Position Title: Program Specialist

Employee Classification: Program Specialist

College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station

Department: 317000-AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with education and experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The ZiaMet Weather Station Network is a state-wide mesonet that monitors surface weather conditions and sub-surface soil conditions. The network first began operations in 1985 and was maintained with minimal external sponsorship. By 2015, the NM Climate Center was able to secure sponsorship from the National Mesonet Program, and this was the year we began using the ZiaMet moniker.

Classification Summary:
Plans and implements a single, narrow focused program initiative for an identified client-oriented operational entity of the University. Participates in the generation of the program resources and in the design and development of the program operating goals, objectives, and protocols. Serves as primary point of both internal and external representation and liaison with respect to the implementation, operational matters and compliance. Provides technical/professional and programmatic guidance, consultation, and support to client constituencies.

Classification Standard Duties:
Programs are usually self-funded and/or grant-funded from a major funding source or series of funding sources. Plans and coordinates the development, implementation, and execution of a single program, special project, or other initiative designed to achieve the overall mission, goals, and objectives of the program. Oversees and administers all facets of the day-to-day operations of the program and activities related to the position's specific discipline. Serves as primary liaison with internal and external constituencies on all matters relating to program activities; represents the University with respect to program activities on a local, regional, and/or national basis. Plans, develops, and implements strategies for identifying and generating funding and/or resource opportunities for program activities, to include development of grant and other fundraising proposals. Provides and/or coordinates the provision of technical guidance, consultation, related support to clientele within area of program focus; provides day-to-day problem solving as necessary on day-to-day program-related needs and issues. Creates, produces, and delivers a range of promotional, educational, and informational presentations, and/or resource materials related to program activities and initiatives. Oversees and/or coordinates the collection, compilation, and analysis of program activity data; develops, writes, edits, and presents comprehensive statistical and narrative program reports and evaluations. Participates in the development of operating goals and objectives for the unit; recommends, implements, and administers methods and procedures to enhance operations, as appropriate to the unit.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience: One (1) year of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency: None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Demonstrated professional knowledge and operational expertise within designated area of program focus.; SKILLS:Program planning, development, implementation, and leadership skills. Skill in examining and evaluating operations and developing and/or re-engineering operating strategies, systems, and procedures. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community.;
ABILITIES:Ability to determine informational needs, to collect and analyze information, and to devise and develop statistical analyses and reports. Ability to develop and deliver both oral and written presentations. Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a range of clientele and/or media sources. Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments. Ability to develop and implement funding strategies and programs.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The New Mexico Climate Center needs a Program Specialist to assist with programmatic and administrative efforts to continue to run a successful and seamless ZiaMet State-Wide weather station network. This position will be responsible for the maintenance, preparation and processing of all hires, purchases and reporting for the Weather Station unit. The Climate Center is operated within NMSU’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Science - Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) therefore, this position will work closely with the AES Director's Office when submitting actions for the center. Performs other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Able to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Basic file and record keeping
Able to effectively communicate

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Rebecca Martinez, 575-646-3125, rbanegas@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.