Extension Specialist/ 4-H STEM

New Mexico State University; New Mexico; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service in Las Cruces invites applications for an Extension Specialist/4-H STEM. This tenure-track, 12-month, 1.0 FTE position leads statewide 4-H STEM youth development programs, emphasizing hands-on experiential and digital learning.

The ideal candidate will design and evaluate curricula, coordinate statewide events, train CES educators and volunteers, pursue external funding, and report program impacts.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in STEM discipline or closely related field.
• Experience in program development, evaluation and reporting outcomes is preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential.
• Experience with Extension and 4-H programs is preferred.
• Willingness to travel within the state and outside regular hours.

Responsibilities

• Provide statewide direction in developing, implementing, and evaluating 4-H STEM programming (e.g., robotics, drone technology, AI, maker learning).
• Develop research-based curricula linked to STEM careers and school enrichment; train-the-trainer workshops and resources.
• Coordinate state 4-H events, contests, and awards; communicate with participants, collaborators, and donors.
• Train and support county CES educators in 4-H STEM programming; recruit and train volunteers.
• Publish and share knowledge via journals, publications, and extensions materials; pursue external funding to support programs.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Public relations

Written communication

Oral communication

Organizational skills

Public speaking

Travel readiness

Education

Ph.D. or Ed.D.

Job description

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. Apply today!

Position Details

PositionTitle: Extension Specialist/ 4-H STEM

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 314000-4 H AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PGM UNIT

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

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: 100% Extension, 12-month, tenure- track position.
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.
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)

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:
Ph.D. or Ed.D. (awarded by hire date) in STEM discipline or closely related field of study.

Equivalent Qualifications:

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.

Special Certification/Licensure:

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.