Position Title: Extension Specialist /Urban/Small Farms IPM

Employee Classification: Ext State Specialist

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 311200-EXTENSN PLANT SCIENCES

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Cooperative Extension Service

Offsite Location (if applicable): Los Lunas, NM

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate on experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  Inviting applications for an Extension Urban/Small Farms 1PM Specialist, Assistant or Associate Professor (Tenure Accruing) position.

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 mission of Extension Plant Sciences (EPS) is to extend research-based knowledge and technology that will enable producers, clientele, and citizens to improve the quality of their lives and enhance the agricultural, economic, environmental, and social well-being of New Mexicans. Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS) has a mission to provide academic instruction, research, and service that focuses on strategies for managing pests and conserving beneficial species in semi-arid ecosystems.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Ph.D. (in hand by hire date) in entomology, plant pathology, weed science or related field, with emphasis on and/or experience in integrated pest management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of integrated pest management, including conventional and organic methods of control. Understanding of pest challenges in urban settings and practical integrated pest management techniques for gardens, public spaces, and small farms.
Knowledge of Extension education, design and establishment of demonstration plots, and working with community groups and small farms.


Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret current pest management research findings and make related practical recommendations to County Extension Agents, agricultural producers, agribusinesses, homeowners, city, county, and state agencies, and the general public in diverse communities throughout New Mexico.
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and publish scientific experiments.
Demonstrated ability to effectively interact and work with, communicate with (oral and written), and relate to people of all ages, socio-economic background, education levels and race and ethnic backgrounds to develop informal and formal educational programs to meet their needs.
Knowledge of up-to-date information delivery methods to meet the needs of the diverse target clientele associated with this position, including non-traditional and innovative, social network and other electronic media outlets.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The position will be located at the ACES Agricultural Science Center of NMSU at Los Lunas, NM. Appointment -12-month 75% Extension, 25% Research. State wide responsibilities; travel is required. May work evenings or weekends as needed.

The Department of Extension Plant Sciences (EPS) and the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS) in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES} at the New Mexico State University (NMSU) invite applications for an Extension Urban/Small Farms 1PM Specialist, Assistant or Associate Professor (Tenure Accruing) position. The position will hold joint appointments in EPS and EPPWS departments and be administratively responsible to the Department Heads of those units.
Responsible for a progressive Extension education program in integrated pest management in urban and small-farm production systems, including agricultural/horticultural crops, home gardens, turf, and other landscape areas.
Interpret and disseminate current and relevant research findings for practical use by clientele through mass media, publications, grower meetings, Extension Master Gardener 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 integrated pest management, including but not limited to pest identification, pest biology and epidemiology, and organic and conventional methods of management.
Maintain close working relationships with the ACES Plant and Environmental Sciences department, 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, beekeepers associations, farmers markets, farmer networks, and gardening clubs), the agricultural chemical industry, and other related industries.
Conduct an applied research program within the field of integrated pest management; emphasis will be placed on developing sustainable management practices relevant to small farm producers, urban stakeholders, and various cropping industries in the state, including those used in organic crop production (e.g., biological control).
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, Plant and Environmental Sciences, and Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science departments.
Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and generate scholarly activities in a manner to fulfill tenure track expectations.
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 Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center (ASC) is a 200-acre research farm located 30 miles south of Albuquerque and is approximately 200 miles north of the NMSU main campus in Las Cruces, NM. The Los Lunas ASC offers excellent opportunities for field-based research and collaboration with both Los Lunas and main campus-based faculty. In addition, an 800-sq foot 1PM laboratory is located on-site and is dedicated to this position. The Los Lunas ASC is housed with and shares a unique relationship with the USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center that is responsible for the development of plants used for rangeland improvement, erosion control, wildlife habitat improvement, and stabilization of critical areas. For more information visit: http://loslunassc.nmsu.edu.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of and experience with a wide range of small farm cropping systems and with urban landscapes is desirable.

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
-Statement of research interests (2 page maximum) and a concise statement of Extension & outreach interests, goals and objectives for this position (2 page maximum)

Department Contact:  Mark Marsalais, 505-865-7340, marsalis@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 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.