Assistant Enologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department Contact: Anowar Islam, maislam@nmsu.edu, 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 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.

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: 

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.