Position Title: Nat Res-Plcy/Plan Anlyst,Sr

Employee Classification: Nat Res-Plcy/Plan Anlyst,Sr

College/Division: New Mexico Dept of Agriculture

Department: 180651-NMDA AG PGMS AND RESOURCES DIV

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  $46,918.54-$52,783; Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) works for the benefit of the state’s citizens and supports the viability of agriculture and affiliated industries. NMDA promotes food protection, a uniform, and fair marketplace, and global marketing and economic development; supports the beneficial use of natural resources; and works cooperatively with public and private sector entities. Opportunities for excellence abound, and NMDA staff dedicate themselves to proactive service in fulfilling the department’s mission. Each division plays an important role in carrying out the goals and objectives. Our rich agricultural history, culture, and traditions are addressed through new and innovative approaches using the latest in science, technology, and economic strategies. In New Mexico, we contribute to the safest and most affordable, and nutritious food supply on the globe.

NMDA is a constitutional agency organized under the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University (NMSU). This unique relationship creates efficiencies and opportunities for New Mexico’s food and agriculture sector as well as service and outreach opportunities for NMSU, making NMDA an integral part of the university. NMDA/NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Classification Summary:
The incumbents are participants on an interdisciplinary team involved in public policy and senior level planning analysis of agriculture related to natural resources including water, rangeland, geographic information systems, wildlife management, noxious weeds, renewable energy resources, and soil and water conservation. Work involves planning, development, and implementation of a major agency program. Provides technical assistance to program staff, governmental agencies, community organizations, or the general public.

Classification Standard Duties:
Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative,independent judgment and unrelieved action or decision. Confers with superior on unusual matters. May be assisted by Associate/Intermediate level personnel. Assignments are broad and complex in nature, usually requiring originality and ingenuity. May supervise personnel which includes: work allocation, training, promotion and enforcement of internal procedures and controls and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions;motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.Monitors and analyzes legal, biological, economic, and sociopolitical aspects of natural resource management as it relates to farming and ranching in the state. Reviews and prepares extensive technical comments on documents including, but not limited to, water quality and quantity, surface and subsurface water rights, and documents such as environmental assessments, environmental impact statements, forest management plans, resource management plans, and endangered species recovery plans. Assists in planning processes at local, state, and federal level as appropriate. Interacts with elected officials at the local level to assist with natural resource planning processes. Provides information and training. Represents New Mexico Department of Agriculture at relevant natural resource meetings. Collaborates with state, federal, and local governmental entities; tribal entities; citizen organizations; and academic institutions in addressing water and natural resource issues. Researches and assesses relevant policy issues and recommend possible action to division director. Conducts verbal and written presentations.Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Five (5) years of professional experience directly related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of general principles behind public policy and planning for the conservation of natural resources. General knowledge of research and statistical analysis. General knowledge of the agriculture industry.;

SKILLS:Familiarity with local, state, federal laws and regulations related to agriculture, natural resources and the environment. Excellent written and oral communication skills.;

ABILITIES:Ability to work as a member of a team.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
This natural resource policy/planning analyst position, state noxious weed coordinator, will work with partners throughout the state to achieve the purposes of New Mexico’s Noxious Weed Management Act. The position will perform a wide variety of duties including: administering and strategically developing NMDA’s noxious weed program, providing technical support and expertise, promoting public education and outreach, and coordinating collaboration with partners statewide.

The state noxious weed coordinator will oversee the development and expansion of NMDA’s noxious weed program. This includes identifying key needs across the state, establishing strategic priorities, utilizing state funds for maximum impact, and securing federal funding sources for projects in New Mexico. The coordinator is also responsible for recommending updates to the state weed list to the Secretary of Agriculture, using advice from Noxious Weed List Advisory Committee and partner input.

As a subject matter expert, the coordinator will provide technical assistance on noxious weeds to local partners and the public. This support could include the detection, identification, and monitoring of weed infestations, and the development of integrated weed management plans for landowners. The coordinator would coordinate statewide mapping of weed infestations and treatments on a user-friendly public platform. Related to public education and outreach, the coordinator would raise public awareness of noxious weed issues around the state by producing useful educational resources and participating in public trainings and outreach events. The position may also participate in climate change, fire management, and other natural and working lands policy issues.

In its coordinating role, the position will build relationships with other entities working on noxious weed management to foster cross-organizational, cross-boundary collaboration. A major focus will be helping local cooperative weed management areas and soil and water conservation districts build capacity and find resources for priority projects. The coordinator will build partnerships with state and federal natural resources agencies, as well as New Mexico’s Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos. The position may also develop cooperative agreements to facilitate cross-boundary noxious weed work, collaborate regionally with neighboring states, and represent New Mexico in national noxious weed organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position
A cover letter and unofficial transcripts are required.

Department Contact:  Cheryl Mason-Herrera, 646-7523,cmason@nmda.nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

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 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.