NMDA Ag Specialist,Inter

New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) works for the benefit of the state’s citizens and supports the viability of agriculture and affiliated industries. NMDA promotes food protection, a uniform and fair marketplace, and global marketing and economic development; supports beneficial use of natural resources; and works cooperatively with public and private sector entities. Each division plays an important role in carrying out the department’s goals and objectives. NMDA is a constitutional agency organized under the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University (NMSU), creating efficiencies and opportunities for New Mexico’s food and agriculture sector.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Organize regional testing activities, including sale barn events and targeted testing in high-risk areas, ensuring efficient operations, proper biosecurity, and timely data submission.
• 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.
• Support outreach and education efforts to improve producer awareness, compliance, and adoption of best management practices in collaboration with Extension and industry partners. This includes coordinating workshops, training events, and development of educational materials and decision-support tools incorporating economic considerations.
• Support nonregulatory compliance efforts for quarantined herds by coordinating with Trich Liaisons and veterinarians to facilitate effective herd management and timely quarantine release.
• Assist with pilot initiatives to evaluate reinfection risks using tools such as movement monitoring and genetic analysis, and contribute to assessing program effectiveness.
• Participate in interstate and interagency coordination to align standards, improve data sharing, and reduce disease risks associated with cattle movement.
• Perform other essential duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree + 4 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 2 years of relevant experience.
• Ability and willingness to travel statewide and work in both office and field environments.

Qualifications

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

Working Conditions

• Work is normally performed indoors, with moderate physical activity including lifting objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

Pay

$59,965.78 (commensurate with qualifications).

Schedule

Standard (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM).