Position Title: Ext Specialist/Food Science & Technology

Employee Classification: Ext State Specialist

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 310021-EXTENSN HOME EC PGM UNIT

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Cooperative Extension Service

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate on experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  We are seeking a dynamic individual to provide statewide leadership for the Extension educational programs in food safety and technology.

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

Classification Standard Duties:
Provide statewide leadership for the Extension educational programs in food safety and technology.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Ph.D. in Food Science/Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry Engineering, Agricultural/Biological Engineering, or closely related field in hand by date of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Proficient in modern food processing techniques, applied food safety, food plant sanitation, and current food processing and food safety regulations, including the Food Safety modernization Act (FSMA).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills tailored to both technical and general audiences.
• Experience working with audiences with varied educational backgrounds and experience.
• Teaching experience in formal and informal settings
•Experience developing peer-reviewed articles, Extension publications, or articles in electronic media.
• Demonstrated leadership, team collaboration, and ability to buld strong working relationships with industry, government agencies, and community partners.
• Proficiency in use of electronic platforms and appropriate software to design and deliver training, communications. and other outreach messaging that effectively impacts stakeholders.
• Skilled in data collection, interpretation, and applied research related to food safety and food technology.
• Strong service ethic and desire to work with all audiences in the state
• Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
This is NOT a remote position.

• Lead statewide Extension programs in food safety and technology.
• Provide guidance and support to food companies, both new and existing, on food safety regulations and processing and handling practices, including serving as the process authority to food manufacturing enterprises in the state.
• Develop and deliver certification and professional development programs, including those required under FSMA, Extension agents, and state agencies.
• Collaborate with county Extension agents to support small-scale processors, food entrepreneurs, and community-based food initiatives, including those related to home food preservation.
• Collaborate with other state agencies in the delivery of food safety training.
• Foster collaborations and participate in activities and on research teams that support the work of the Center for Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (CESFAS.)
• Promote CES programs within the state to meet the LEADS 2025 goals prioritizing the program expansion to non-traditional demographics.



*The following documents are required. Please include on the application:
-Your resume/cv
-Cover letter
-Transcript
-Concise statement of Extension & outreach interests, goals and objectives for this position (2 page maximum)

Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual English/Spanish

Special Requirements of the Position
The candidate should be proficient in modern food processing techniques, applied food safety, food place sanitation, and current processing regulations.

Department Contact:  Laura Bittner, 575-646-3006, lbittner@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: 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.