Extension Horse Specialist

New Mexico State University; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University is seeking an Extension Horse Specialist to lead the development of a nationally recognized Extension and outreach program focusing on equine in Las Cruces. This 100% Extension appointment requires travel across New Mexico and beyond as needed.

The role emphasizes youth program support (4-H/FFA), collaboration with Extension personnel, and building peer-reviewed scholarship and outreach materials to demonstrate impact. A Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in animal sciences (preferred) or related field (e.g., DVM) by employment date.
• Practical experience within and understanding of the equine industry.
• Demonstrated communication skills, including writing and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of teaching and learning theories for youth and adult audiences.
• Ability to work with faculty, staff, landowners, and government agencies.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development of a nationally recognized Extension and outreach program focusing on equine.
• Foster collaborations with Extension personnel and horse industry stakeholders in New Mexico.
• Support youth equine organizations with programming such as 4-H and FFA.
• Develop, deliver, and evaluate extension programs.
• Acquire external funding to support Extension programs.
• Interact with industry, state organizations, and government agencies.

Skills

Communication skills

Equine industry experience

Team collaboration

Public outreach

Education

Ph.D. in animal sciences

Job description

• 504020


• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States


• Faculty


• 12-Month Faculty Full-Time


• Closing at: Nov 23 2026 - 23:55 MST

View favorites

Department Contact: Sam Smallidge, 575-646-5944, [e-mail]

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: Extension Animal Resources at NMSU is seeking an Extension Horse Specialist to spearhead the development of a nationally recognized Extension and outreach program focusing on equine.

Position Details

Position Title: Extension Horse Specialist

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 311000-EXTENSN ANIMAL RESOURCES

Location: Las Cruces

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 the National Education Association (NEA).

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

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

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

100% Extension appointment. Tenure-track, at the rank of Assistant/Associate or Professor. State-wide responsibilities will require significant travel in-state and out-of-state.

Position is located on the main campus in Las Cruces.

• Spearhead the development of a nationally recognized Extension and outreach program focusing on equine.


• Foster strong collaborations with Extension personnel across relevant departments and the horse industry stakeholders in New Mexico.


• Support youth equine organizations with programming such as 4-H and FFA.


• Develop, deliver, and evaluate impactful extension programs.


• Develop peer-reviewed scholarship, Extension reports, or articles in electronic media that communicate program impacts and results.


• Provide materials, teaching aids, methods, and techniques for educational programs for off-campus educational programming.


• Participate in educational TV, radio and news media.


• Provide programs, training, and assistance to county Extension agents in New Mexico.


• Acquire external funding to support, develop, and implement Extension programs.


• Maintain close working relationships with industry, statewide organizations and government agencies and other agriculture and natural resources groups.


• Actively participate in department activities by attending meetings and serving on appropriate committees.


• Other responsibilities as agreed with the department head of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources.


• Effectively interact with and relate to people of all ages, incomes, education levels, and ethnic backgrounds.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. in animal sciences (preferred) or other related field (e.g., DVM) by employment date.


• Practical experience within and understanding of the equine industry.


• Demonstrated communication skills, including writing and presentation skills as evidenced in the applicant's curriculum vitae.


• Knowledge of teaching and learning theories and models for youth and adult audiences.\\


• Knowledge or willingness to learn Cooperative Extension Service philosophy and approach to meet the defined mission, same for land grant university structure and mission.


• Ability to work with other faculty and staff; work as a team member; work cooperatively with landowners, livestock producers, government agencies, and environmental interests; communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, with individuals and groups.

Preferred Qualifications:

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)

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 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.

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.

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.

Requesting an Accommodation

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and New Mexico State University policy, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply, interview, or complete onboarding for a position with New Mexico State University, or if you cannot use the online application system, please visit our Accessibility & Accommodations page to initiate an accommodation request