New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) employees have reported the highest job satisfaction levels in six years, according to the 2025 Employee Engagement Survey. This survey, initiated in 2020, evaluates staff opinions on work culture and identifies areas for improvement within the department. The full report is available online.
Environment Secretary James Kenney commented on the findings: "Throughout the Lujan Grisham administration, our leadership team has worked tirelessly to improve our workplace culture for our dedicated employees as they perform essential services for the people of New Mexico." He added that addressing employee concerns over the past six years has strengthened the department and increased employee engagement and happiness.
The survey revealed that 67% of NMED employees are engaged in their work, a figure more than double the national average of 32%. Additionally, 93% believe their work is important, while 94% are willing to put in extra effort to complete tasks. A significant majority, 91%, expressed job satisfaction.
James C. Kenney Cabinet Secretary at New Mexico Environment Department
| New Mexico Environment Department
Improvements were also noted in pay and resources. Satisfaction with pay increased by 23 percentage points from 2020 to 2025, and more employees reported having adequate resources to perform their jobs effectively. Furthermore, there was a rise in overall job satisfaction compared to last year’s results.
Secretary Kenney highlighted efforts by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and the New Mexico Legislature to increase NMED’s general fund allocation and ensure fair compensation based on experience and education. These initiatives have contributed to workforce growth from about 500 employees in 2019 to 675 in 2025.
For those interested in making a difference in New Mexico communities while enjoying a supportive workplace culture, NMED’s open positions can be found online.
In related news, the New Mexico Environment Department confirmed that Las Vegas drinking water remains safe despite concerns about post-fire runoff from recent fires affecting water supply safety.
Information from this article can be found here.
