Department Contact: Cheryl Mason-Herrera, 575-646-7523, cmason@nmda.nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising 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 market place, and global marketing and economic development; supports 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.

Position Details

Position Title: NMDA Agriculture Specialist Intermediate

College/Division: New Mexico Dept of Agriculture

Department: 180100-NMDA ENTOMOL AND NURSERY IND BUREAU

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable): Physical Work Location - Dona Ana County

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $59,965.78

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: Solely responsible for or collaborate with peers in the management and implementation of department regulatory and plant pest survey, eradication, management, and certification programs. Programs are generally directed at protecting New Mexico’s managed and natural ecosystems from the introduction and spread of invasive arthropod plant pests. Specific position duties and responsibilities include: inspection of raw agricultural products destined for export; preparation and issuance of federal and/or state plant-pest phytosanitary certification documents; development of webpage content and updates related to areas of responsibility; participation in field activities including pecan cleaning plant and cold storage inspections; implementation of invasive plant pest surveys; and coordination of invasive pest eradication efforts. The individual in this position is expected to be a resource for department staff regarding current plant pest issues on a regional and state level and remain actively engaged with commodity organizations.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION: Field work may require physical activities including walking over uneven terrain, periodic lifting of objects of no more than 40 pounds, working outdoors during summer and winter seasons, occasionally working in pollinated crops. Field work may also require opening honey bee hives for inspection and sampling purposes. A valid driver’s license is required and as well as ability to drive extended periods (e.g., 5-6 hours). Position requirements may include weekends, holidays and greater than 40 hours/week. Collaboration with stakeholders.

May perform other essential job related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
Associate's Degree + 4 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 2 years of relevant experience.

Equivalent Qualifications: 
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience as approved by
Human Resource Services.

Preferred Qualifications: 
Preference given to candidates that are able to comprehend relevant statutes and rules; possess pecan and other commodity pest management experience; possess sufficient vocabulary and expertise in areas of responsibility to effectively communicate with stakeholders and peers; are able to comprehend technical material published in areas of responsibility including peer review publications; have experience with technical writing and record keeping; have applied experience in one or more of the following: agronomy, pest detection and management, phytosanitary certification, pecan production, qualitative and quantitative data collection, applied biology or other related experiences.

Special Certification/Licensure: 
REQUIRED CERTIFICATION/LICENSE: Possess or within two years obtain federal Accredited Certifying Official certifications required for the issuance of federal phytosanitary documents.

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 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

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