NMDA Agriculture Specialist Associate

• 503633
• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
• Staff
• Staff Full-time
• Closing at: Jul 27 2026 - 23:55 MDT
  
  

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Department Contact: Cheryl Mason-Herrera, 575-646-7523, nmdahr@nmda.nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The 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.

Position Details

Position Title: NMDA Agriculture Specialist Associate

College/Division: New Mexico Dept of Agriculture

Department: 181302-NMDA LABORATORY DIVISION

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $48,332.54 entry

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: Contingent upon funding

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule

Job Duties and Responsibilities: Supports the planning and coordination of the development, implementation, and execution of regulatory programs. Creates, updates, and oversees the production of promotional materials, training manuals, and brochures, customized to meet the program's specific requirements. Acts as a key liaison; organizes seminars, meetings, special projects, and resolves issues. Manages the activities of support staff, consultants, and/or volunteers involved in achieving program goals. Tracks and oversees program/project income and expenditures; may contribute to the creation of funding proposals for the program. Assists with all facets of the program's daily operations and activities pertinent to their specific areas of expertise. This role serves as a contact point for both internal and external stakeholders regarding all program-related matters. Contributes to the planning, development, and execution of strategies designed to identify and secure funding and resource opportunities for program initiatives, including the formulation of grants and cooperative agreements with private organizations, state agencies, and federal partners. Communication with FDA, EPA and USDA concerning paperwork for contracts, cooperative agreements, and applicable analytical reporting of lab activities related to agreements or grants. May supervise the work of student employees. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

Associate's Degree 2 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree.

Equivalent Qualifications

Equivalency- Three (3) years of experience or any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience as approved by Human Resource Services.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience- One (1) year of experience related to the standard duties as outlined.

Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, including Excel, Word, SharePoint and Power BI. This position works closely with four different laboratories ordering and receiving chemicals, supplies, and laboratory equipment/instruments.

Special Certification/Licensure

Upon hire must complete all laboratory safety and hazardous waste management training.

A cover letter is required.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

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.

Recruitment Summary

We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.

NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.

NMSU Global Campus

Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.

NMSU Main Campus

Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.

Doña Ana Community College

Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance. 

Alamogordo Campus

Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.

Grants Campus

NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.

Special Instructions to Applicants

The electronic application is the *official* document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.

EEO Statement

New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.