Extension Specialist/ 4-H STEM

New Mexico State University; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University in Las Cruces seeks a dynamic Extension Specialist/4-H STEM to lead statewide STEM youth development programs under the Cooperative Extension Service. The role focuses on innovative curricula, volunteer training, and partnerships with educators and stakeholders.

The position is tenure-track, 12-month, with a commitment to growing 4-H STEM across New Mexico, including evaluation of impacts and securing funds for program growth.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in STEM discipline or closely related field.
• Experience or coursework in youth development and be knowledgeable in formal and non-formal education.
• Demonstrated ability in program development, program evaluation and reporting outcomes.
• Knowledge of social media, marketing, and promotion delivery methods to amplify program activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide statewide direction in developing, implementing, and evaluating 4-H Youth Development STEM programming (robotics, drones, AI, maker education).
• Develop curriculum connecting STEM to careers and school enrichment; train-the-trainer workshops and resources.
• Coordinate statewide 4-H events, contests, and awards; communicate with participants, collaborators, and donors.
• Train and support county CES educators in 4-H STEM programming including recruiting and training volunteers.
• Pursue and manage external funding to support 4-H STEM programs.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Public relations

Written and oral communication

Organizational skills

Travel availability

Weekend availability

Education

Ph.D. or Ed.D. in STEM discipline or related field

Job description

• 504054
• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
• Faculty
• 12-Month Faculty Full-Time
• Closing at: Oct 10 2026 - 23:55 MDT

Department Contact: Peter Skelton, 505-670-4459, [e-mail]

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Cooperative Extension Service at NMSU is actively recruiting for a 4H STEM Specialist. This is a tenure-track, 12-month appointment.

Extension Specialist/ 4-H STEM

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 314000-4 H AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PGM UNIT

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: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: May work evenings and weekends

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service (CES) delivers practical, research-based knowledge and programs that improve New Mexicans’ quality of life through formal and non-formal education programs. 4-H is the youth outreach program of New Mexico State University’s (NMSU) Cooperative Extension Service. NMSU CES is seeking an innovative and dynamic individual to provide vision and leadership for developing statewide 4-H Youth Development in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Extension education programs throughout New Mexico. The 4-H STEM Specialist is a faculty member in the 4-H and Youth Development Department in the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Science. The 4-H STEM Specialist is responsible for fulfilling the goals and objectives of the NMSU 4-H program, as they relate to working with youths, adult volunteers, and 4-H Extension educators through hands‑on experiential and digital learning engagement.

Duties Include

• Provide state-wide direction in developing, implementing, and evaluating 4-H Youth Development STEM programming (e.g. robotics, drone technology, artificial intelligence and maker learning).
• Develop comprehensive research-based youth development curricula with a connection to STEM careers, school enrichment programs, train-the-trainer workshops, and programming resources in STEM topic areas with an emphasis on needs assessment, program design, program implementation, and program evaluation.
• Coordinate assigned New Mexico 4-H state events, contests, and awards; and communicate with participants, collaborators, and donors.
• Train and support county CES educators in 4-H STEM programming including recruiting and training volunteers to support programs and activities.
• Make contributions to the body of knowledge on STEM teaching and learning through peer-reviewed journal publications, presentations, Extension Fact Sheets or Publications, and other scholarly works.
• Annually pursue, secure, and manage resources (e.g. grants, contracts, external funding, and personnel) to support or implement 4-H STEM programs.
• Write a 5-year Plan of Work, develop annual goals and objectives, and report youth development program impacts and complete other reports as required on an annual basis.
• Collaborate with University-wide faculty and county CES educators to provide relevant curriculum, training, and program support for 4-H STEM programs, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure programs are relevant, welcoming, and accessible for all youth audiences.

Must have excellent interpersonal and public relations skills, including written and oral communication skills to effectively interact with stakeholders and with people of all ages, incomes, education levels, and ethnic backgrounds; excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and/or programs; willingness to periodically work on weekends and beyond and outside of normal business hours. Travel, including overnight stays, within the state is a requirement.

Required Documents

• Your resume/cv
• Cover letterTranscript
• Concise statement of Extension & outreach interests, goals, and objectives for this position (2-page maximum)

Required Education and Experience

Ph.D. or Ed.D. (awarded by hire date) in STEM discipline or closely related field of study.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability in program development, program evaluation and reporting outcomes, and have an appreciation and understanding of Extension and 4-H programs.
• Experience working with youth in urban and/or rural communities; possess a clear understanding of factors impacting participation in youth programs for both communities.
• Experience or coursework in youth development and be knowledgeable in the areas of formal and non-formal education.
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and publish youth related curriculum.
• Experience writing, securing, and managing extramural funding and/or project management.
• Knowledge of social media, marketing, and promotion delivery methods to effectively amplify and communicate program activities and accomplishments.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence to enhance STEM education.

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.

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