Position Title: Ext Agric 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 Ag 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 Agricultural Agent provides leadership and guidance to Extension educational programs in agriculture, horticulture/ urban horticulture, community and economic development, and natural resources throughout the county

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Master's degree (in hand by hire date) required. At least one degree must be in Agriculture. Or may be under-filled as a College Instructor rank with a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture and a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher required. Must complete a master's degree within 5 years of hire date to continue employment. Promotion to assistant professor rank will be based on performance and Dean's approval.

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

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

Successful candidate will:
-Provide leadership and guidance to Extension educational programs in agriculture (both major area crop and livestock, including both beef and dairy), urban horticulture, community and economic development, and natural resources throughout the county as job requires.
-Collaborate with other Extension Agents, with State Extension Specialists, the Eastern District Director and other administrators as well as outside agencies and organizations in planning and implementing the total Extension program.
-Maintain a favorable public image and gain acceptance for self, Extension and New Mexico State University among county citizens.
-Administratively responsible to the Eastern District Director.
-Actively participate and play an important role in the recruitment of students to New Mexico State University and to participate in student activities.
-Support annual county fair efforts.
-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, 575-762-1052, 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: Moderate physical activity.

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.