LOCATION: Aberdeen, Lemmon, Mitchell, Pierre, or Watertown Regional Extension Centers

APPOINTMENT: Full-time, 12-month, benefit-eligible, 100% non-faculty exempt position. This position is accountable to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Leader and is affiliated with the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science.   

POSITION PURPOSE:  The Agronomy Extension Field Specialist I will provide strong regional and statewide leadership in delivering research-based programming in the Competitive Crops Capstone area. This Position will be responsible for development and dissemination of research-based programming and educational resources on sustainable agronomic practices including weed control and management in field and horticultural crops across South Dakota. 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, agribusinesses, and governmental agencies to identify ongoing and emerging needs affecting crop producers.

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.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The successful candidate will work cooperatively with a team of South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension field specialists, university faculty and researchers, and agribusiness industry and commodity groups to develop and deliver high impact, quality agronomic educational programming.

 SPECIFIC DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Develop, market, and evaluate educational programming to enhance sustainable agronomic practices including weed control and management strategies for row- and horticultural-crops in South Dakota. This includes writing scholarly and Extension publications or other similar educational materials.
• Develop integrated agronomy and livestock extension teams with the intent to create inter- and intra-state collaborations that address weed control/management issues utilizing conventional and precision agriculture strategies.   
• 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 Extension agronomy and livestock professionals.
• Provide leadership to one or more demonstration trials in collaboration with the SDSU Weed Extension Education & Demonstration Program Extension Specialist.
• 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.

The link directly to this vacancy is  https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu/postings/32627. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• M.S. degree, completed by first day of employment in Agronomy, Plant Science, or other closely related field.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Ability to conduct innovative applied field-based studies on row- and horticultural-crop production systems utilizing small-plot research techniques and citizen scientists.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational materials and deliver effective programs.
• Certified Crop Advisor certification or ability to obtain within two years of employment.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member.
• Effective written communication skills.
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. completed by first day of employment in Agronomy, Weed Science, Plant Science, or other closely related field.

• Previous Extension experience.
• Working knowledge of Great Plains crop production systems in field and horticulture crops.
• 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.
• Experience in publishing extension materials and/or peer reviewed journals.

About South Dakota State University Extension

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. The mission of SDSU Extension is "Growing South Dakota". It 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.

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