Position Title: Division Dir, NMDA

Employee Classification: Division Director,NMDA

College/Division: New Mexico Dept of Agriculture

Department: 180651-NMDA AG PGMS AND RESOURCES DIV

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with education and experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) works for the benefit of the state’s citizens and supports the viability of agriculture and affiliated industries. NMDA promotes food protection, a uniform, and fair marketplace, and global marketing and economic development; supports the beneficial use of natural resources; and works cooperatively with public and private sector entities. Opportunities for excellence abound, and NMDA staff dedicate themselves to proactive service in fulfilling the department’s mission. Each division plays an important role in carrying out the goals and objectives. Our rich agricultural history, culture, and traditions are addressed through new and innovative approaches using the latest in science, technology, and economic strategies. In New Mexico, we contribute to the safest and most affordable, and nutritious food supply on the globe.

NMDA is a constitutional agency organized under the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University (NMSU). This unique relationship creates efficiencies and opportunities for New Mexico’s food and agriculture sector as well as service and outreach opportunities for NMSU, making NMDA an integral part of the university. NMDA/NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Classification Summary:
To direct and manage a multi-program division for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture that has major and direct statewide significance and impact upon agency mission. Agency programs are constitutionally bound by the State of New Mexico and through state statute to promulgate and enforce rules related to specific program areas. Works under minimal supervision and reports directly to the director/secretary or deputy director/secretary.

Classification Standard Duties:
The Division Director administers resource and operational activities to ensure delivery of services or products to citizens and industry. Division Director works closely with the agency director/secretary to establish overall departmental policy, goals, and priorities. The Division Director has extensive latitude for use of independent judgment and initiative. Assigned objectives are broadly defined by statute, grant, and agency mission; routinely interacts with other state, federal, local, tribal counterparts. Requires legislative interaction, initiating, reviewing, and drafting legislation; informing and advising board/committee members and constituents; serves as department representative on assigned issues. Objectives managed have an extensive relationship to the agency mission and require direct accountability, including implementation of strategic direction, budgeting, and assessment.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Eight (8) years of increasingly progressive management experience in one or more areas that report to this position.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of university and department policies and procedures; local, state, and federal laws, and regulations; agricultural and livestock sector in New Mexico and the United States; regulated industries; principles and practices of public administration and fiscal and operational management.; SKILLS:Skill in short and long-range planning and implementation; problem analysis and resolutions; evaluating alternatives in decision-making; effective leadership and communication skills.; ABILITIES:Ability to select, direct, evaluate, train, and supervise the work of personnel; communicate effectively in written and oral form including public presentations; maintain accurate records; develop and maintain effective relationships; use independent judgment and initiative; take corrective planning action to maintain strategic course of agency mission.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Agricultural Programs and Resources (APR) Division monitors, analyzes, and disseminates information to influence policy decisions. These decisions affect viability of agriculture and sustainability of New Mexico’s natural resources.

Understand the complexity of water, land, and other natural resources in New Mexico. Participation in related conversations is critical to the viability of the state’s multibillion-dollar-a-year agricultural industry. Serve on boards, commissions, and task forces to ensure that the interests of the farming and ranching community are considered in regulatory actions and programs affecting the state’s natural resources. Provide analytical and technical expertise to working groups consisting of government officials at all levels in order to identify and resolve differences and to create comments, policy, and implementation plans which enhance proposed federal and state statutes, regulations, plans, programs, and activities critical to the survival of a viable agricultural industry accompanied with wise management and productive use of land-based resources.

Provide leadership and serve as the official state government cooperator and liaison at federal meetings involving federal, state, and local government policies and analyses that affect agriculture in New Mexico. Serve as a liaison among agricultural, and conservation interests, other state agencies, local government representatives, multi-state efforts, federal officials, legislators, and congressional delegation. Serve as an expert witness when necessary and deliver legislative or court testimony as needed.

Provide technical and administrative resources and planning assistance to soil and water conservation districts and the agricultural industry. Oversee directional management of federal grants and cooperative agreements, including the application process for applying for federal funding

Creates the division strategic plan by developing program performance measures and reporting on how programs activities, grants and outcomes measure up to these standards. Work with program managers to develop division and program goals. Analyzes, formulates and drafts statutes, rules and regulation, policies and procedures for Division to meet statutory requirements and division goals. Develops and oversees the implementation of the Division’s budget.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position
Must have management experience including direct supervision of diverse staff, budget, development, and project management.

A Cover Letter and Unofficial Transcripts are required.

Department Contact:  Cheryl Mason-Herrera, 646-7523,cmason@nmda.nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon 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 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.