Extension Specialist/Agronomist/ Soil Fertility
- 503976
- NMSU satellite location, New Mexico, United States
- Faculty
- 12-Month Faculty Full-Time
- Closing at: Oct 10 2026 - 23:55 MDT
Department Contact: Richard Heerema, 575-646-2921, rjheerem@nmsu.edu
Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants
Advertising Summary: Inviting applications for an Extension Agronomy/Soil Fertility Specialist, Assistant Professor (tenure-track, 12-month) position located at the Ag Science Center in Artesia, NM.
Position Details
Position Title: Extension Specialist/Agronomist/ Soil Fertility
College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service
Department: 311200-EXTENSN PLANT SCIENCES
Location: NMSU satellite location
Offsite Location (if applicable): ASC/Artesia
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
FLSA Status: Exempt
Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with the National Education Association (NEA).
Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable
Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)
If Not a Standard Work Schedule:
Job Duties and Responsibilities: The position will be located at the Agricultural Science Center located in Artesia, NM with statewide responsibilities. Travel is required. May work evenings or weekends as needed. Appointment is 51% Extension, 49% Research.
The Department of Extension Plant Sciences (EPS) in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the New Mexico State University (NMSU) invites applications for an Extension Agronomy/Soil Fertility Specialist, Assistant Professor (tenure-track, 12-month/year) position. The position will hold an appointment in the EPS and Plant and Environmental Sciences (PES) departments and be administratively responsible to the Department Head of the two units.
• Responsible for directing a leading edge research and related Extension education programs in agronomy, soil and irrigation water, with an emphasis on agronomic cropping systems.
• Conduct field- and lab-based research on soil fertility, salinity, and irrigation water quality related issues facing New Mexico crop producers.
• Interpret and disseminate current and relevant research findings for practical use by clientele through mass media, publications, grower meetings, Extension programs, demonstration plots, and other proven Extension methods. Write and revise Extension publications.
• Provide training and assistance to County Extension Agents, crop producers, and the public on various aspects of crop production and management options.
• Maintain close working relationships with the ACES Plant and Environmental Sciences department (PES), New Mexico Department of Agriculture, and other federal, state, and local agencies.
• Work collaboratively with other state Extension specialists, university researchers, and County Extension agents in developing and implementing multi-disciplinary activities.
• Build and maintain working relationships with community and producer organizations (e.g., commodity groups, farmers markets, farmer networks), the agricultural industry, and other related industries.
• Acquire external funding to support, develop, and implement Extension and research programs.
• Qualify for graduate faculty status. Graduate advising opportunities are available within the Extension Plant Sciences and Plant and Environmental Sciences departments.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and generate scholarly activities in a manner to fulfill tenure track expectations.
• Research and graduate advising opportunities are available within PES.
• Foster collaborations and participate in activities and on research teams that support the work of the Center for Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (CESFAS.)
• Promote CES programs within the districts to meet the LEADS 2025 Equity, Inclusion and Diversity goals prioritizing the program expansion to non-traditional demographics.
The economic base of southeastern New Mexico has a long history in the energy/petroleum sector as well as ranching, dairy, and farming. The region’s dominant cropping systems include irrigated alfalfa, cotton, corn, assorted vegetables, and pecans. The agricultural crops sold in the southeastern counties are valued at nearly $1.5 billion. Utilization of solid and liquid wastes from the local dairy industry in cropping systems and management of agricultural chemicals for water quality protection are points of significant interest and concern for local agricultural producers in the lower Pecos River Basin and southeastern New Mexico. Furthermore, long-term drought in the region has led to increasing salinity-related limitations to crop production in New Mexico. The incumbent of this position will support the agricultural industry in New Mexico with appropriate applied research and timely Extension efforts.
The Artesia ASC is located 6 miles south of Artesia, in New Mexico’s Pecos River Basin, and is comprised of field, greenhouse, and laboratory facilities. Faculty at this ASC conduct research and extension programming in soil, water, crop and entomological sciences to enhance the agricultural, economic, environmental, and social well-being of southeastern New Mexico. For more information, please visit the Artesia ASC website at https://artesiasc.nmsu.edu.
***The following documents are required. Please include on the application:
-Your resume/cv
-Cover letter
-Transcript
-Statement of research interests (2-page maximum) and a concise statement of Extension & outreach interests, goals, and objectives for this position (2-page maximum)
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
Ph.D. (in hand by hire date) in agronomy, soil science, plant science, or related field.
Equivalent Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in agronomic crop production and applied research is preferred. Experience in Cooperative Extension is desirable.
Special Certification/Licensure:
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.
Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
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 Global Campus
Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.
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
New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Requesting an Accommodation
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and New Mexico State University policy, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply, interview, or complete onboarding for a position with New Mexico State University, or if you cannot use the online application system, please visit our Accessibility & Accommodations page to initiate an accommodation request
