Position Title: Ext FCS Agent

Employee Classification: Ext County Extension Agents

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 310700-ADMIN AND PGM UNIT LEA CNTY

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Cooperative Extension Locations

Offsite Location (if applicable): County Extension Office in Lovington, NM

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with education and experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The CES Office in Lea County invites you to apply for the position of Ext FCS Agent. The Lea County CES department provides the people of New Mexico with practical, research-based knowledge and programs to improve their quality of life.

Classification Summary:
County Extension Agents provide New Mexico's citizenry and communities with effective leadership and collaboration to foster economic, educational, and community development.

Classification Standard Duties:
The Family Consumer Science Agent provides Family & Consumer Science education to adult and youth audiences in the areas of nutrition, family life and child development, community health and well-being (including physical and mental), throughout the county.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Applicants must have a Master's degree with a degree in Home Economics, Family and Consumer Science, Nutrition, Health Education, Family and Child Development or a related field area that also includes an emphasis in education of youth; basic health and/or community health, community wellness, science and biology or a related field. Position may be under-filled as an Extension Associate I with a bachelor's degree (rank of Instructor) with the above mentioned educational requirements and a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA. Must complete a master's degree within 5 years of hire date to remain employed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to relate effectively to people of all ages, income, educational levels and ethnic background and develop informal educational programs to meet their needs.
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing and to teach effectively required.
- Ability to implement educational learning experiences for both youth and adults in furtherance of the missions of Extension required.
- Ability to provide leadership role in management of volunteer organization including recruitment, training and support of volunteers.
- Ability to travel and work odd hours and weekends as necessary.
- Successful candidate must have basic computer skills.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
***POSITION LOCATED IN LEA COUNTY; HEADQUARTERS IN LOVINGTON, NM***

The successful candidate will:
-Conduct Family & Consumer Science programming in both adult and youth audiences in the areas of nutrition, family and health.
- Work closely with the County Agricultural Agent to develop, promote and deliver 4-H programming.
- Support county fair efforts.
- Collaborate with community organizations and agencies to help further Extension Family & Consumer Science programs.
- Recruit, train and support volunteer adult and youth leaders.
- Team with other Extension Agents to plan and implement total Extension programs.
- Maintain a favorable public image and gain acceptance for self, Extension and New Mexico State University among the county citizens.
- Administratively responsible to the County Program Director and through him/her to the Eastern District Department Head.
- Provide timely reports as required.
- The Extension Agent is responsible to travel county wide via personal vehicle to execute educational programming to the stakeholders of New Mexico.
- Promote CES programs within the district to meet the LEADS 2025 Equity, Inclusion and Diversity goals prioritizing the program expansion to non-traditional demographics.
- Foster collaborations and participate in activities and on research teams that support the work of the Center of Excellence in Food and Sustainable Agriculture (CESFAS)

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position
Must live in county where employed and willing to work odd hours as needed. Personal auto required; reimbursed at IRS rates per mile. Valid driver's license required.

Department Contact:  Patrick Kircher, 575-356-4417, pkircher@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: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: May work evenings or weekends

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.