New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority
NMState housing finance agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for New Mexico residents including veterans.
Veteran Employment Resources in New Mexico
Find veteran employment resources in New Mexico. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for New Mexico veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. New Mexico, home to approximately 155,000 veterans, offers a robust network of employment resources to help service members transition to meaningful civilian careers.
This guide covers federal and state employment programs, hiring preferences, career counseling, training opportunities, and veteran-friendly employers in New Mexico.
Federal Employment Programs
American Job Centers & DVOP/LVER
The Department of Labor funds Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) at career centers across New Mexico. These specialists provide intensive career counseling, job placement, and follow-up services. Veterans receive priority of service at all federally funded employment programs.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)
Chapter 31 VR&E provides career counseling, resume development, job training, education, and job placement for New Mexico veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving New Mexico to apply.
New Mexico Employment Resources
New Mexico provides veterans' preference in state hiring. NM Department of Workforce Solutions has veteran representatives. Kirtland AFB, White Sands Missile Range, Holloman AFB, and Cannon AFB provide transition services
Skills Translation & Licensing
New Mexico has taken steps to recognize military credentials and training for civilian licensing. Veterans with military occupational specialties in healthcare, commercial driving, aviation, and other regulated fields should contact the NMDVS for assistance with credential recognition.
Veteran Entrepreneurship
The SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development provides resources including Boots to Business training, Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), and SCORE mentoring. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) receive federal contracting preferences. Contact your nearest SBA office in New Mexico for details.
Key Resources
- VA Careers: VA for Vets at vaforvets.va.gov
- Federal Jobs: usajobs.gov (Veterans' Preference applies)
- NMDVS: Contact for state employment resources
- DOL Veterans Services: 1-866-487-2365
Employment Resources in New Mexico
New Mexico Legal Aid Veterans Project
NMFree civil legal assistance for low-income veterans in New Mexico.
New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Veterans Services
NMEmployment and training services for New Mexico veterans including job placement and career counseling.
New Mexico VA Health Care System
NMVA health care system serving New Mexico veterans with medical, mental health, and specialty care services.
New Mexico Department of Veterans Services
NMNew Mexico state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
New Mexico Military and Veterans Family Support Program
NMSupport services for military and veteran families in New Mexico including counseling and family readiness programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does New Mexico offer veterans' hiring preference?
- New Mexico provides veterans' preference in state hiring. Veterans' Preference also applies to all federal jobs.
- What employment programs are available for disabled veterans in New Mexico?
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) provides career counseling, training, and job placement for veterans with service-connected disabilities. DVOP specialists at career centers provide intensive services for disabled veterans.
- How do I translate my military skills to civilian jobs in New Mexico?
- Use the VA Military Skills Translator at va.gov or O*NET to map military experience to civilian careers. New Mexico has also taken steps to recognize military credentials for state licensing.
- Where can I get job training in New Mexico?
- Options include VR&E, GI Bill-funded training, apprenticeships, state career center programs, and community college certificate programs. Contact your local career center or the NMDVS for specific programs.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in New Mexico?
- The SBA offers Boots to Business training, SCORE mentoring, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses receive federal contracting preferences. Contact your local SBA office in New Mexico.
Related guides in New Mexico
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving New Mexico, ordered by most recent verification.
New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Veterans Services
NMEmployment and training services for New Mexico veterans including job placement and career counseling.