Position Title: Extension Specialist/Rangeland Brush/Weed Management

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):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate on experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  Searching for a dynamic individual to provide Extension and outreach activities in rangeland brush/weed management through education, research, and scholarly publications.

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
Ph.D. (in hand by hire date) in natural resources related area required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to interpret and make practical applications of current brush/weed management research findings on western rangelands; work as a team member with other faculty and staff; work cooperatively with County Agents, landowners, livestock producers, government agencies, and environmental interest groups; communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, with individuals and groups of varying backgrounds and experiences; foster an inclusive environment that values equity, diversity, and respects unique perspectives.
Ability to develop national recognized research program.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
*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
-Statement of Extension outreach and research goals (2 page maximum)

Primarily responsible for Extension and outreach activities in rangeland brush/weed management through education, research, and scholarly publications.
• Write and review Extension publications; update publications on herbicide use and active ingredient chemical properties (e.g., Chemical Weed and Brush Control for New Mexico Rangelands; NMSU Extension Circular 597).
• Develop teaching aids, methods, techniques, technologies, and educational and research materials for off-campus statewide programming.
• Identify rangeland brush/weed plant specimens and provide appropriate management strategies for stakeholders; collaborate with the Extension Weed Specialist.
• Participate in educational TV, radio, news, and social media outreach opportunities.
• Provide technical support, trainings, and educational programs to county Extension faculty and staff.
• Develop and lead novel rangeland brush/weed management research and demonstration projects; share results at professional conferences; publish scholarly papers in professional journals; provide professional service by participating in the peer-review process.
• Familiarity with recent Great Plains woody encroachment research (e.g., Reducing Woody Encroachment in Grasslands – A Guide for Understanding Risk and Vulnerability, OSU Extension publication E-1054).
• Applied research program should focus on traditional management approaches such as herbicide, mechanical, fire, grazing, and animal behavior as well as restoration ecology principles and precision drone technology.
• Secure extramural funding for research program.
• Serve as member of the inter-disciplinary Range Improvement Task Force which involves responding to stakeholder requests and collaborating with team members to address statewide natural resource management challenges including making policy recommendations; stakeholders include producers, managers, landowners, local governments, and state and federal agency personnel.
• Work as a state 4-H and FFA team member to develop youth programs related to rangeland brush/weed management; develop literature; assist with leadership training.
• Maintain liaisons with industry, statewide organizations and agencies, professional societies, and other agriculture groups related to rangeland brush/weed management.
• Collaborate across departments, colleges, and universities; work closely other Extension specialists, NMSU faculty, and county Extension personnel in developing, implementing and evaluating rangeland brush/weed programs.
• Administratively responsible to the Department Head, Extension Animal Sciences & Natural Resources Department, New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service.
• Actively participate in Department activities by attending departmental meetings and serve on applicable committees.
• 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 for Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems. (CESFAS)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience and/or education in management of western rangelands as they relate to brush and weed management are preferred.
Familiarity with the Land Grant University system and Cooperative Extension Service preferred.

Special Requirements of the Position
Extensive driving and travel with state-wide responsibilities (to include 4x4 vehicles and pulling trailers).
Field work required in extreme temperatures and unusual elements.
Maintain a pesticide applicator’s license in relevant categories.
Willing to work flexible hours as needed to meet Extension and research obligations.

Department Contact:  Doug Cram, 575-646-8130, dcram@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 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 heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.