NMED News:
SANTA FE — In a strategic move to enhance environmental sustainability and workforce development, the New Mexico Environment Department, San Juan College, and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions have launched the Careers Remediating Environmental Waste (CREW) program. This initiative focuses on educating and training jobseekers in environmental cleanup, with an emphasis on uranium reclamation and remediation.
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is leading the collaboration, leveraging its environmental protection and restoration expertise to develop an impactful curriculum. The department will provide technical guidance and help potential employers in environmental remediation field.
San Juan College (SJC) in Farmington will host the training program, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive learning environment. SJC will play a role in preparing a skilled workforce to meet the state’s environmental challenges. The first classes are scheduled to begin in February 2025.
“We are excited to be a part of this partnership opportunity. San Juan College has a rich history of innovation, industry collaboration, and preparing our graduates with the in-demand skills,” said Dr. Lorenzo Reyes, San Juan College Dean of Workforce and Economic Development.
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS) will coordinate Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act activities, ensuring participants the training necessary to meet the state’s broader employment and economic goals. Eligible participants may be receiving a $2,000 monthly stipend along with assistance for childcare, housing, and travel expenses. See below for information on how to schedule an appointment with SJC staff to determine program eligibility.
“Through a collaborative and inclusive process, the state workforce plan identified climate resilience and natural resource management as two top areas for workforce development,” DWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair said. “CREW will be a strong step towards meeting our goal to invest in the talent that will take care of the state that we love.”
CREW is designed to address dual objectives: environmental restoration and job creation. By focusing on practical skills for environmental cleanup, the program prepares participants for careers in a sector that is increasingly crucial for the state’s environmental and public health.
State Representative D. Wonda Johnson, representing McKinley and San Juan Counties, sponsored legislation in 2022 that the governor signed, directing NMED to lead statewide efforts to cleanup and reclaim former uranium mine and mill sites.
“Witnessing the CREW program come to life is a dream realized for many of us who have been at the forefront of environmental advocacy in our communities,” Rep. D. Wonda Johnson said. “This program is not just about cleaning up; it’s about empowerment, about offering meaningful careers to our people while caring for Mother Earth. My heart swells with pride and gratitude for this achievement, and I am thrilled for the opportunities it will create for our communities.”
Crew is a forward-thinking effort to address New Mexico’s environmental and public health challenges while fostering job growth in an important sector, particularly the legacy of uranium mining. Participants will gain hands-on experience and be equipped for careers in environmental science and remediation, areas of increasing importance to the state.
The program emphasizes New Mexico’s proactive approach to addressing the environment legacy of uranium mining and demonstrates the state’s commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable practices.
For more information about the CREW program or to learn how to participate, please contact:
Email: careercenter@sanjuancollege.edu
Call: 505.566.3252 (Center for Student Careers & Employment).