South Dakota State University Looking for Agricultural Economics Extension Field Specialist I Full Time

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension is offering an exciting career opportunity as an Agricultural Economics Extension Field Specialist I. We are looking for an individual to join us in one of our regional extension centers located in either Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, or Watertown, SD. This is a 12-month, full-time, benefit-eligible, non-faculty exempt, 100% Extension appointment. The Extension Field Specialist I supports the SDSU Extension mission, strategic vision, and planning assumptions, complies with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and all University policies, including Affirmative Action.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Extension Field Specialist I provides strong statewide leadership in delivering research-based extension programming. This position will be responsible for developing and disseminating programming and management resources focused on commodity marketing, commercial agriculture production, financial risk, and policy implications. The Extension Field Specialist I will travel extensively to build strong relationships with producer groups, agribusinesses, and governmental agencies to identify agricultural producers’ ongoing and emerging business needs. This position is supervised by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader and is affiliated with the Ness School of Management and Economics. Collaboration on extension projects with faculty and other research and extension centers across South Dakota is encouraged.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

In conjunction with the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader, other field specialists, and state specialists, this position will provide leadership in bridging research to practice on agricultural economics while developing strategic partnerships, relationships, and impactful programming within the context of extension outreach.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Business, Business Administration, Applied Economics, or another closely related field by start date.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Knowledge of commodity marketing and risk management.
• Knowledge of the business aspects of commercial agricultural production.
• Desire to work and interact with agricultural producers, allied industry professionals, colleagues, staff, students, and clientele.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Ability to learn new technology in managing and delivering educational programs.
• Effective written, verbal, and online communication skills.
• Knowledge of planning, implementing, and evaluating educational materials and directing effective programs.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience in commodity marketing or risk management.
• Demonstrated experience with the business aspects of crop and livestock systems.
• Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and direct effective programs.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing or leading learning communities.
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals to support new and/or enhanced programming.
• Experience publishing extension or outreach materials.

SALARY:

Commensurate with qualifications.

SDSU EXTENSION: 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. SDSU Extension organizes program outreach across 4 program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food & Families, Community Vitality and 4-H Youth Development, which are part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, and College of Education and Human Sciences.

UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY: SDSU is a land grant institution and the state’s largest institution of higher education, with an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. SDSU is located in Brookings, South Dakota, a community of approximately 23,657 near the east-central border of South Dakota on Interstate 29. This position is available in Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, or Watertown, SD. Aberdeen is located in northeastern South Dakota, with a population of roughly 28,000. It boasts a vibrant mix of agricultural and industrial businesses, abundant retail opportunities, an excellent educational system, and a variety of recreational activities. Lemmon is located in northwestern South Dakota, with a population of roughly 1,150 and nestled near the Grand River National Grassland with ample recreational opportunities. Mitchell is located in eastern South Dakota along Interstate 90 and serves home to over 15,500 people. Mitchell has a variety of post-secondary education opportunities and serves as a retail hub for the region. Pierre is the home of the state capital and located along the Missouri River in the central part of the state. It has a population of 14,000 and is the business hub for the surround region with ample recreational opportunities provided by the Missouri River and the Ft. Pierre National Grasslands. Watertown is located in east central South Dakota along Interstate 29. It serves as a business hub for the surrounding region and has a mixture of business, secondary education, and recreational opportunities.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: The position is open until filled, with full consideration given to application materials received by February 27, 2023.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an online employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click “apply for this job.” The system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should address how the candidate meets the qualifications outlined in the advertisement, resume, official transcripts (attached as ‘other’ document, and a reference page with the contact information for four 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 university policies, including but not limited to 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.

For questions on the position, contact Jack Davis, Search Chair, (605) 995-7378 or [email protected].