This natural resource policy/planning analyst position, state noxious weed coordinator, will work with partners throughout the state to achieve the purposes of New Mexico’s Noxious Weed Management Act. The position will perform a wide variety of duties including: administering and strategically developing NMDA’s noxious weed program, providing technical support and expertise, promoting public education and outreach, and coordinating collaboration with partners statewide.

The state noxious weed coordinator will oversee the development and expansion of NMDA’s noxious weed program. This includes identifying key needs across the state, establishing strategic priorities, utilizing state funds for maximum impact, and securing federal funding sources for projects in New Mexico. The coordinator is also responsible for recommending updates to the state weed list to the Secretary of Agriculture, using advice from Noxious Weed List Advisory Committee and partner input.

As a subject matter expert, the coordinator will provide technical assistance on noxious weeds to local partners and the public. This support could include the detection, identification, and monitoring of weed infestations, and the development of integrated weed management plans for landowners. The coordinator would coordinate statewide mapping of weed infestations and treatments on a user-friendly public platform. Related to public education and outreach, the coordinator would raise public awareness of noxious weed issues around the state by producing useful educational resources and participating in public trainings and outreach events. The position may also participate in climate change, fire management, and other natural and working lands policy issues.

In its coordinating role, the position will build relationships with other entities working on noxious weed management to foster cross-organizational, cross-boundary collaboration. A major focus will be helping local cooperative weed management areas and soil and water conservation districts build capacity and find resources for priority projects. The coordinator will build partnerships with state and federal natural resources agencies, as well as New Mexico’s Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos. The position may also develop cooperative agreements to facilitate cross-boundary noxious weed work, collaborate regionally with neighboring states, and represent New Mexico in national noxious weed organizations.