Research Scientist I

New Mexico State University; New Mexico; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Experiment Station at Farmington seeks a Research Scientist I to support the integrated agronomy/horticulture/soils program, focusing on irrigation systems, greenhouse care, and field crops.

The role requires outdoor work, record-keeping, and adherence to safety practices. Experience with data collection and analysis is valued, with a commitment to regional agricultural communities.

Qualifications

• Required education and experience as stated: Associate's Degree plus 7 years or Bachelor's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with computer applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint), data management, and basic analysis.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for technical support of Ag Science Center at Farmington integrated agronomy/horticulture/soils/controlled environment program dealing with micro, sprinkler and drip irrigation.
• Must be able to work outdoors, care for research plots, perform pruning, plant propagation, weeding, irrigation monitoring and record keeping.

Skills

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Data management

Basic analysis

Farm equipment operation

Sensors & data loggers

Education

Associate's Degree + 7 years of relevant experience

Bachelor's degree + 5 years of relevant experience

Tools

Data loggers

Sensors

Job description

• Staff
• Staff Full-time
• Closing at: Nov 27 2026 - 23:55 MST

• 504273
• NMSU satellite location, New Mexico, United States
• Staff
• Staff Full-time
• Closing at: Nov 27 2026 - 23:55 MST

Department Contact

Rebecca Martinez, [e-mail], 646-3125

Internal or External Search

External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary

The NMSU-ASC Farmington is uniquely situated on the sovereign Navajo Nation, 6 miles south of Farmington, NM, and is committed to regional cultural values. The mission of the New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington is to conduct research, demonstration, and educational programs that will best fill the needs of the agricultural community of San Juan County and the Navajo Nation in particular, and the State of New Mexico, Four Corners Region, and United States in general. -1968 Charter. Its vision: "Building agricultural and community resilience with innovative science that respects regional cultural values in the Four Corners Region (Navajo Nation and beyond)." NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Experience working in Native American communities is a plus.

Position Details

Position Title: Research Scientist I

College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station

Department: 317700-AG SCIENCE CTR AT FARMINGTON

Location: NMSU satellite location

Offsite Location (if applicable): Ag Science Center at Farmington, NM

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 American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

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

Job Duties and Responsibilities

***All applicants must fully complete every section of the online application. The application, not the resume, is the official record used to determine qualifications.

Current NMSU Employees: Include your complete NMSU employment history, regardless of length of service.***

Responsible for technical support of Ag Science Center at Farmington integrated agronomy/horticulture/soils/controlled environment program dealing with micro, sprinkler and drip irrigation. The incumbent will be expected to care for greenhouse plants, specialty horticultural crops, agronomic field crops and integrated cropping systems that include, transitional organic fields, center pivots, agricultural photovoltaics and hydroponics or other duties as assigned

The incumbent must be able to work out of doors, take care of research plots to include some detail work that will include pruning, plant propagation, small plot weeding, irrigation monitoring, and record keeping. Obtain a New Mexico Pesticide Applicators license and also apply appropriate agricultural practices as prescribed.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: Associate's Degree + 7 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 5 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with computer applications (for example, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint), data management, and basic analysis, ability to operate or ability to learn farm equipment and associated research tools that include sensors and data loggers. Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines in a diverse, fast-paced research setting. Work experience in the Navajo Nation or tribal communities is a plus.

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: Moderate physical activity.

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.

Do"na 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 Do"na 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.

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