NEW MEXICO—With an agency of over 30,000 employees, workplace safety is an enormous job. That job begins at day zero in human resources with preemployment drug tests and the USDA Forest Service drug testing program.

The 12-person team is composed of specialists who manage all drug testing operations for the agency. This ranges from serving as liaisons for substance abuse support to overseeing drug tests for preemployment, as well as reasonable suspicion, random, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing.

“Our team may be small, but we’re mighty, and we make a significant impact. It’s extremely rewarding to help keep people safe,” said specialist Destini Smith.

That impact is workplace safety and employee support. And it's an impact that echoes across the agency.

Rewarding work and quality leadership bolsters a thriving work environment

Although the team is busy with over 700 tests per month, the workload doesn’t bring anyone down. If anything, it brings them together. Team morale is thriving and the sentiment about the work environment is unanimous among team members.  

“There’s great teamwork here. Lots of connections to people. Great leadership and opportunities,” said specialist April Anderson.

Team members recognize their roles in supporting safety for the agency and supporting each other. They also admire team supervisor Angelica Sierra.

“If you are passionate about caring for people, this is the place to come work. We take our agency’s value of caring for people very seriously,” said Sierra.  

Janice Baca-Valdez started as a specialist with the team in January. She says that the quality leadership and teamwork were clear right away. “The leadership is amazing. The team welcomed me with open arms, and I feel like I’m really cared for here.”  

A day in the life

The team includes a mix of new members and a core group of veteran specialists. New members tend to spend most of their time working on preemployment screening and support. The seasoned members have more of a variety of responsibilities that range from overseeing testing for existing employees to serving as liaisons for employees who need support for substance abuse.

Most staff share that their days start in similar ways. “I usually respond to emails, check on test results, and order tests. But the days vary, you never know what you’re going to get,” said specialist Renee Gallegos.

Derek Torres, who also started in January, recognizes the importance of his role in helping employees onboard on time. “People need their employees to start on time and to get out there working in the field. It’s my job to support that need for efficient onboarding.”

Interacting with new employees who are starting their careers and various leaders across the agency is a highlight for all team members. “There is a ton of coordination and communication for getting people hired efficiently. Lots of answering important questions and moving people forward through the process. But safety is our top priority. Always,” said specialist Odessa Mills.

Veteran team members also support employees who need help with substance abuse. “Our goal is to help our employees succeed. We liaison to help the employee with the safe harbor process, which includes employee relations and counseling,” said Brenda Rodriguez, who’s been part of the team for 14 years.

For more information about the drug testing program, please visit the HRM drug testing intranet page.

Substance Abuse Support

If you need help with substance abuse or know an employee suffering from substance abuse, please reach out to the HRM drug testing team directly or review the information about the employee assistance and safe harbor programs.