Position Title: Extension Specialist/Water Management

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: 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 an Extension Water Specialist to conduct statewide Extension education programming and provide information on water management issues relevant to agricultural, rangelands, rural, and urban clientele of 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:
New Mexico State University is searching for an Extension Water Specialist to conduct statewide Extension education programming and provide information on water management issues relevant to agricultural, rangelands, rural, and urban clientele of New Mexico. Water availability and management have become a challenging issue in the southwestern United States, putting enormous pressure on agricultural productivity, environmental conservation, and ecosystem sustainability. New Mexico has faced recurrent droughts in recent years and water availability has come under severe pressure. Declining water availability due to climate change could lead to a projected annual economic loss of more than $300 million annually in New Mexico. Providing robust extension programming on water literacy and management, and disseminating information that will help stakeholders optimize water use is an urgent priority for NMSU.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
• Ph.D. in Water Resources, Irrigation Management, Watershed Management, Hydrology, Agronomy, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Experience in publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Clear support for the Land Grant and Extension missions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Job Duties and Responsibilities
This is a 12-month tenure-track position, 100% Extension within the Department of Extension Plant Sciences (EPS). The position will be housed on the main campus of New Mexico State University (NMSU) in Las Cruces, NM. Statewide responsibilities; may work evenings, and weekends as required. Personal auto required. Travel is reimbursed at the current IRS rate per mile. Valid driver’s license required.

The duties of the position will include the implementation of a progressive statewide Extension education program in water management in cropping systems, efficient irrigation systems, water use in the urban/suburban landscapes, water use in animal production systems, and/or wastewater management. Other desirable areas of programming could include but are not limited to management practices to protect water resources, watershed planning, and streambank management.
The candidate is expected to seek contract and/or grant funding to support their Extension programming. Collaborative research and Extension opportunity exists for the candidate to work with other researchers addressing water-related issues in New Mexico.

The Extension Plant Sciences (EPS) Department has a mission 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 Mexico. EPS is comprised of specialists who work collaboratively with each other and with cooperative Extension offices across New Mexico to actively disseminate leading-edge technology to a diverse clientele throughout New Mexico.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in water resource management.
• Experience working with stakeholders in an Extension context.
• Knowledge of water issues facing arid/semiarid agricultural and urban landscapes.
• Evidence of grant writing and/or successful acquisition of external funds to support extension and/or research activities.

Special Requirements of the Position
*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).
Foster collaborations and participate in activities and 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 goals.

Department Contact:  John Idowu, 575-646-2571, jidowu@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: Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.

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.