Ext State Enologist Agent

• 503631
• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
• Faculty
• 12-Month Faculty Full-Time
• Closing at: Jun 24 2026 - 23:55 MDT

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Department Contact: Anowar Islam, ***email_hidden***, 575-646-3405

Internal or External Search: Internal - Open to Regular NMSU employees only (temporary/Term employees not eligible)

Advertising Summary: The New Mexico wine industry is thriving, creating exciting opportunities to support its continued growth and success. We seek a dynamic and innovative individual to develop and deliver educational programs for industry stakeholders and Extension agents.

Position Details

Position Title: Ext State Enologist Agent

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 311200-EXTENSN PLANT SCIENCES

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable)

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: 75,000

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)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule

Job Duties and Responsibilities: The position will provide educational opportunities to the stakeholders and Extension agents through Extension and outreach/research/service to address New Mexico wine industry needs. The major duties and responsibilities include:

• Organize and conduct wine quality workshops and seminars.
• Visit winery and vineyard sites to work one-on-one with individual producers.
• Work with grape growers to monitor sugar and acid levels to identify the ideal time to harvest for the best flavor conditions.
• Provide advice during the harvesting process to maintain the integrity of the grapes.
• Provide wine analysis services through the NMSU Food Science Lab to support individual winemakers and make recommendations for performing specific analyses.
• Identify and resolve production issues and improve quality, assist the winemakers to understand the results of these analyses in making decisions on how to treat the wine or juice to make improvements.
• Coordinate Enology Vendor and winemaking suppliers’ presentations or workshops to promote new and emerging products and techniques.
• Consulting on bottling process to ensure proper hygiene practices, safety, and quality.
• Develop and distribute Extension materials that address the relevant needs of New Mexico’s grape and wine industries.
• Prepare and publish newsletters and Extension publications or videos that begin a library of reference materials for emerging and existing winemakers.
• Conduct outreach/research on enology and related fields to address issues and needs of New Mexico’s grape and wine industries when applicable and aligned with Extension goals.
• Coordinate efforts with the state viticulturist to address New Mexico wine and grape industry needs.
• Maintain relationships with Extension colleagues in other areas to stay informed of trends and new technologies in the field of winemaking.
• Travel statewide to visit New Mexico wineries and present findings at industry conferences and agricultural meetings at the state and national levels.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

MS in Enology, Viticulture, Pomology, Plant Science, Plant Biology, Horticulture, Food Science and Technology or related field, and 5 years of production/enology experience in related field. Basic knowledge and understanding in enology or viticulture; knowledge in Extension work and, in the design, and establishment of demonstration plots; knowledge or ability to work with vineyards and with full and part-time farmers and/or hobby growers.

Equivalent Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Special Certification/Licensure

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: Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.

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.

NMSUGlobal 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.

Doña 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 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.

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.