What are the responsibilities and job description for the Crop-Livestock Systems Extension Field Specialist position at South Dakota Board of Regents?
Working Title
Crop-Livestock Systems Extension Field Specialist
Posting Number
NFE02626P
Department
SDSU-Agriculture Program-Ext
Physical Location of Position (City)
Winner
Posting Text
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is searching for a Crop-Livestock Systems Extension Field Specialist I. This is a 12-month, full-time, benefit-eligible position available in one of our regional extension centers located in Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, Watertown, or Winner, SD. The position is supervised by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader and is affiliated with the either the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science or the Department of Animal Science depending on the successful applicant’s field of expertise. The successful candidate will specifically address climate resiliency issues agricultural producers face in the northern Great Plains.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Crop-Livestock Systems Extension Field Specialist I will provide climate resiliency programming for agricultural producers in both cropping and livestock production systems and ways to increase integration. This position is expected to collaborate with other Extension personnel to produce appropriate communications to help producers navigate seasonal weather-related events and long-term climate shifts, develop and promote climate decision support tools for crop pest protection, livestock stress reduction, economic risk protection, and enhance sustainability of natural resources. The Crop-Livestock Systems Extension Field Specialist I will conduct producer meetings, workshops, and field tours, assist with on-farm research projects, and develop educational materials. Active interaction with local producers, agricultural grower groups, state and federal agencies, and other non-governmental organizations is expected. They will travel extensively to build strong relationships with producer groups, agribusinesses, and governmental agencies to identify ongoing and emerging needs in regards to crop and livestock production systems.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- M.S. degree in Agronomy, Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, Range Management, or other closely related field completed by start date;
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position;
- Knowledge of cropping and livestock production systems in the Northern Great Plains;
- Ability to work and interact with agricultural producers, allied industry professionals, colleagues, staff, students, and clientele;
- Excellent oral and strong interpersonal skills;
- Excellent written communication skills;
- Demonstrated organizational and time management skills;
- Knowledge of planning implementing and evaluating educational materials and directing effective programs;
- Ability to work as a contributing team member; and
- Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certified Crop Advisor certification;
- Previous Extension experience;
- 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;
- Experience in publishing extension materials and/or peer reviewed journals;
- Experience with data analysis using meteorological or hydrological data.
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. 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. 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.
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 South Dakota State University Human Resources at 605-688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon 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 university policy 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.
Posting Date
02/27/2025
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Consideration Date
03/31/2025
Advertised Salary
$60,000-65,000 depending on experience.
Duration of the Term
12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100
Work Hours
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type
Regular
Faculty Status
No
Scope of Search
External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires
Travel, Overnight stays, Valid Drivers License
If other, please indicate
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
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 access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128.
Contact Information
For questions on the position, contact Madison Kovarna at Madison.Kovarna@sdstate.edu.
Salary : $60,000 - $65,000
