Extension Specialist​/Agronomist​/Soil Fertility

• Faculty
• 12-Month Faculty Full-Time
• Closing at:
  Oct 10 2026 - 23:55 MDT

• 503976
• NMSU satellite location, New Mexico, United States
• Faculty
• 12-Month Faculty Full-Time
• Closing at:
  Oct 10 2026 - 23:55 MDT

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Richard Heerema, , rjheerem

External - Open to all applicants

Inviting applications for an Extension Agronomy/Soil Fertility Specialist, Assistant Professor (tenure-track, 12-month) position located at the Ag Science Center in Artesia, NM.

Extension Specialist/Agronomist/ Soil Fertility

Cooperative Extension Service

311200-EXTENSN PLANT SCIENCES

NMSU satellite location

ASC/Artesia

Commensurate with qualifications

1.0

Exempt

This is NOT a bargaining unit position with the National Education Association (NEA).

Not Applicable

Standard (M-F, 8-5)

• Responsible for directing a leading edge research and related Extension education programs in agronomy, soil and irrigation water, with an emphasis on agronomic cropping systems.
• Conduct field- and lab-based research on soil fertility, salinity, and irrigation water quality related issues facing New Mexico crop producers.
• Interpret and disseminate current and relevant research findings for practical use by clientele through mass media, publications, grower meetings, Extension programs, demonstration plots, and other proven Extension methods. Write and revise Extension publications.
• Provide training and assistance to County Extension Agents, crop producers, and the public on various aspects of crop production and management options.
• Maintain close working relationships with the ACES Plant and Environmental Sciences department (PES), New Mexico Department of Agriculture, and other federal, state, and local agencies.
• Work collaboratively with other state Extension specialists, university researchers, and County Extension agents in developing and implementing multi-disciplinary activities.
• Build and maintain working relationships with community and producer organizations (e.g., commodity groups, farmers markets, farmer networks), the agricultural industry, and other related industries.
• Acquire external funding to support, develop, and implement Extension and research programs.
• Qualify for graduate faculty status. Graduate advising opportunities are available within the Extension Plant Sciences and Plant and Environmental Sciences departments.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and generate scholarly activities in a manner to fulfill tenure track expectations.
• Research and graduate advising opportunities are available within PES.

The economic base of southeastern New Mexico has a long history in the energy/petroleum sector as well as ranching, dairy, and farming. The region’s dominant cropping systems include irrigated alfalfa, cotton, corn, assorted vegetables, and pecans. The agricultural crops sold in the southeastern counties are valued at nearly $1.5 billion. Utilization of solid and liquid wastes from the local dairy industry in cropping systems and management of agricultural chemicals for water quality protection are points of significant interest and concern for local agricultural producers in the lower Pecos River Basin and southeastern New Mexico.

Furthermore, long‑term drought in the region has led to increasing salinity‑related limitations to crop production in New Mexico. The incumbent of this position will support the agricultural industry in New Mexico with appropriate…