Position Title: Extension Specialist/Agricultural Legal & Policy Specialist
Employee Classification: Ext State Specialist
College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service
Department: 311000-EXTENSN ANIMAL RESOURCES
Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants
Location: Las Cruces
Offsite Location (if applicable): Job location is negotialbe within the state of New Mexico
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate on experience
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt
Summary: Searching for an extension specialist to conduct analysis and provide professional interpretation on federal, state and county statutes and policies influencing agricultural and natural resources in New Mexico.
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:
The Department of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources is committed to providing the citizens of New Mexico with research based, practical and applied educational programming that meet the demands New Mexico has in the agricultural and natural resource communities. The Extension Animal Science and Natural Resources department provides educational information to the public, on public land policy, grazing management, brush and weed control, riparian management, livestock and dairy production and wildlife management. Specialists serve as information sources for Extension faculty and livestock and land managers. They also conduct regional and state workshops, and demonstrational and short-term research projects.
Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Law degree (JD) and an agricultural degree required. Bachelors, Masters or PhD degree preferred in Animal Science, Natural Resources, Agricultural Economics, or closely related field.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret federal and stale statutes, regulation and policy regarding water, land management, the environment, livestock, and estate planning that influence agricultural production and natural resource management in New Mexico.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret legal decisions (case law) that impact agriculture and natural resource management in New Mexico and subsequently expound and offer practical applications to stakeholders on the same.
• Ability to effectively communicate {oral and writing) legal interpretations to agriculture and natural resources stakeholders including county Extension agents. specialists, and the general public in diverse communities throughout New Mexico.
• Ability to develop formal educational programs to inform, guide, lead and interpret legal matters relevant lo agriculture and natural resource stakeholders, including industry.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to effectively interact with and relate to people of all ages, incomes, education levels and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to work with other faculty and staff; work as a team member; work cooperatively with landowners, livestock producers, government agencies, and environmental interests; communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, with individuals and groups.
• Knowledge or willingness to learn Cooperative Extension Service philosophy and approach to meet the defined mission, same for land grant university structure and mission
Job Duties and Responsibilities
This is a 100% Extension appointment, 12 month, tenure track.
Located on NMSU Las Cruces campus or off campus within the state of New Mexico with approval of Associate Dean/Director for the Cooperative Extension Service.
Mission and Need: New Mexico State University is searching for a dynamic individual to serve as an innovative and collaborative extension specialist in the Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources Department (EASNR) in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES).
The Legal and Policy Specialist would conduct analysis and provide professional interpretation on federal, state and county statutes and policies influencing agricultural and natural resources in New Mexico. As a member of the Cooperative Extension Service, the Legal and Policy Specialist would be teaching and providing scholarly programs beyond the classroom to a broad diversity of New Mexico citizens and stakeholders. The position would not have a formal teaching appointment but would be available to guest lecture in the classroom.
• Develop and implement an effective Extension education program on legal topics relevant to agricultural producers and natural resources managers.
• Interpret and disseminate relevant legal interpretations of statutes, regulation, policy and case law related to agriculture and natural resource management related issues, for practical use by clientele through mass media, publications, stakeholder meetings, symposia, and other proven Extension methods.
• Collaborate with NMSU Extension Specialists in formulation of legal interpretations relevant to specific disciplines (e.g., state and federal dairy industry environmental regulations and policies, National Environmental Policy Act, water law, animal welfare law).
• Write and revise Extension publications.
• Develop materials, teaching aids, methods and techniques for educational programs for off-campus educational programming.
• Participate in educational TV, radio and news media.
• Provide programs, training and assistance to county Extension agents in New Mexico.
• Provide legal interpretations of existing and proposed statutes, regulations and policies to the agricultural industries and natural resources managers in New Mexico.
• Establish a regional and national presence complimentary to the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service.
• Acquire external funding to support, develop, and conduct Extension programs.
• Maintain close working relationships with industry, statewide organizations and government agencies and other agriculture and natural resources groups.
• Actively participate in department activities by attending meetings and serving on appropriate committees.
• Other responsibilities as agreed to with the department head of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources.
• Promote CES programs within the districts to meet the LEADS 2025 Equity, Inclusion and Diversity goals prioritizing the program expansion to non-traditional demographics.
• Foster collaborations and participate in activities and on research teams that support the work of the Center of Excellence in Food and Sustainable Agriculture (CESFAS).
Preferred Qualifications
Special Requirements of the Position
Statewide responsibilities, may require travel.
*The following documents are required. Please include on the application:
-Your resume/cv
-Cover letter (limit 600 words)
-Transcript (undergraduate and graduate)
-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).
Applicants should arrange to have 3 persons who agree to provide written and verbal references submit reference letters (2-page limit preferred). Referees should indicate the duration and nature of their professional relationship with the applicant in the first paragraph. It is recommended that letters specifically address the accomplishments of the candidate that will enable them to meet the specified responsibilities of the position.
Department Contact: Marcy Ward, Robert Hagevoort (co-chairs) 575-646-5947, maward@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:
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.
Recruitment Summary
We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.
NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.
NMSU Main Campus
Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.
Doña Ana Community College
Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance.
Alamogordo Campus
Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.
Grants Campus
NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.
Special Instructions to Applicants
The electronic application is the *official* document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.
EEO Statement
NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
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