Department Contact: Casey Spackman, 575-646-3098, spackman@nmsu.edu
Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants
Advertising Summary: .The Department of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources at New Mexico State University seeks an innovative and collaborative scholar to lead a statewide Extension and applied research program focused on sheep and goat production. If you have a passion for delivering practical, research-based knowledge and programs that improve New Mexicans’ quality of life, apply today!
Position Details
Position Title: Extension Specialist/Livestock
College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service
Department: 311000-EXTENSN ANIMAL RESOURCES
Location: Las Cruces
Offsite Location (if applicable):
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications
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: Not Applicable
Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)
If Not a Standard Work Schedule:
Job Duties and Responsibilities: Appointment is 75% Extension, 25% Research. Tenure-track, at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor. Statewide responsibilities will require significant travel in-state and out-of-state, with overnight stays expected. Position is located on the main campus in Las Cruces but may be located off campus with approval of the Associate Dean/Director of the Cooperative Extension Service.
The Department of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources at New Mexico State University seeks an innovative and collaborative scholar to lead a statewide Extension and applied research program focused on sheep and goat production. This position offers a unique opportunity to work directly with producers, industry organizations, Extension professionals, and research partners to address the challenges and opportunities facing New Mexico's small-ruminant industry.
The successful candidate will: develop impactful educational programs and applied research initiatives that improve the productivity, profitability, sustainability, health, and reproductive performance of sheep and goat enterprises across diverse production systems; serve diverse agricultural communities including commercial producers, tribal producers, youth livestock programs, and rural stakeholders across New Mexico.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Extension Leadership (75%)
The successful candidate will:
• Develop and lead a statewide Extension program in sheep and goat production.
• Design and deliver educational programs addressing small-ruminant health, nutrition, reproduction, and management.
• Develop innovative educational materials, teaching tools, and outreach resources for producers and Extension personnel.
• Train and support county Extension agents throughout New Mexico.
• Communicate research-based information through workshops, field days, digital media, publications, and traditional media outlets.
• Build strong partnerships with producers, industry organizations, government agencies, tribal agencies, and agricultural stakeholders. Partner with organizations such as the New Mexico Wool Growers Association and the New Mexico Sheep and Goat Council.
• Successful candidate must be able to obtain a NM driver’s license without restrictions.
Applied Research (25%)
The successful candidate will:
• Develop an applied research program addressing issues relevant to sheep and goat producers in New Mexico.
• Focus research efforts in areas such as reproduction, nutrition, health, production efficiency, or related disciplines
• Publish and disseminate research findings that support Extension programming and stakeholder needs.
• Pursue external funding opportunities to support Extension and research activities.
• The successful candidate will have access to sheep and goat flocks at the Corona Range Livestock Research Center and the main campus farm.
Service and Collaboration
The successful candidate will:
• Collaborate closely with Extension specialists and faculty across disciplines.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service activities.
***Please include in your application:
1. Curriculum vitae
2. Letter of Interest (limit 600 words)
3. Concise statement of Extension and research interests, goals and objectives for this position (2 page maximum)
4. Unofficial Transcripts (Undergraduate and Graduate)
The Department of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources (EASNR) is committed to providing the citizens of New Mexico with research-based, practical, and applied educational programming that meets the demands New Mexico has in the agricultural and natural resource communities. The EASNR department provides educational information to the public, on public land policy, grazing management, brush and weed control, riparian management, livestock and dairy production, and wildlife management. Specialists serve as information sources for Extension faculty and livestock and land managers. They also conduct regional and state workshops, and demonstrational and short-term research projects.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
• Ph.D. in Animal Science or a closely related discipline, or a DVM with relevant expertise.
• Demonstrated experience in sheep and/or goat production systems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to developing impactful Extension and applied research programs
Equivalent Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience developing and evaluating Extension programs.
• Knowledge of adult and youth education principles.
• Experience securing competitive grants or external funding.
• Record of publications, Extension scholarship, or applied research accomplishments.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams and industry partners.
• Familiarity with Cooperative Extension and land-grant university missions.
• Experience with cattle production, in addition to sheep and goats, will be viewed favorably in the screening process
Special Certification/Licensure:
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 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.