What are the responsibilities and job description for the Extension Horticulture and Specialty Crops Field Specialist I position at South Dakota Board of Regents?
Working Title
Extension Horticulture and Specialty Crops Field Specialist I
Posting Number
NFE02628P
Department
SDSU-Agriculture Program-Ext
Physical Location of Position (City)
Rapid City
Posting Text
Come join our team as an Extension Horticulture and Specialty Crops Field Specialist I at South Dakota State University (SDSU). This position will provide strong regional and statewide leadership in the development and dissemination of research-based programming and resources to support the horticultural and specialty needs of consumers in South Dakota. The successful candidate will travel extensively to build strong relationships with consumers, businesses, and governmental agencies to identify ongoing and emerging needs of consumers. This position is located in Rapid City, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position will address consumer horticulture issues across the state, including home landscape plantings as well as food production in home, school, and community gardens. This individual will work with Master Gardeners, Garden Hotline staff, and other horticulture team members to identify and address educational and programming needs of clientele. The successful candidate will work with a multi-disciplinary team of SDSU Extension colleagues throughout South Dakota.
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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Science or closely related field obtained by first day of employment;
- Must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position;
- Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs;
- Demonstrated ability or potential to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and to direct effective programs;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences;
- Strong interpersonal skills;
- Ability to work as a team member; and
- Valid drivers license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ph.D. in Horticulture, Plant Science or closely related field obtained by first day of employment;
- Previous Extension experience;
- Coursework in Horticulture, ornamentals, food crops, etc;
- Successful volunteer management experience;
- Demonstrated leadership in developing or leading learning communities.
- Demonstrated experience in Horticulture;
- Demonstrated leadership and teamwork with stakeholders; and Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals to support new and/or enhanced programming.
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.
Posting Date
02/27/2025
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
First Consideration Date
03/31/2025
Advertised Salary
The salary range for this position is $60,000-$65,000 dependent upon qualifications.
Duration of the Term
12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent
100
Work Hours
This position will be located in Rapid City, SD.
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, Weekends/Holidays, 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 search committee chair, Robin Buterbaugh, at Robin.Buterbaugh@sdstate.edu.
Salary : $60,000 - $65,000
