Position Title: Ext Specialist/Food Technology

Employee Classification: Ext State Specialist

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 310021-EXTENSN HOME EC PGM UNIT

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Cooperative Extension Service

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate on experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The Cooperative Extension Service at NMSU is seeking a specialist to provide statewide leadership for the Extension educational programs in food safety and technology.

Classification Summary:
Extension Specialists provide New Mexico's citizenry and communities with effective leadership and collaboration to foster economic, educational, and community development.

Classification Standard Duties:
Provide statewide leadership for the Extension educational programs in food safety and technology.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Ph.D. in Food Science/Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Agricultural/Biological Engineering, or closely related field in hand by date of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• The candidate should be proficient in modern food processing techniques, applied food safety, food plant sanitation, and current food processing and food safety regulations, including the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
• Ability to work necessary hours to fulfill job responsibilities, including some evenings and weekends.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Good leadership skills.
• Proficiency in use of electronic platforms and appropriate software to design and deliver training, communications, and other outreach messaging that effectively impacts stakeholders.
• Proficiency with data collection and analysis.
• Strong service ethic and desire to work with all audiences in the state.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Bilingual English/Spanish

Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Provide statewide leadership for Extension educational programs in food safety and technology.
• Provide guidance and support to food companies, both new and existing, on food safety regulations and processing and handling practices, including serving as the process authority to food manufacturing enterprises in the state.
• Develop and deliver continuing education modules to the food industry to meet both FDA certification requirements and ensure relevant and timely professional development.
• Work collaboratively with faculty and external stakeholders to develop and deliver timely solutions to food industry needs.
• Assist county Extension Agents in working with constituents who want to produce food products for retail sale.
• Provide leadership and coordination with county agents in planning, organizing, directing and evaluating educational programs related to food safety and technology.
• Collaborate with other state agencies in delivery of food safety training.
• Promote CES programs within the districts to meet the LEADS 2025 Equity, Inclusion and Diversity goals prioritizing the program expansion to non-traditional demographics.
• Collaborate with the Center of Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (CESFAS).
• Work with NMSU Global Campus to create certificate programs and micro -credentials.
• Statewide travel required; must be willing to work flexible hours including some weekends and evenings; valid driver's license and personal auto required, reimbursed at IRS rate per mile.

Preferred Qualifications

• The candidate should be able to serve as a process authority to food manufacturing enterprises in the state of NM.
• The candidate should have experience working with state and federal food safety related agencies.

Special Requirements of the Position
*The following documents are required. Please include on the application:
- Your resume/cv
- Cover letter
- Transcript
- A statement of your contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion. For more information about this requirement see https://eid.nmsu.edu/eid-statements/index.html
- Concise statement of Extension & outreach interests, goals and objectives for this position (2 page maximum)

Department Contact:  John Floros, 575-646-3583, floros@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

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.