Position Title: Dir, Vet Laboratory

Employee Classification: Dir,Vet Laboratory

College/Division: New Mexico Dept of Agriculture

Department: 181300-NMDA VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC SVC

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: NMSU satellite location

Offsite Location (if applicable): Albuquerque, New Mexico

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with education and experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) works for the benefit of the state’s citizens and supports the viability of agriculture and affiliated industries. NMDA promotes food protection, a uniform, and fair marketplace, and global marketing and economic development; supports the beneficial use of natural resources; and works cooperatively with public and private sector entities. Opportunities for excellence abound, and NMDA staff dedicate themselves to proactive service in fulfilling the department’s mission. Each division plays an important role in carrying out the goals and objectives. Our rich agricultural history, culture, and traditions are addressed through new and innovative approaches using the latest in science, technology, and economic strategies. In New Mexico, we contribute to the safest and most affordable, and nutritious food supply on the globe.

NMDA is a constitutional agency organized under the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University (NMSU). This unique relationship creates efficiencies and opportunities for New Mexico’s food and agriculture sector as well as service and outreach opportunities for NMSU, making NMDA an integral part of the university. NMDA/NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

The Veterinary Diagnostic Services office is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest city located in the Rio Grande Valley about one hour south from the states capital Santa Fe. Albuquerque's modern downtown core contrasts with Old Town. the surrounding area is filled with plenty of outdoor activities, small towns and plenty of sunshine. This position offers a balance of home and work life.

Classification Summary:
To direct and manage a multi-program division for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (veterinary diagnostic laboratory) that has major and direct statewide significance and impact upon agency mission. Agency programs are constitutionally bound by the State of New Mexico and through state statute to promulgate and enforce rules related to specific program areas. Works under minimal supervision and reports directly to the Director/Secretary or Deputy Director/Secretary.

Classification Standard Duties:
The Division Director administers resource and operational activities to ensure delivery of services or products to citizens and industry. Division Director works closely with the agency director/secretary to establish overall departmental policy, goals, and priorities. The Division Director has extensive latitude for use of independent judgment and initiative. Assigned objectives are broadly defined by statute, grant, and agency mission; routinely interacts with other state, federal, local, tribal counterparts. Requires legislative interaction, initiating, reviewing, and drafting legislation; informing and advising board/committee members and constituents; serves as department representative on assigned issues. Objectives managed have an extensive relationship to the agency mission and require direct accountability, including implementation of strategic direction, budgeting, and assessment. Provide information and interpretation of diagnostic tests and results for submitting clients and veterinarians. Maintain effective liaison with state and federal animal regulatory agencies, in addition to producer groups and veterinary associations within New Mexico and the Southwest. Provide timely information on pertinent animal disease issues to the Director/Secretary and Deputy Director/Secretary. Supervise and evaluate veterinary laboratory personnel. Perform related work as required and other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Doctorate degree in related field.; Required Experience:Eight (8) years of increasingly progressive management experience in one or more areas that report to this position.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of university and department policies and procedures; local, state, and federal laws, and regulations; agricultural and livestock sector in New Mexico and the United States; regulated industries; specialized knowledge of state government; principles and practices of public administration and fiscal and operational management; livestock diseases and management principles of various food animal producers in New Mexico and the desert Southwest; Good Laboratory Practices; development of standard operating procedures; World Organization of Animal Health (OIE), American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD), and ISO17025 QA/QC recommendations and procedures; overall management needs and requirements of a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory and its inherent sub-disciplines (i.e., serology, virology, microbiology, histology, molecular diagnostics, necropsy, pathology, cytology, etc).; SKILLS:Skill in short- and long-range planning and implementation; problem analysis and resolution; evaluating alternatives in decision-making; effective leadership and communication skills; experience and expertise in a veterinary laboratory discipline (i.e., pathology, microbiology, toxicology, molecular diagnostics, etc.); advanced computer usage.; ABILITIES:Ability to select, direct, evaluate, train, and supervise the work of personnel; communicate effectively in written and oral form including public presentations; maintain accurate records; develop and maintain effective relationships; use independent judgment and initiative; take corrective planning action to maintain strategic course of agency mission; oversee various veterinary laboratory sections and participate in analysis and problem solving with section chiefs in their respective sub-disciplines (i.e., serology, virology, microbiology, histology, molecular diagnostics, necropsy, pathology, cytology, etc.)

Job Duties and Responsibilities
As a full service veterinary diagnostic laboratory, VDS works closely with practicing veterinarians, livestock producers, animal owners, and state and federal agencies. Services provided include necropsy, histopathology, pathology, bacteriology, serology/virology, molecular biology, and immunohistochemistry. As a laboratory, VDS administers all activities through a quality management system incorporating policies and protocols from NMDA and NMSU. In addition to those of the National Laboratory Animal Health Network (NAHLN) and ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Cheryl Mason-Herrera, 646-7523,cmason@nmda.nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.