Position Title: Program Specialist,Sr

Employee Classification: Program Specialist,Sr

College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station

Department: 317800-AG SCIENCE CTR AT LOS LUNAS

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Agricultural Experiment Station

Offsite Location (if applicable): Ag Science Center Los Lunas

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  48,333

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The Ag Science Center at Los Lunas, NM invites you to apply for a Program Specialist, Sr. to manage the Urban Agriculture Program.

Classification Summary:
Works on plans and implements a set of program initiatives for a group of projects or clients for operational entity of the University. Participates in the generation of program resources and in the design and development of program operating goals, objectives, and protocols and related tasks. Serves as primary point of both internal and external representation and liaison with respect to program implementation and compliance and operational matters. Provides technical/professional and programmatic 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 set of multiple sub-programs, special projects, and other initiatives 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 various programs and activities related to the positions specific disciplines. 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. May supervise staff and students to include: 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. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Three (3) years 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
Responsible for the development of a long-term demonstration project in sustainable urban and small-farm production. Program facilities would include up to five acres of land at the Los Lunas ASC to be developed into a demonstration & learning site by incorporating hoop houses, raised beds, varying irrigation practices, water catchment methods, soil health principles, habitat management, etc. Applicants should have a background in urban or small-farm agriculture/horticulture and management techniques for small-scale farmers and community and home gardeners.

• Coordinate, organize, and manage the Urban Agriculture Program.
• Develop 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).
• Interpret and disseminate current and relevant research findings and NRCS cost-share programs for practical use by urban and small-farm clientele through demonstration plots, workshops, and other proven Extension and outreach methods.
• Facilitate educational outreach activities aimed at training and assisting educators, growers, and the public on various aspects of urban agricultural production, including but not limited to integrated pest management, organic, and conventional methods.
• Work collaboratively with food systems experts, agricultural economists, state Extension specialists, other Extension personnel, university researchers, and NRCS staff in developing and implementing multi-disciplinary activities within the Program.
• Work collaboratively with County Extension Agents, State Extension Specialists, NRCS staff, and other experts on revising and developing program resources, including but not limited to handout materials, program brochures, and program impact reports.
• Work collaboratively to develop outreach materials suitable for newsletters and media releases and utilize an appropriate mix of contemporary and emerging electronic tools (such as, but not limited to, social media and YouTube) to disseminate information to a broad audience.
• Assist Research/Extension staff with the development and implementation of programs, such as coordination of Los Lunas ASC tours and volunteer activities.
• Supervise program evaluation, collecting and reporting impacts, and serving as a direct communication link between urban and small farm producers/growers and NMSU.
• Work collaboratively with NMSU IT support personnel to plan and effectively deliver programs through distance education mechanism(s).
• Maintain an active, informative, and educational program website and assist with the development of web-based materials.
• Promote and market the Program at the state and local levels.
• Attend appropriate workshops and conferences related to urban horticulture and volunteer program management.
• Become a certified Extension Master Gardener through training or attend continuing educational opportunities if already certified.
• Provide service to the Agricultural Science Center, department, the college, NRCS Plant Materials Center, and the university as needed.
• Build and maintain working relationships with community and producer organizations (e.g., commodity groups, associations, farmers markets, farmer networks, and gardening clubs), the agricultural chemical industry, and other related industries.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional degrees in Plant Sciences, Management, STEM Education, urban planning, or related fields
• Experience in team management
• Knowledge of or experience with Extension work, educational outreach programming, or volunteer management
• Knowledge of or experience with urban horticulture, landscaping, backyard crop production, or pest management

Special Requirements of the Position
• In-state travel required
• Occasional out-of-state travel required (e.g., out-of-state conference attendance)
• Must maintain a valid NM Driver’s License and NMSU Driver’s permit; use of personal vehicle reimbursed at federal allowable rate required.
• Provide service to the Los Lunas ASC, NRCS Plant Materials Center, the college, and the university as assigned.
• Represent the Urban Agriculture Demonstration Program, the Los Lunas ASC, NRCS, the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, and NMSU in a professional manner.

Department Contact:  Rebecca Martinez, (575) 646-3125, rbanegas@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external 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 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 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.