Position Title: Extension Specialist/ 4-H STEM

Employee Classification: LC Faculty TT/TN 12m

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 314000-4 H AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PGM UNIT

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate on experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  NMSU CES is seeking an innovative and dynamic individual to provide vision and leadership for developing statewide 4-H Youth Development in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Extension education programs throughout New Mexico.

Classification Summary:
The New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service (CES) delivers practical, research-based knowledge and programs that improve New Mexicans’ quality of life through formal and non-formal education programs. 4-H is the youth outreach program of New Mexico State University’s (NMSU) Cooperative Extension Service. NMSU CES is seeking an innovative and dynamic individual to provide vision and leadership for developing statewide 4-H Youth Development in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Extension education programs throughout New Mexico. The 4-H STEM Specialist is a faculty member in the 4-H and Youth Development Department in the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Science. The 4-H STEM Specialist is responsible for fulfilling the goals and objectives of the NMSU 4-H program, as they relate to working with youths, adult volunteers, and 4-H Extension educators through hands-on experiential and digital learning engagement

Classification Standard Duties:
Provide vision and leadership for developing statewide 4-H Youth Development Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Extension education programs.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Ph.D. or Ed.D. (awarded by hire date) in STEM discipline or closely related field of study.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills, including written and oral communication skills to effectively interact with stakeholders and with people of all ages, incomes, education levels, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and/or programs.
• Willingness to periodically work on weekends and beyond and outside of normal business hours. Travel, including overnight stays, within the state is a requirement.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
*The following documents are required. Please include on the application: -Your resume/cv
-Cover letter
-Transcript
-Concise statement of Extension & outreach interests, goals and objectives for this position (2 page maximum)


• Provide state-wide direction in developing, implementing, and evaluating 4-H Youth Development STEM programming (e.g. robotics, drone technology, artificial intelligence and maker learning).
• Develop comprehensive research-based youth development curricula, school enrichment programs, train-the-trainer workshops, and programming resources in STEM topic areas with an emphasis on needs assessment, program design, program implementation, and program evaluation.
• Coordinate assigned New Mexico 4-H state events, contests, and awards; and communicate with participants, collaborators, and donors.
• Train and support county CES educators in 4-H STEM programming including recruiting and training volunteers to support programs and activities.
• Make contributions to the body of knowledge on STEM teaching and learning through peer-reviewed journal publications, presentations, Extension Fact Sheets or Publications, and other scholarly works.
• Annually pursue, secure, and manage resources (e.g. grants, contracts, external funding, and personnel) to support or implement 4-H STEM programs.
• Write a 5-year Plan of Work, develop annual goals and objectives, and report youth development program impacts and complete other reports as required on an annual basis.
• Collaborate with University-wide faculty and county CES educators to provide relevant curriculum, training, and program support for 4-H STEM programs, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure programs are relevant, welcoming, and accessible for all youth audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability in program development, program evaluation and reporting outcomes, and have an appreciation and understanding of Extension and 4-H programs.
• Experience working with youth in urban and/or rural communities; possess a clear understanding of factors impacting participation in youth programs for both communities.
• Experience or coursework in youth development and be knowledgeable in the areas of formal and non-formal education.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and publish youth related curriculum.
• Experience writing, securing, and managing extramural funding and/or project management.
• Knowledge of social media, marketing, and promotion delivery methods to effectively amplify and communicate program activities and accomplishments.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance STEM education.

Special Requirements of the Position
May work evenings, weekends, and travel within the state as necessary

Department Contact:  Jamie Castillo, 575-646-1157, jaimex@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.