people of New Mexico.”

Key findings from the report include: 

• 94% said they believe their work is important. 
• 92% said they are willing to put in extra effort to get the job done. 
• 90% said they like the work they do. 
• 77% said they are satisfied with their job. 
• 66% of NMED employees are engaged in their work — more than double the national average of 32% and the second-highest rate since the survey began in 2020. 
• 64% said they were not considering leaving the Department within the next year. 

Notably, NMED has seen significant, positive growth in categories relating to professional opportunities. Since 2020, the Department has seen a 14% increase in employees reporting that they are given meaningful opportunities to improve their skills and that creativity and innovation are rewarded.

Over the last seven years, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Legislature invested in NMED’s annual budget helping to improve job satisfaction of its workforce.

For those seeking a career that makes a tangible difference in communities across New Mexico and offers a supportive, engaging workplace culture, find NMED’s open positions here.