Extension Weed Ecologist Field Specialist I

At South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension, we pride ourselves on developing strong communities using cutting-edge, research-based programming to support state-wide emerging issues. We are seeking to hire our next Extension Weed Ecologist Field Specialist I that will work cooperatively with a team of SDSU Extension field specialists, university faculty and researchers, agribusiness industry, and commodity groups to develop and deliver high impact, quality agronomic educational programming.This position can be located in one of the regional offices in: Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, or Watertown, South Dakota. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefit-eligible position. As the outreach arm of our state’s land grant, South Dakota State University Extension is able to provide farmers, ranchers, agri-business people, communities, families and youth with the research-based information they need to succeed. SDSU Extension meets the changing needs of South Dakotans with progressive outreach services, ranging from one-on-one interaction and forums to 24/7 online access through our website, extension.sdstate.edu. SDSU Extension organizes program outreach across 4 program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food & Families, Community Vitality and 4-H Youth Development.This position will be accountable to our department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, which includes over 40 faculty whose expertise spans the fields of Agronomy, Entomology, Genetics, Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Precision Agriculture, Soil Science, and Weed Science. The Department has robust applied and basic research programs that consistently rank at the top of departments at SDSU. Discovery and dissemination of science-based knowledge are core missions of the department. Our faculty Extension Specialists and Field Specialists provide an effective structure for meeting this mission. In academic programs, the department provides nationally competitive training for undergraduate students leading to B.S. degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture, and Precision Agriculture. The Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science department also offers a strong graduate training environment leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Science and Biological Sciences.South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:The Extension Weed Ecologist Field Specialist I will be responsible for development and dissemination of programming and educational resources on weed control for specialty crops, urban lawns and gardens, pasture and rangelands, and alternative strategies for organic producers. The incumbent will also act as a resource for training Master Gardener groups throughout South Dakota. The successful candidate will travel extensively to build strong relationships with producers and stakeholder groups, businesses, city governments, and state and federal governmental agencies to identify ongoing and emerging needs affecting producers and homeowners.ADDITIONAL DUTIES INCLUDE:Develop, market, and evaluate educational programming to enhance sustainable weed control and management strategies for specialty crops, urban lawns and gardens, pasture and rangelands, and organic production systems in South Dakota. This includes writing scholarly and Extension publications or other similar educational materials.Develop a team approach with the intent to create inter- and intra-state collaborations that address weed control/management based on integrated pest management philosophies and/or compliant with organic production practices.Use technology as appropriate to deliver research-based information through outreach platforms such as social media, the SDSU Extension Web platform, podcasts, video, etc.Conduct an annual train-the-trainer program for Master Gardeners and resource professionals.Provide leadership to one or more demonstration trials in collaboration with SDSU Horticultural or Agronomy staff.Develop and implement effective evaluation tools to measure and report program impact.Develop relationships with stakeholders to continually assess programmatic opportunities and identify needs.Participate as appropriate in critical constituent events, including Winter Farm Shows, Dakota Fest, State Fair, and AES Field Station tours.BENEFITS:South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Master’s degree required in Agronomy, Plant Science, Natural Resource Management, Weed Science or other closely related field completed by start date;Certified Crop Advisor Certification or ability to obtain within two (2) years of hire;Ability to conduct innovative applied field-based studies on specialty crop production systems, garden and lawns, pasture and rangelands, or organic production systems;Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and deliver effective programs;Demonstrated ability to work as a team member;Effective written communication skills;Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills; andA valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Ph.D. completed by first day of employment in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Weed Science or other closely related field;Previous Extension experience;Working knowledge of Great Plains crop production systems in field and horticulture crops, specialty crops, or turf;Working knowledge of weed management practices;Potential ability to identify and develop funding proposals to support new and/or enhanced programming within and/or across capstone areas as PI or Co-PI; andExperience in publishing extension materials and/or peer reviewed journals.APPLICATION PROCESS:This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.