What are the responsibilities and job description for the Extension Food Processing Field Specialist I position at South Dakota State University?
Posting Text
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is hiring an Extension Food Processing Field Specialist I to provide strong regional and statewide leadership in delivering research-based programming in particular to support the dairy industry in South Dakota. We are looking for a skilled individual who can build collaborative relationships with producers, industry, and governmental agencies to identify ongoing food processing needs in the dairy industry. This position is located in Brookings, SD. This position is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.
SDSU Extension is one mode of outreach utilized by South Dakota State University. It brings educational programs and research-based information to the citizens of South Dakota. It also works with academic departments and the Agricultural Experiment Station to provide unbiased, science-based knowledge focused on issues and needs. Extension has five capstone program areas Competitive Crops Systems; Competitive Livestock Systems; Youth and Community Leadership; Food and Families; and Urban / Rural Initiatives which are part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the College of Education and Human 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 : This position will collaborate with producers, industry representatives, government agencies, and university researchers to deliver training to dairy processors, with a focus on small-scale operations. Topics will include sanitation, processing best practices, and regulatory compliance. While many training sessions will be held at the SDSU Davis Dairy Plant, additional sessions will take place at strategic locations across the state. The role will also involve community outreach, visiting both aspiring and established dairy processors to offer technical assistance on processing-related issues. Additionally, the position will work closely with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Dairy Processing Inspection Division to ensure dairy processors adhere to food safety regulations and industry best practices.
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 obtained by first day of employment with at least one degree in Agriculture with an emphasis in food processing or closely related degree;
- Knowledge of dairy food manufacturing;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences;
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member;
- Demonstrated use of technology in managing or delivering educational programs;
- Demonstrated ability or potential to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs;
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position; and
- Willingness to travel and valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
Salary : $60,000 - $63,000
