NMDA Ag Specialist,Inter

NMSU Conference Services; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is seeking an Ag Specialist,Intermediate to coordinate Trichomoniasis efforts across the state. You will support surveillance, testing, and certification while working with veterinarians, producers, and regulatory partners.

Travel statewide and work in office and field environments are required. You will organize regional testing events, manage data systems, and produce reports to support traceability and program evaluation.

Qualifications

• Experience managing and analyzing program data systems, including databases used for tracking disease surveillance, certification, or traceability
• Knowledge of or direct experience with livestock production systems, particularly cattle operations, sale barns, and animal health programs
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including producers, veterinarians, industry partners, and regulatory agencies
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage field activities, logistics, and multi-region program operations
• Experience developing and delivering outreach, education, or training programs for agricultural audiences

Responsibilities

• Coordinate statewide Trichomoniasis program efforts to reduce bovine disease incidence and economic impact.
• Support surveillance, testing, and Trich-Free certification with data quality and reporting.
• Advance outreach and education, coordinating workshops and development of materials.
• Assist with quarantine management and interagency coordination to ensure timely decisions.
• Analyze program data, support transfer of findings to stakeholders and regulators.

Skills

Data systems

Livestock knowledge

Stakeholder coordination

Organizational skills

Outreach/training

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree

Tools

Databases for surveillance

Job description

• 503905


• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States


• Staff


• Temporary Staff


• Closing at: Aug 20 2026 - 23:55 MDT

Department Contact

Cheryl Mason-Herrera, 575-646-7523, [e-mail]

Internal or External Search

External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary

This position has an end date of July 1, 2029

Position Details

Position Title: NMDA Ag Specialist,Inter

College/Division: New Mexico Dept of Agriculture

Department: 180020-NMDA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION SVCS

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable): Various locations throughout New Mexico, including the Las Cruces office and field environments.

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: $59,965.78 - Commensurate with qualifications.

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)

Job Duties and Responsibilities

An Agriculture Specialist,Intermediate focused on the Trichomoniasis (Trich) Program at the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) is responsible for coordinating statewide efforts to reduce the incidence and economic impact of bovine Trichomoniasis. The specialist supports surveillance, testing, and Trich-Free certification programs to ensure early detection and control of disease across New Mexico’s cattle industry, while promoting compliance with state regulations in coordination with the New Mexico Livestock Board (NMLB), Veterinary Diagnostic Services (VDS), veterinarians, and producers.

The specialist organizes regional testing activities, including sale barn events and targeted testing in high-risk areas, ensuring efficient operations, proper biosecurity, and timely data submission. They manage program data systems, including maintaining the Trich-Free Certification database, integrating in-state and out-of-state test results, ensuring data quality, and producing reports that support traceability, regulatory decisions, and program evaluation.

In collaboration with Extension and industry partners, the specialist supports outreach and education efforts to improve producer awareness, compliance, and adoption of best management practices. This includes coordinating workshops, training events, and development of educational materials and decision-support tools incorporating economic considerations.

The specialist also supports nonregulatory compliance efforts for quarantined herds by coordinating with Trich Liaisons and veterinarians to facilitate effective herd management and timely quarantine release. Additionally, they assist with pilot initiatives to evaluate reinfection risks using tools such as movement monitoring and genetic analysis, and contribute to assessing program effectiveness.

They participate in interstate and interagency coordination to align standards, improve data sharing, and reduce disease risks associated with cattle movement. Through data analysis, reporting, and continuous program improvement, the specialist supports a coordinated, science-based approach to Trich control that strengthens disease prevention and long-term sustainability of New Mexico’s cattle industry.

Special Requirements

May perform other essential duties as assigned.

Ability and willingness to travel statewide and work in both office and field environments.

This position has an end date of July 1, 2029

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

Associate's Degree + 4 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 2 years of relevant experience.

Equivalent Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing and analyzing program data systems, including databases used for tracking disease surveillance, certification, or traceability


• Knowledge of or direct experience with livestock production systems, particularly cattle operations, sale barns, and animal health programs


• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including producers, veterinarians, industry partners, and regulatory agencies


• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage field activities, logistics, and multi-region program operations


• Experience developing and delivering outreach, education, or training programs for agricultural audiences

Special Certification/Licensure

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment

Work is normally performed indoors.

Physical Effort

Moderate physical activity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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