Ext Family Consumer Sci Agent

Department Contact:Monica Lury, , northern

Internal or External Search:External - Open to all applicants

Advertising

Summary:

The Cooperative Extension Service at New Mexico State University (NMSU) invites applications for a Family and Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension Agent – Community and Food Entrepreneurship serving Bernalillo County, New Mexico. As the state's largest and most diverse urban county, Bernalillo County offers a unique opportunity to develop innovative, research-based educational programs that strengthen local communities and support economic opportunity.

This position will play a key role in helping entrepreneurs and small food businesses navigate and capitalize on New Mexico's recently expanded Cottage Food laws, which now allow the sale of a wider variety of shelf-stable food products. The successful candidate will provide education, technical assistance, and community outreach to aspiring and existing food entrepreneurs, helping them understand food safety, regulatory requirements, business development, and marketing strategies that contribute to sustainable economic growth.

In addition to supporting local food enterprises, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent will deliver practical, research-based programming that empowers individuals, families, and communities to improve their quality of life through education, partnerships, and engagement. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact by fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing food system resilience, and advancing community and economic development throughout Bernalillo County.

Position Title: Ext Family Consumer Sci Agent

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 311800-ADMIN PRGM BERNIL CTY

Location: NMSU satellite location

Offsite Location (if applicable): Albuquerque, 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:

Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard

Work Schedule:

May work evenings and weekends

** THIS IS A NON-TENURE TRACK POSITION **

*** POSITION IS PHYSICALLY LOCATED IN ALBUQUERQUE, NM ***
Successful candidate will:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate research-based Family and Consumer Sciences educational programs that address community needs and improve the wellness and quality of life for Bernalillo County residents.
• Provide education and technical assistance to aspiring and existing small food business owners, cottage food producers, and food entrepreneurs on topics including food safety, food preservation, business planning, labeling, licensing, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead educational programming related to New Mexico's Cottage Food laws, helping entrepreneurs understand opportunities to legally produce and market shelf-stable food products while meeting food safety requirements.
• Collaborate with local, state, tribal, and federal agencies, community organizations, economic development entities, food business incubators, farmers markets, and other partners to strengthen the local food economy and expand opportunities for small businesses.
• Design and deliver workshops, demonstrations, webinars, and educational resources that promote entrepreneurship, financial sustainability, food safety, nutrition, and consumer education.
• Assist underserved and historically underrepresented communities in accessing educational resources that support business development, food security, workforce development, and economic mobility.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify emerging economic and community issues and develop innovative Extension programming that responds to local priorities.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers, advisory committees, and community partners to expand program reach and impact.
• Utilize evidence-based educational practices and evaluation methods to measure program outcomes, document impacts, and prepare reports demonstrating program effectiveness.
• Seek external funding opportunities through grants, contracts, and partnerships to support community and economic development initiatives.
• Develop educational materials using multiple delivery methods, including in-person programming, digital platforms, social media, and distance education technologies.
• Represent New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service on local committees, advisory boards, and community coalitions related to food systems, entrepreneurship, public health, and economic development.
• Maintain subject matter expertise through professional development and stay current with emerging research, Extension best practices, and changes to food safety regulations, cottage food legislation, and small business resources.
• Work collaboratively with Extension faculty, specialists, and agents across program areas including…